HotelChatter

While picture-taking was strictly forbidden (not even media were allowed to snap any shots of the rooms or interiors), our tipster did report a few things that stood out about the place.

As far as the rooms go, the standard king rooms are actually set up in a suite-style. They have a half-wall dividing the living area from the bedroom, and the half-wall has a flatscreen TV on it that swivels 360 degrees. Also, all the rooms with two beds have two queens, not two double beds (translation: you can work it out so that you and three of your pals can hit Vegas and stay in one room comfortably).

Down in the casino, our tipster reports seeing a glass wall looking out onto a garden — gamblers can stare out onto the garden for a moment of zen. For the opposite of zen, you'll be able to head to XS nightclub when it opens up after the new year.

Special thanks to our HC insider for the report! If you were on hand for Encore's opening, tell us about the experience.