Operator News
US – SLS brings new life to the north end of The Strip
By Phil - 26 August 2014SLS Las Vegas, the culmination of a years-long, US$415m renovation of the legendary Sahara, has now opened its doors welcoming the public back to the North end of the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
A fully-integrated, entertainment-driven resort and casino with more than 1,600 guest rooms and suites, SLS Las Vegas features a curated collection of hospitality industry trendsetter sbe’s most beloved brands, refined and reinvigorated for Las Vegas as well as original concepts all set in an atmosphere that’s both dynamic and approachable.
“This is the beginning of a new era for The Strip,” said Sam Nazarian, Founder, Chairman and CEO, sbe. “We are thrilled to throw open our doors and show the world what we’ve been working on for the past several years. It feels good to be back in the former Sahara space, and we look forward to creating new, legendary memories as SLS Las Vegas.”
SLS is high-style collaboration between Nazarian, James Beard award-winning chef José Andrés and design visionary Phillippe Starck in collaboration with globally acclaimed architectural firm Gensler. It aims to delivers one of the most unique gaming destinations on the Strip. Stylish, sexy, comfortable and inviting, the nearly 60,000 sq. ft. casino features dramatic chandeliers, rich colors and an intimate vibe. The gaming area offers about 800 of the latest slot and video poker machines, more than 70 classic table games, a race and sports book presented by William Hill and three table games located poolside. Conveniently located across from the Cashier Cage, SLS Las Vegas also offers an intimate High Limit Salon with a gaming environment for those looking for a more private experience, featuring table games and slot machines, including video poker, video slots and mechanical reels in denominations up to $100.
SLS Las Vegas in collaboration with William Hill offers a sports book experience featuring groundbreaking wagering technologies designed to provide guests with an unrivaled sports betting offering. Sports book guests have access to innovative wagering technology, including William Hill’s market-leading mobile betting platform available on iPhone, iPad and Android devices. Additionally, the sports book features an expansive HD video wall for viewing of sporting events and betting odds, as well as fully automated InPlay wagering.
Highlights of the property include Andres’Bazaar Meat, a twist on his hugely popular concept Bazaar; the second location of The Sayers Club, one of Los Angeles’ best-loved live music venues; celebrated restaurants Katsuya by Starck, Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book, Cleo and The Griddle Cafe; an exclusive partnership with retailer Fred Segal and The Strip’s most exhilarating nightclub, the 20,000 square-foot LiFE, a venue designed, with sbe’s myriad years creating superior nightlife venues, to maximize the club-going experience.
“We’re incredibly proud of our partners and our approachable mix of amenities,” added President and COO of SLS Las Vegas, Rob Oseland. “As a result, we have a property that speaks to everything that the 40 million tourists who find their way to Vegas every year expect while at the same time stays approachable and welcoming to the vibrant community of Southern Nevada.”
The resort celebrated its opening with a star-studded preview party with guests including, actors Aaron Paul, Emile Hirsch and Kellan Lutz, model Dita Von Teese, UFC star Chuck Liddell, and actress Brittany Snow. Partygoers enjoyed tastes of the resort’s signature food and beverage offerings and live performances from rock legend Lenny Kravitz, who designed a handful of the resort’s top tier suites, and rising star artists including Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora, JoJo and Jhené Aiko. As the clock struck midnight, amid a dazzling display of fireworks, the SLS team led by Sam Nazarian officially cut the ribbon and escorted the first guests to the gaming floor.
“This is a very exciting day for us,” said Nazarian. “SLS Las Vegas is the embodiment of a dream that began seven years ago when we purchased the Sahara. To see this legendary property come back to life in the vision that we created all those years ago is nothing short of incredible and I am grateful for all of our visionary partners and the incredible community support we have received during this transformation. We invite everyone to be legendary and join us at SLS Las Vegas.”