Operator News
US – SLS relaunches as Sahara Las Vegas with more to come
By Phil - 30 August 2019
One of Las Vegas’ most iconic casino brands is standing tall again with the former SLS Las Vegas now operating under the resort’s original brand name; Sahara Las Vegas.
Since Alex Meruelo purchased the property in April of last year, significant strides have been made in transforming the resort experience. Completed renovations within the $150m resort overhaul include an updated casino floor featuring the stylish 24-hour CASBAR Lounge and the recently unveiled Infinity premium gaming lounge, renovated hotel rooms, suites and corridors, an upgraded spa and a soon-to-debut new hotel lobby. Major updates to the resort exterior continue as remodeling of the main porte cochère began earlier this week while a full renovation of the resort’s main pool is slated for later this fall. Additional updates include a refresh and new paint color for the building’s exterior along with soon-to-be installed marquee signage and lettering signaling the name change.
“The return of Sahara Las Vegas to The Strip is significant for the city,” said Alex Meruelo, Sahara Las Vegas owner. “The reimagining of this iconic resort will enable an enhanced guest experience that runs contrary to the megaresorts that have recently dominated the Las Vegas landscape. At Sahara Las Vegas, guests will be greeted with a warm, customised experience set within a fully modern, dynamic resort. We know guests come to Las Vegas to create memories, and we plan to help them do just that in a beautifully curated, intimate resort experience with personalised services that make everyone feel special.”
Debuting this fall, the new hotel lobby will offer top-tier guest amenities featuring state-of-the-art hotel registration systems and a well-appointed lounge. The exquisite modern design, with just a touch of nostalgia, includes floor inlays inspired by lamps from the original Sahara Hotel and Casino. A Starbucks will also open near registration this fall offering guests an assortment of specialty coffees and pastries.
The 60,000 square-foot casino floor received a remodeled design creating a bright, modern atmosphere with glamorous touches, a finished ceiling with upgraded lighting and new carpeting along with a new slot and table game layout. The addition of the stylish, 24-hour CASBAR lounge offers guests a selection of craft cocktails and inviting seating areas right off the casino floor, while Infinity, a sophisticated premium gaming lounge, appeals to the resort’s more serious gamers seeking a luxurious high-limit gaming experience. A new poker room, off the main casino floor, is expected to open later next year.
Following the end of the summer season, the main resort pool will close this fall. Nothing will be left untouched as the entire pool deck will receive a complete overhaul to create a new and compelling pool experience. The year-long project will also include the addition of a two-story 18,500 square-foot combination nightclub, lounge and theatrical space which will sit adjacent to the main pool.
“We could not be more excited to begin operating as Sahara Las Vegas,” said Paul Hobson, senior vice president and general manager of Sahara Las Vegas. “We have been busy making changes to enhance the guest experience and create a resort that our guests and team members can all enjoy. It feels good to debut our efforts under a name that is beloved by so many.”
