desert themed hotel and casino

Imagine entering Sahara Las Vegas, where modern luxury meets classic Vegas charm. You’ll find yourself surrounded by upscale accommodations and boutique services, all within its three distinct towers. The hotel’s strategic location offers easy access to the Strip via the monorail, making your Vegas experience both convenient and exciting. Are you curious about the variety of dining options or the vibrant outdoor amenities like pools and spas? Before deciding on your next stay, you might want to explore what makes Sahara’s blend of history and contemporary flair stand out.

Key Takeaways

  • Sahara Las Vegas ranks #96 out of 251 hotels in the city, with a 4.0 out of 5 rating from 2,231 reviews.
  • The hotel features three uniquely designed towers offering modern and classic Vegas accommodations.
  • Dining options include fine dining at Bazaar Meat, coastal Italian at Balla, and vibrant Mexican cuisine at Uno Más.
  • We are conveniently located near Harry Reid International Airport and SLS Station, with easy monorail access to the Las Vegas Strip.
  • Amenities include expansive outdoor pools, a spa, an exhilarating casino, and well-designed chic modern rooms.

Hotel Overview

detailed hotel description summary

Although Sahara Las Vegas ranks #96 out of 251 hotels in the city, it boasts a solid 4.0 out of 5 rating from 2,231 reviews, making it a notable choice for visitors. As you plan your stay, you’ll find the hotel’s three distinct towers offer a variety of accommodations tailored to your preferences. Each building has been designed with a unique flair, catering to modern travelers and those seeking a more classic Vegas experience. These hotel towers are a testament to the property’s thorough remodeling, combining luxury with a boutique approach to personal service.

Guests consistently commend Sahara Las Vegas for its impressive cleanliness, scoring a 4.4, and its quality of service, rated at 4.0. This commitment to excellence enhances your stay, ensuring comfort and satisfaction.

The property’s convenient location near the SLS Station allows you to explore the vibrant city easily, with 28 restaurants just a short stroll away. Whether you’re in town for the bustling nightlife or a relaxing getaway, Sahara Las Vegas provides a welcoming retreat. Its world-class casino adds an extra layer of excitement, rounding out an unforgettable Las Vegas experience.

Dining Options

After settling into one of the Sahara Las Vegas‘s uniquely designed towers, you’ll discover diverse dining options that elevate your stay. The hotel boasts five-star restaurants, offering something for every palate.

Begin your culinary journey at Bazaar Meat by José Andrés. The focus is on exquisite meats prepared with precision and flair, making it a must-visit for fine dining aficionados.

If you’re in the mood for Italian, Balla Italian Soul serves coastal Italian cuisine with creative twists that surprise and delight. Savor inventive dishes that transport you straight to Italy’s sun-drenched coastlines.

For a more casual dining experience with vibrant flavors, Uno Más Street Tacos + Spirits delivers authentic Mexican cuisine in a lively atmosphere.

Zeffers Café offers an elevated casual dining experience for those seeking a relaxed meal. It’s crafted with flair, making it perfect for a laid-back yet memorable meal.

Guest Reviews

hotel feedback and ratings

Guests consistently praise the vibrant atmosphere and exceptional amenities among the many highlights at Sahara Las Vegas. The hotel’s pool, casino, and various bars are often mentioned as standout features, offering endless entertainment options during your stay.

When it comes to dining, you’re in for a treat with diverse onsite restaurants that satisfy various culinary cravings. Additionally, guests rave about the hotel’s room decor, noting its stylish and modern design that enhances the overall experience.

Cleanliness is another key factor that guests love about Sahara Las Vegas. You can expect spotless surroundings and beautifully maintained hotel rooms that ensure a comfortable stay. The friendly staff is frequently highlighted in reviews, consistently going above and beyond to provide great customer service. This level of attention to detail makes you feel valued and well cared for throughout your visit.

The smaller casino is a hit among guests, offering an intimate gaming experience without the overwhelming crowds. With convenient amenities like the proximity to the monorail, getting around the area is a breeze.

Location and Accessibility

Convenience is a hallmark of Sahara Las Vegas, strategically situated near Harry Reid International Airport, guaranteeing a stress-free arrival and departure. The hotel’s prime location makes it an ideal choice for travelers exploring Las Vegas easily. Just a quick 2-minute walk from the SLS Station, you’ll find that getting around is a breeze. Whether you are planning to visit the Strip or explore the local scene, Sahara Las Vegas provides excellent accessibility.

For those who prefer driving, car rentals start at just $27 per day, offering a budget-friendly way to explore the surrounding area. Within a 0.3-mile radius, you’ll have easy access to 28 restaurants, letting you savor diverse culinary experiences without venturing far. The hotel’s proximity to multiple airport options adds to its appeal, especially for frequent flyers.

Monorail access is another highlight of this location, with a stop directly at Sahara. This means you can effortlessly travel along the Strip and reach the City Center with a short Uber or Lyft ride.

The strategic location of Sahara Las Vegas assures that every aspect of your visit, from dining to sightseeing, is convenient and accessible.

Room Features

luxurious hotel room amenities

When you step into a Blanca King Room at Sahara Las Vegas, you’ll immediately notice the chic, modern decor, which will set the tone for your stay.

The comfortable linens guarantee a restful night’s sleep, making relaxation a top priority.

Your experience will be stylish and serene, with stunning views and modern amenities.

Chic Modern Decor

Step into the chic modern decor of Sahara Las Vegas rooms, where stylish furnishings and contemporary design elements create a trendy retreat. As you enter, you’ll immediately notice the attention to detail that defines the Sahara Las Vegas experience. Each room is thoughtfully designed to blend elegance with a modern flair, ensuring your stay is comfortable and visually appealing.

The sleek and sophisticated aesthetic, with a clean look that resonates throughout, is evident in the Blanca King Room, in particular. With its pristine environment and upscale touches, it exemplifies this. You’ll appreciate how the contemporary elements are seamlessly integrated with functional, stylish furniture, making it easy to unwind after a day on the bustling Strip.

In addition to the chic interior, some rooms boast stunning views of the Strip, offering a picturesque backdrop that enhances your Las Vegas experience. Whether traveling solo or with a group, you can upgrade to larger rooms that accommodate more guests, ensuring everyone enjoys the same style and comfort level. Sahara Las Vegas delivers a modern sanctuary that perfectly complements the city’s vibrant energy, making your stay truly memorable.

Comfortable Linens Offered

At Sahara Las Vegas, rooms are outfitted with comfortable linens designed to guarantee a restful night’s sleep. As you enter, you’ll immediately notice how these linens enhance the overall experience, working harmoniously with the chic decor and modern bathrooms. Whether staying in a standard room or having chosen an upgraded suite, the luxurious linens are a staple of the Sahara’s dedication to comfort.

Consider these features that make the linens at Sahara Las Vegas exceptional:

  • High-Quality Material: The linens are crafted from premium materials that feel soft against your skin, providing a soothing touch that promotes relaxation.
  • Cleanliness: Rooms like the well-reputed Blanca King Room emphasize cleanliness, ensuring that every linen set meets high standards for your peace of mind.
  • Variety of Options: Multiple bed configurations, from single to multiple beds, are available, so you can enjoy linens tailored to your specific needs for the best comfort.
  • Luxurious Feel: The upgraded rooms feature linens that exude luxury, giving you an indulgent and homely hotel experience.

At Sahara Las Vegas, the emphasis on comfortable linens isn’t just a detail; it promises a soothing, restful stay.

Amenities and Services

Sahara Las Vegas presents a plethora of amenities and services that elevate your stay to an extraordinary experience. From the moment you arrive, exceptional customer service guarantees your needs are met with warmth and efficiency.

The expansive outdoor pools are ideal for a rejuvenating dip or lounging under the sun. If you’re after relaxation, the spa and wellness center await to invigorate your senses.

Dining options abound, and you can’t miss the critically acclaimed Bazaar restaurant. Here, Spanish flavors meet contemporary culinary techniques, offering a dining experience that delights your taste buds.

The casino provides an exhilarating venue for entertainment and thrills at your doorsonsiter for those who love to shop; on-site stores offer a variety of choices to explore. Free parking makes your stay more convenient, allowing you to come and go as you please without hassle.

The hotel’s location is highly rated by guests, ensuring you’re perfectly situated to enjoy all Las Vegas offers. And when it’s time to rest, the cozy beds promise a great night’s sleep, leaving you reinvigorated for the next day’s adventures.

Historical Background

historical context of literature

Opening its doors on October 7, 1952, the Sahara Las Vegas quickly became a cornerstone of the Las Vegas Strip, marking its place as the sixth resort to enrich the burgeoning entertainment hub. When you first stepped inside, you’d find 240 rooms, a lively casino, an impressive 85-foot bar, and two inviting restaurants. The Sahara wasn’t just another hotel; it symbolized the golden age of Las Vegas.

Over the years, the Sahara expanded to keep up with the rapidly growing Las Vegas Strip. It underwent multiple expansions in the 1960s and 1980s, adding additional hotel towers and modern amenities that attracted guests worldwide. This growth demonstrated the hotel’s commitment to maintaining its status as a key player on the Strip.

Ownership changed hands several times, with notable figures like:

  • Paul Lowden: Invested in the hotel’s transformation.
  • Bill Bennett: Further enhanced its reputation.
  • The Meruelo Group: Took over to introduce new ideas.

Despite its success, the Sahara announced its closure in March 2011. By June, a liquidation sale marked the end of an era, closing a memorable chapter in the history of the Las Vegas Strip.

Renovations and Upgrades

As you explore Sahara Las Vegas’s renovations, you’ll notice the extensive expansions from the 1960s and 1980s, which added new hotel towers and amenities. Recent modernization efforts focused on rejuvenating the casino space and introducing exciting features like neon camels and NASCAR-themed attractions.

While these upgrades revitalized the property, they posed challenges in preserving the hotel’s iconic legacy on the Strip.

Expansions and New Features

While many hotels change, few can match the ambitious expansions and new features that define Sahara Las Vegas. In the 1960s, this iconic venue introduced a stunning range of additions, starting with the Sahara Skyscraper—a 24-story marvel that redefined the city’s skyline. Designed by Martin Stern Jr., the Sahara’s new 14-story tower added an elegant touch to its burgeoning profile. As the hotel expanded, it boasted new heights and new attractions, becoming a hub for entertainment and leisure.

Here’s a snapshot of the key developments:

  • Alexandria Tower: Another architectural gem that contributed to the hotel’s luxurious offerings, designed for optimum comfort and style.
  • Sahara Space Center: A unique addition that brought innovation and excitement to guests, showcasing the hotel’s forward-thinking approach.
  • Neon Camels: These became a signature attraction, adding a touch of whimsy and allure to the entrance.
  • Sahara Buffet and Speedworld: These attractions enhanced dining and entertainment options, making the Sahara a complete destination.

Even as the years passed, the Sahara’s legacy of expansion left a lasting mark on Las Vegas, setting the stage for its enduring appeal.

Modernization Efforts and Challenges

Amidst its rich history, Sahara Las Vegas initiated a series of ambitious modernization endeavors to rejuvenate its iconic presence on the Strip. With multiple renovation projects underway, the focus was on creating a fresh, inviting environment.

You’d notice a revamped casino space that promised an exhilarating gaming experience, a cutting-edge sportsbook, and an updated entrance that set a new tone for guests as they arrived.

Owner Bill Bennett spearheaded these renovations, determined to breathe new life into the Sahara. He introduced attractions like neon camels, the Sahara Buffet, and Speedworld, which aimed to enhance your experience.

Bennett’s vision also included NASCAR-themed additions, such as a cafe, roller coaster, and arcade, all designed to broaden the property’s appeal and captivate a wider audience.

Despite these bold plans, the Sahara faced significant challenges completing its upgrades. Financial constraints and changing ownership created obstacles that were tough to overcome.

Ultimately, these struggles contributed to the Sahara’s closure in 2011, marking the end of an era. While the renovation efforts were a tribute to the Sahara’s enduring legacy, they couldn’t prevent its final curtain call on the Las Vegas Strip.

Booking and Policies

accommodation rules and regulations

Booking your stay at SAHARA Las Vegas is simple, with a few important policies to remember. Located near the Las Vegas Convention Center, SAHARA offers convenience to business and leisure travelers. When planning your visit, remember the following key points:

  • Check-In and Check-Out: You can check in starting at 4:00 PM and must check out by 11:00 AM. This schedule allows for a smooth shift between guests.
  • Identification and Payment: A photo ID and credit card are required upon check-in, ensuring a secure and efficient process for all visitors.
  • Cancellation Policies: These may vary based on the type of accommodation you choose. Review your booking details carefully to understand any specific terms.
  • Damage Deposit: Upon arrival, a refundable damage deposit of US$200 is required. This preventive measure safeguards against any unforeseen incidents during your stay.

During your time at SAHARA, you’ll enjoy amenities such as free WiFi in your room and free public parking, with no reservations needed. These perks enhance your experience, making your visit smooth and stress-free.

Whether you’re attending events at the Las Vegas Convention Center or simply exploring, SAHARA Las Vegas efficiently accommodates your needs.

Conclusion

At Sahara Las Vegas, you’ll experience a perfect blend of modern luxury and classic Vegas charm. Thanks to the convenient monorail access, you can indulge in diverse dining, unwind by the pool or spa, and easily explore the Strip. With its rich history and recent renovations, the hotel offers boutique service and upscale accommodations in its three unique towers. A solid 4.0 rating from guests guarantees that your stay will be memorable and enjoyable.

FAQs

1. How Far Is Sahara From the Strip?

You’re wondering about the distance to the Strip. It’s only 1.5 miles away. You can drive or take the convenient monorail. Both transportation options make accessing the Strip’s lively attractions quick and easy. Enjoy your visit!

2. When Was SAHARA Las Vegas Renovated?

You’re wondering when the renovation happened, right? The place underwent a complete remodel in 2019. They modernized facilities, updated the towers, and introduced new dining options. These renovation details enhance your guest experience with a fresh, contemporary vibe.

3. Did the SAHARA Las Vegas Close?

Yes, it closed due to stiff competition from newer resorts and financial struggles. You might remember the closure marked the end of an era, with legal issues and local efforts playing parts in its final years.

4. Who Owns SAHARA Las Vegas?

You’re curious about the ownership details. The Meruelo Group, led by Alex Meruelo, owns it. This diverse company acquired the property in 2018 and spearheaded renovations to enhance guest experiences and revitalize the iconic venue.

Author

  • Bibi Jordan

    Bibi Jordan is a seasoned travel writer and photographer with a passion for exploring the world's most captivating destinations. At 65 years old, Bibi has traversed the globe, documenting her experiences with vivid storytelling and stunning imagery. Her work celebrates diverse cultures, unique traditions, and the beauty of the natural world. With over three decades of travel writing under her belt, Bibi brings a depth of knowledge and an insightful perspective to her readers, encouraging them to embark on their own adventures. Her website, Travels with Bibi, serves as a treasure trove of travel tips, detailed guides, and inspiring narratives that resonate with seasoned explorers and new adventurers alike.

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