LAS VEGAS — SLS Las Vegas, the culmination of the $415 million renovation of the Sahara Hotel and Casino, opened its doors to the public over the weekend at the north end of the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The new property, which is owned by hospitality developer and manager sbe, features more than 1,600 guest rooms and suites in three distinctive towers and more than 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
“This is the beginning of a new era for The Strip,” says Sam Nazarian, sbe’s founder, chairman and CEO. “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 an upscale collaboration between Nazarian, James Beard award-winning chef José Andrés and designer Phillippe Starck in partnership with architectural firm Gensler.
Highlights of the property include:
· Andres’ new restaurant concept Bazaar Meat
· the second location of The Sayers Club, one of Los Angeles’ popular live music venues
· restaurants Katsuya by Starck, Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book, Cleo and The Griddle Cafe
· Ciel Spa
· a sports book operated by global gaming leader William Hill
· an exclusive partnership with retailer Fred Segal and
· the 20,000 square-foot LiFE, an upscale nightclub
“We’re incredibly proud of our partners and our approachable mix of amenities,” says Rob Oseland, president and COO of SLS Las Vegas. “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.”
With more than 80 properties currently operating or in development, sbe has expanded several of its flagship brands including SLS Hotels, Katsuya, The Bazaar by José Andrés and Hyde Lounge nationally and internationally. Founded in 2002 by Nazarian, sbe is a privately held company.
— John Nelson