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| - I stayed here a decade or more ago when it was the Sahara. And although there are a lot of cosmetic improvements, I still feel that Sahara vibe even after the $400 million dollar renovations by Mr. Nazarian and the SLS group from LA.
Positives:
Great beds - the Simmons mattresses are the best in Vegas bar none. I have stayed in all the hotels up and down the strip and these are great!
Awesome TVs in every room - 55 inch Samsungs. Made me want to go buy one!
Casino - done nicely, and the the best employees on the property - in terms of friendly.
Negatives: Hotel is remodeled nicely but the rooms are on the smallish size. In Vegas - everyone wants to go large, and rooms included - bathrooms are small too (but nice design) Reminds me of NYC.
Since this is a remodel, the old elevators suck. I think the elevators are 30 years old and are small standard OTIS ones that remind you of the 80s.
Check in area (again small) since they are working off the old Sahara property. Nazarian is a smart guy. He takes properties that are run down, gets them for cheap and refurbishes them for a nice launch. Problem is that in VEGAS - you have a ton of competition (WYNN, PALAZZO, ARIA, COSMO.......) which are all first class, his hotel ends up short on 2nd Tier.
Employees and staff just seemed depressed or not wanting to be there. Everyone from the valet, doorman, security, check in- man - just were almost bitter compared to the ones on the strip.... that is a problem that can be solved by owners but does not seem to be a priority. I even saw concierge girls yawning and bored - which is a big no-no in the hotel business.
Probably won't come back unless I get comped.
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