You may remember that SLS Las Vegas was sold last year to the Meruelo Group. They also own the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno. That could have an impact on the future of SLS Las Vegas. There have been a lot of rumors about how the owners would change the property. Representatives from the Meruelo Group have teased a few different ideas to reinvent the property. We finally have the first step towards the future of SLS Las Vegas.
Goodbye W Las Vegas
SLS Las Vegas recently announced that the W Las Vegas will no longer exist. The hotel tower that was once home to the W will be re-integrated into the full resort operation. The tower once known as the “Story Tower” is now known as “The Grand Tower.”
Additionally, SLS Las Vegas will assume full operational control of the resort’s reservations system from Starwood Hotels & Resorts. This means that SLS Las Vegas will discontinue membership as a Starwood Tribute Portfolio Hotel & Resort. SLS Las Vegas will also operate the spa, pool, lounge and meetings space located within the former W Las Vegas.
Sorry SPG members. SLS Las Vegas will assume operational control of the resort’s hotel reservations system. Reservations made with Marriott or SPG reward points will no longer be accepted. However, reservations made with points prior to the August 17 date of operational transfer will still be honored.
Thoughts from SLS Las Vegas
“We are excited to integrate the Four Diamond W Hotel into our SLS operations,” said Paul Hobson, General Manager of SLS Las Vegas. “We look forward to repatriating this wonderful hotel within the existing SLS resort experience and building upon the service excellence guests have come to expect from the W.”
“Gaining full operational control of the resort is an exciting step in achieving the vision Mr. Meruelo has for this property,” Mr. Hobson continued. “Acting as a fully independent operator, we can continue to build upon the great foundation that has been set at SLS to create a unique, boutique experience for our guests unlike any other on the Las Vegas Strip.”
The Future Of SLS Las Vegas
The Grand Tower name that replaces for the former W Las Vegas only stokes the coals of the rumor that SLS Las Vegas will change its name. Earlier this year the Las Vegas Review-Journal uncovered legal documents that the working name for SLS Las Vegas is the Grand Sahara.
Grand is a nod to the Grand Sierra Resort owned by the Meruelo Group. Sahara is a nod to the history of the property that was built using the bones of the Sahara Casino. Ownership has said they’ll keep the SLS Las Vegas name for a year to see if there’s an attachment to the brand.
The Meruelo Group is has said they will invest up to $100 million to revitalize the SLS Las Vegas over the next year or so. In March a spokesman for SLS Las Vegas told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that they will upgrade hotel rooms, redesign the pool, and update the casino floor. The casino update will include two parts. First, they will add new slot machines. Second, they will brightening the floor to make it feel more comfortable for guests.
Rumors continue to swirl about what changes might come to SLS Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the only significant change for SLS Las Vegas has been discontinuing their partnership with the largest hotel company in the world. Fingers are crossed that the new owners update the property as they’ve said they would. Maybe some of those rumors will come true and together they will create a new vibrant casino-hotel.
