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End Of An Era: The Sahara Is Closing

Where: 2535 Las Vegas Blvd S [map], 89109
March 11, 2011 at 11:47 AM | by | Comments (9)

So long $1 blackjack, $1 hot dogs, cheapest rates on The Strip and best magic in the world.

After tons of rumors on the interwebs, it's official. The Sahara will soon be just a mirage to Vegas visitors who haven't heard - the hotel will close its doors on May 16 after 59 years of service.

"We are working with our partners to assess a variety of options for the property, including a complete renovation and repositioning," said Sam Nazarian, CEO of sbe Entertainment Group, which owns and operates the Sahara. “While no final decisions have been made at this point,” Nazarian said, “the continued operation of the aging Sahara was no longer economically viable.”

Not surprisingly, CEO Sam Nazarian is turning to his new buds at MGM Resorts for help with what to do with vacationers and groups with rezzies at the Sahara beyond May 16. Nazarian recently teamed up with them for a more manageable project, turning Bellagio's Fontana room into a Hyde Lounge. Another piece of recent news that had us feeling sad.

“SBE is fortunate to have a strategic relationship with MGM Resorts International. As a result, we will work together to try to find jobs for Sahara employees in cases where there are open positions in MGM Resorts' properties,” added Nazarian. “We will also work with MGM Resorts to accommodate Sahara hotel and group customers with reservations following our closure.”

What were your favorite memories of the Sahara? Share them in the comments below.

Comments (9)

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All I can think about is...

who's next? Sad and scary news today.
702Becca on March 11, 2011 at 11:58 AM #Permalink

Nooooooo

Well this is just sad news.  I won't even be able to make it out there to see the Sahara in action one last time before its gone.
theduke282 on March 11, 2011 at 12:44 PM #Permalink

Save the Sahara!

This is just too sad.  I love this place.  its like stepping back in time.  love the bargains too.  Can't someone stop this?  The architecture of the buildings and interior are so unique.  The Stardust Frontier, Westward Ho, Riviera (next) didn't have that going for them. I like the south strip too but its just not the same  experience.
Malasuerte on March 12, 2011 at 10:42 AM #Permalink

End of an Error...

Yes, a sad day for the employees and people looking forward to staying (including a friend who'll be there at the end of April).

I stayed there once about 5 years ago - it was ok but fairly basic...a cheap place to sleep for 5 hours each night, but I didn't spend a lot of time there.

...I guess that was the problem, they owners were unlikely to cover their costs from $1 chili dogs and  low stakes blackjack. The location is not great and all of the plans (e.g. Fontainebleau, Echelon) to vitalise the north end of the Strip are currently on hold.

Lord Lucan on March 14, 2011 at 7:02 AM #Permalink

A sad day...

Wow. Just, wow.
Caffeine on March 14, 2011 at 12:35 PM #Permalink

@Lord Lucan

I defer to your headline writing skillz. I like yours much better!
702Becca on March 14, 2011 at 1:43 PM #Permalink

Safe?

I am wondering what the safety impact might be for those using the monorail stop at the Sahara (assuming it stays open). I imagine once all those lights go out at the Sahara it can be very dark.
girlygirl on March 14, 2011 at 2:52 PM #Permalink

Turning out the lights

As it turns out, I'll be in town on 5/16 and I'd love to try and be one of the last people to be gambling there.  Do we know what time they'll actually close the doors?  I'm sure they'll be trying to chase people out of there an hour or two before the closing time so what is the best strategy for lingering/betting til the last moment possible?
binciong on April 17, 2011 at 6:37 PM #Permalink

@binciong

Those are great questions. We're going to dig around to see what we can find out.
702Becca on April 18, 2011 at 6:52 PM #Permalink
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