SLS Las Vegas: Opening With a Bang!

There’s nothing Vegas likes better than a new casino opening – and SLS promises a night to remember, as it re-energizes the legendary Sahara with its own brand of glam.

Nothing is more exciting to Las Vegas than the grand opening of a new hotel. The SLS is just days away – and the whole town is in a frenzy! Itching for a big party, Vegas hasn’t had an opening like this one (thanks a lot, recession) since Cosmopolitan opened in December 2010.

Per tradition, the grand opening will begin in the evening with a VIP party, on August 22. At 12:01 am, when the gambling license kicks in, the public will be invited to join in – and start breaking in the gaming tables! The SLS is opening on the site of the former Sahara, one of the most famous landmarks in Las Vegas. North of Wynn on Las Vegas Blvd, it is in “Old Vegas,” near the Stratosphere, World’s Largest Gift Shop, and Golden Steer – where stars like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe used to have their steak dinners.

Exterior Rendering courtesy of SLS Las Vegas

That’s a lot of star power to live up to! So for its $400 million renovation, the SLS team brought in the big guns: Philippe Starck, Lenny Kravitz, and Jose Andres, to name a few. To assemble this A-list team, SLS has the right pull. It’s owned by LA’s SBE, which owns loads of celeb-packed hot spots in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, NYC, and South Beach. Some names you might recognize? Hyde (there’s also one inside Bellagio that has a great view of the dancing Fountains), Foxtail, The Abbey, Katsuya (an outpost will open in the Vegas SLS as well), and The Redbury.

Iconic designer Starck (of Delano and Mondrian fame) brought in some major artwork, including a 14-foot mural of Cleopatra, and some spectacular prints by photographer Steve Shaw. Further surprises await in the hotel’s three towers (World, the modern Story, and the all-suite LUX). Rocker and budding designer Kravitz designed some of the most luxurious of the 1,600 rooms and suites. Think mirrors on the ceilings, stunning white and rose bathrooms, and Parisian-like wall art.

Lux Tower Room courtesy of SLS Las Vegas

The opening of SLS will bring some mouth watering new restaurants to Las Vegas. Chef José Andrés, who was introduced to Vegas via his Jaleo restaurant at Cosmopolitan, looks to redefine the traditional Vegas steakhouse at Bazaar Meat and Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi will serve up innovative sushi dishes at the the aforementioned Katsuya. Additionally, the hotel will also feature a 24 hour cafe, contemporary Mediterranean food at Cleo, and Umami Beer Garden & Sports book.

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés courtesy of SLS Las Vegas

Since SBE is known for its LA nightlife domination, it will tackle Vegas’s legendary scene as well. In addition to bringing its LA hits Foxtail (which will also have a pool club) and The Sayers Club, it’s putting a lot of muscle into the 20,000-square-foot LiFe, which will have both nightlife and daylife.

Foxtail Nightclub courtesy of SLS Las Vegas

SLS Las Vegas, 2535 Las Vegas Blvd South, (702) 737-2111 slshotels.com