"Reinvented from the SLS rebrand that nobody asked for, the Sahara is back to being the Sahara — and it is better for it."
Overall Rating
The Sahara has been through more identities than most Vegas residents. The original Sahara opened in 1952 and was one of the great Rat Pack-era resorts. It closed in 2011, reopened as the SLS Las Vegas in 2014 (a rebrand that confused everyone and pleased no one), and then reverted to the Sahara name in 2019 under new ownership by the Meruelo Group.
The current Sahara is a solid mid-tier resort with a genuine advantage: free self-parking, a direct monorail station, and room rates that are significantly lower than comparable Strip properties. The rooms were renovated as part of the Sahara rebrand and are modern and comfortable. The casino is well-run. The location is the furthest north of the major Strip resorts, which is either a feature (quieter, less crowded) or a bug (far from center Strip) depending on your priorities.
The Sahara offers free self-parking and has a direct monorail station. Combined with lower room rates, this makes it one of the best value plays on the Strip for guests who plan to use the monorail.
The Sahara is the furthest north of the major Strip resorts. Center Strip is a 20–25 minute walk or a $12–15 rideshare. The monorail helps but does not eliminate the distance.
The original Sahara was one of the great Rat Pack-era resorts. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. performed here regularly. The current building has little connection to that history, but the name carries weight.
Modern rooms after the 2021 renovation. Clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Not exceptional but solid. The views from upper floors are good. Free self-parking is a meaningful advantage.
How this resort holds up in peak Vegas summer (June–September)
The far north Strip location is actually a summer advantage in one way — the pool is less crowded than center Strip properties. But the lack of indoor connectivity to other resorts means you're stuck in the heat if you want to explore. Budget for rideshares.
The Sahara Hotel and Casino opened October 7, 1952, on the site of the Club Bingo. The original Sahara was a major Rat Pack hangout — Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. performed here regularly. The resort closed in May 2011 after 59 years. It reopened as the SLS Las Vegas in August 2014 under SBE Entertainment. The SLS rebrand was unsuccessful and the property was acquired by the Meruelo Group in 2018, which rebranded it as the Sahara in 2019.
Budget-conscious travelers who want a Strip address. Monorail users. Convention attendees at the Las Vegas Convention Center (directly connected via monorail). Guests who prefer a quieter north Strip location.
Uber / Lyft
Rideshare — fastest option
Taxi (Metered)
Metered. Sahara is the furthest north Strip resort from the airport.
Shared Shuttle
Shared shuttles available ($10–$15/person). Multiple stops.
The Sahara is the right call for budget-conscious travelers who want a Strip address, free parking, and direct monorail access. The north Strip location is the trade-off. For the price, it is one of the better values on the Strip.
Original Sahara Hotel (1952–2011)
Independent
Yes
Carrot Top
85,000 sq ft
2021 (as Sahara)
The gold standard for Strip luxury — impeccable rooms, the best casino service on the Strip, and a prestige that no other property has matched. Encore may have the edge on pure experience in 2026, but Wynn still owns the name.
In 2026, Encore is generally viewed as the slightly better overall experience — larger suites, Encore Beach Club, and a vibe that feels a touch more current. Wynn still wins on prestige and classic luxury. It's very close.
The new heavyweight on the north Strip. Massive, ultra-modern, and design-forward — Fontainebleau opened in 2023 and has quickly become the new standard for what a megaresort can look and feel like in 2026.