The SLS Las Vegas is a hotel that has failed to perform ever since it opened. But it’s new owners think they can turn the property around. And part of their plan appears to be to end its relationship with Marriott International. So, the SLS Las Vegas is no longer a Tribute Portfolio hotel.
As we all know, the SLS Las Vegas used to be known as the Sahara Hotel & Casino. But after a $415 million renovation project, the property reopened under SBE Group’s SLS brand in 2014. But since reopening, the property has floundered. And in 2017, the SLS Las Vegas’s owners sold the hotel to the Meruelo Group.
What We Know So Far
The Meruelo Group has been pretty tight-lipped about what they intend to do with the property. Thus far, we know they’ll spend $100 million to renovate the property, making changes that they think will make it more inviting. Some of those changes include brightening the casino area to (hopefully) attract more players, updating rooms, and changing up the pool areas. Beyond that, though, we know nothing. Well, aside from a working name that’ll likely become the property’s new name: The Grand Sahara Resort.
Leaving Marriott
To aid in bookings, owners added the property to Starwood’s Tribute Collection in 2015. And then in 2016, the SLS Las Vegas’s LUX Tower became a hotel became a hotel within a hotel, taking up Starwood’s W Brand. But last month we learned that the Meruelo Group would be ditching the W Brand, marketing the entire property as one once again.
Upon learning of the Meruelo Group dropping the W brand, many theorized that SLS leaving the Tribute Collection was only a matter of time. And that time, apparently, has come. As it turns out, the SLS Las Vegas left the Tribute Collection about two weeks ago, at least according to an LA Times article.
Indeed, the SLS Las Vegas no longer appears on Marriott’s website.
SLS Las Vegas is No Longer a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Final Thoughts
I got to stay at the SLS Las Vegas last year on my first visit to Vegas. I booked the property because of its excellent rate with F&B credit, as well as the ability to earn Starpoints. And while the SLS has many outstanding dining options, I’m not a fan of their loyalty program and the rooms are tiny, but it was a Marriott option on the Strip that isn’t the Cosmopolitan. Yes, a JW Marriott will be part of The Drew, but that’s not opening for at least another two years.
So, while I’m not a big fan of the SLS Las Vegas because of its tiny rooms, it is a bummer to lose it as a Marriott option for a loyalist such as myself. The Cosmopolitan didn’t impress me either, so that leaves just a couple of off-Strip properties for the time being. For now, that means I’ll likely stay with Mlife properties instead, which isn’t a bad thing. After all, I genuinely enjoyed my recent stay at the Delano.