Sahara Hotel to Close

I am going to miss their daily poker tourneys, well run, deep enough stacks to outlast the donks, freindly staff.

Boy can I tell you some stories about the Sahara when I was playing there regularly from 1994-1997. WE had so much going on there at the time it was ridiculous.

Reference the ball gag......It wasn't a red ball with a black strap was it?....I was wondering where we left that!!!!!!

Actually, I stayed at Sahara about 10 years ago for a quick 3 night trip, and we had a blast...If I'm being honest, I guess the only way I'd stay there again is if we did a guys trip.....The wife wouldn't ever stay there...So, maybe it is time.

The location is kinda crappy, though..I wonder what they will build in its place?
MIKE

I will also miss the Sahara, I stayed at the Sahara about 6 years ago on a guys long weekend. I hit my first VP royal there. then again on the same machine apporox 12 hrs later. I liked the mexican rest, the speed Keno and the blackjack tournaments. All of these were taken out by the new owners. I always liked the feel of the casino, I was hoping they would have put money into the rooms and I might have continued to stay. The sports book was not great but the roller coaster was always fun. I also thought the pool area was great because it was never a long walk to get to and their was always chairs avail. All the great old places are going and this is sad

Another reason for me to make a spring trip this year. To say goodbye to the old girl

Very unfortunate for the employees I would hate to be searching for a job in Vegas these days. Nazarian has pretty deep pockets maybe the property will be renovated and reopen at some point.

Here is a nostalgic read on the Sahara.

Kats Report Blog on Sahara

When I started going to Vegas in the 80's the Sahara had a really cool, almost country-club vibe to it (they even had the Sahara "S" stamped into the sand of the ashtrays by the elevators!) So I can understand the sadness- but I can't be nostalgic for what the place became- dark, depressing and no frills. Not to mention the weird Nascar/Arabian theme. And the buffet.....blech! My question is- am I understanding this right, that the closed properties now include parts of the Trop, Binion's, the Plaza...what else? And what's next? Are they ever going to open the Harmon or Fountainbleu? And, are these closings good for places like the Riv, or are they still hopeless?

Another one bites the dust! Stopped in one day and played alittle, it is showing it's age.

Not only did they have $1 BJ inside, you could typically get $1 BJ's outside as well!


The only thing that may work in this economy is a Wal-Mart! Yikes a walmart on the strip! shutter to think!

Rest assured, another huge casino resort monstrocity will arise on that corner in the future.

The bust the valley is currently still under will sag along for another 5 years or more.

But the north strip is the only reasonably priced empty real estate that is in the very early stages of renewal.

Fountainbleu will eventually open. The structure is done, and the finishing can be done to modern standards in 10 years when the demand and $$$ is there. Same with Echelon.

Hilton Grand Vacations was the first to bloom in this area. Wynn, Echelon and Trump aren't far down the road. Eventually the economy will pick up steam, and the lots will remain empty until then. Riviera and Circus Cirus will either weather out the recession, or close up and be imploded/mothballed until brighter days come about again.

Personally, I won't miss the Sahara (or the Circus Circus or Riviera for that matter) if they dissapear. The last trip in January I was in all 3, and all of them are far past their prime, to the point simple remodling and renovations won't help them. The bar is just too high now...