New SLS owner to spend $100M to revitalize it
March 24th, 2018 at 10:01:51 AM
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https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/reno-businessman-plans-100m-investment-to-revitalize-sls/
2011: Saraha casino closes
2014: Saraha re-opens as SLS
The 2014 owners invested $415 million in an effort to turn the property into a chic hangout for a younger crowd.
However, the project failed in large part due to the empty lots and mothballed buildings that surrounded it.
The SLS had been losing money since opening and was on the verge of bankruptcy,
Price tag on 2018 sale was not disclosed but SLS had $585 million of debt as of Nov 2017.
Good luck new owner!
You'll need it. :(
from my perspective, there's no reason for me to travel past the Wynn to the north end strip casinos (SLS, Circus circus, Stratosphere).
like the article says, the north end of the strip looks run down.
2011: Saraha casino closes
2014: Saraha re-opens as SLS
The 2014 owners invested $415 million in an effort to turn the property into a chic hangout for a younger crowd.
However, the project failed in large part due to the empty lots and mothballed buildings that surrounded it.
The SLS had been losing money since opening and was on the verge of bankruptcy,
Price tag on 2018 sale was not disclosed but SLS had $585 million of debt as of Nov 2017.
Good luck new owner!
You'll need it. :(
from my perspective, there's no reason for me to travel past the Wynn to the north end strip casinos (SLS, Circus circus, Stratosphere).
like the article says, the north end of the strip looks run down.
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
March 24th, 2018 at 10:22:22 AM
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These casinos need to start pooling their money to create some transportation infrastructure between them. The Strip is just too big. I think most people either stay at their casino or go 1-2 casinos to either side. Not many people want to walk all the way down to one end or the other, and traffic is a nightmare. I know that monorail is there, but if they expanded it and made it cheaper/free, and maybe added some free shuttles/buses up and down the Strip, these off-center casinos would get more action.
Wasn't there talk at one point of shutting down LV Boulevard completely and making it all pedestrian? I personally think that would be a great idea. Just have a big moving walkway down the middle, and bunch of trolleys or something. At the very least they need more of those pedestrian bridges. There should be one in front of every casino.
Moving around on the Strip is annoying.
EDIT: But specifically with SLS, they need a new name. SLS doesn't mean anything. According to that article it looks like they're considering it, or at least changing back to Sahara. I think that would help.
Wasn't there talk at one point of shutting down LV Boulevard completely and making it all pedestrian? I personally think that would be a great idea. Just have a big moving walkway down the middle, and bunch of trolleys or something. At the very least they need more of those pedestrian bridges. There should be one in front of every casino.
Moving around on the Strip is annoying.
EDIT: But specifically with SLS, they need a new name. SLS doesn't mean anything. According to that article it looks like they're considering it, or at least changing back to Sahara. I think that would help.
March 24th, 2018 at 11:17:43 AM
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I was listening to NPR and they said they may take back the Sahara name if it makes sense to do so.
They said they were going to brighten up the casino floor (whatever that means).
They said they were going to brighten up the casino floor (whatever that means).
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
March 24th, 2018 at 11:46:48 AM
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hmm.. easiest would be to make the Monorail free if you enter from the Sahara/SLS stop.Quote: TigerWuThese casinos need to start pooling their money to create some transportation infrastructure between them.
The Strip is just too big. I think most people either stay at their casino or go 1-2 casinos to either side.
Not many people want to walk all the way down to one end or the other, and traffic is a nightmare.
I know that monorail is there, but if they expanded it and made it cheaper/free, and maybe added some free shuttles/buses up and down the Strip, these off-center casinos would get more action.
its the same price if you take it just for 1 stop or from beginning to end, right?
if not, then make exiting at the SLS stop also free.
in fact, im surprised the 2014 owner didn't try to get the city to do that?
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
March 24th, 2018 at 11:56:51 AM
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the only way I see of SLS succeeding with that debt load is with help revitalizing the north end of the Strip.Quote: AxelWolfI was listening to NPR and they said they may take back the Sahara name if it makes sense to do so.
They said they were going to brighten up the casino floor (whatever that means).
either get the City or partner with the other 2 north end casinos (circus circus and stratosphere) to make that entire area more enticing.
spending $100M on just the SLS property wont probably work.
the previous owner spent $400M and never made a profit in the 3 years he owned it.
the other way to get customers in the door is with good paying games.
ie: full pay VP and slot areas which advertise 99% payback (and not the stupid gimmick 'UP TO 99%', meaning 1 machine in that bank of 10 slots is 99%)
but with that debt load, I don't see them able to offer that
Last edited by: 100xOdds on Mar 24, 2018
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
March 24th, 2018 at 11:57:25 AM
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Quote: 100xOddshmm.. easiest would be to make the Monorail free if you enter from the Sahara/SLS stop.Quote: TigerWuThese casinos need to start pooling their money to create some transportation infrastructure between them.
The Strip is just too big. I think most people either stay at their casino or go 1-2 casinos to either side.
Not many people want to walk all the way down to one end or the other, and traffic is a nightmare.
I know that monorail is there, but if they expanded it and made it cheaper/free, and maybe added some free shuttles/buses up and down the Strip, these off-center casinos would get more action.
its the same price if you take it just for 1 stop or from beginning to end, right?
if not, then make exiting at the SLS stop also free.
in fact, im surprised the 2014 owner didn't try to get the city to do that?
Why should the taxpayers of LV subsidise one casino over the others? People manage to get Downtown, get to the Boulder Strip, get to South Point. If SLS can't attract people, that's on them. Nothing prevents them or the Strat from running free shuttles. Nothing prevents them from reaching out and marketing themselves better. What genius decided to change from the much more recognizable Sahara to the SLS?
Last edited by: billryan on Mar 24, 2018
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 24th, 2018 at 1:17:48 PM
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Or replace the craps tables with beer pong. (-;Quote: 100xOddsthe only way I see of SLS succeeding with that debt load is with help revitalizing the north end of the Strip.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
March 24th, 2018 at 2:04:20 PM
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Quote: 100xOddshmm.. easiest would be to make the Monorail free if you enter from the Sahara/SLS stop.
its the same price if you take it just for 1 stop or from beginning to end, right?
if not, then make exiting at the SLS stop also free.
in fact, im surprised the 2014 owner didn't try to get the city to do that?
The monorail is probably the easiest way to increase traffic to both SLS and Westgate, but its a private, non-profit entity, (and one that's got its own financial problems), so any discounts have to take all of them into consideration.
I think something like a rebate for playing and riding might work. Get a new rewards card and get double the standard new signup free play when you show an active monorail ticket. If you already have a card you get $XXX by showing your monorail ticket.
March 24th, 2018 at 2:10:26 PM
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We are here with our monorail tickets.Quote: HullabalooThe monorail is probably the easiest way to increase traffic to both SLS and Westgate, but its a private, non-profit entity, (and one that's got its own financial problems), so any discounts have to take all of them into consideration.
I think something like a rebate for playing and riding might work. Get a new rewards card and get double the standard new signup free play when you show an active monorail ticket. If you already have a card you get $XXX by showing your monorail ticket.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
March 24th, 2018 at 8:29:40 PM
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SLS sounds like a car model and nothing else. If you say it fast repeatedly, sounds like @$$hole Us.
I am a robot.
March 24th, 2018 at 8:39:00 PM
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I don't see any reason to go there. Just another generic casino on the strip. I have seen a lot of pilots and flight attendants checking in there, so maybe they offer some group discount for airline people.
The only thing that really stands out there is the bac players, but bac players will pretty much go anywhere and everywhere the game is offered. If that's the case they are probably better off going to high end strip properties, or local properties off the strip, to find a balance of comps to luxury.
Maybe they should try the sub 95% VP with 3% meters or something like that, something that nobody has that is only offered at their property.
The only thing that really stands out there is the bac players, but bac players will pretty much go anywhere and everywhere the game is offered. If that's the case they are probably better off going to high end strip properties, or local properties off the strip, to find a balance of comps to luxury.
Maybe they should try the sub 95% VP with 3% meters or something like that, something that nobody has that is only offered at their property.
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
March 24th, 2018 at 8:56:30 PM
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The SLS sent me a pile of mailers and offers in the hundred+ range when the first opened... I've been meaning to get up there and visit for years, but never got around to it. I've offered to drive people up (well, stop as we visited elsewhere), but most of them found absolutely no allure in the blocky grey facade... Most of them thought it was an office building.
Also, I hate you guys in this thread. I was eating some mega-spicy enchiladas while reading this, and between the bag of monorail tickets and saying it's name really fast, my sinuses are in agony.
Also, I hate you guys in this thread. I was eating some mega-spicy enchiladas while reading this, and between the bag of monorail tickets and saying it's name really fast, my sinuses are in agony.
March 24th, 2018 at 8:58:39 PM
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Thanks to my degen gf, I ate at Cleo for the first time, last night. It was really, really good. I'm sure all the locals are sick of it by now.
100% risk of ruin
March 25th, 2018 at 6:27:04 AM
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The Strat offers value for its dump-rates but can't overcome the dismal neighborhood.
The SLS tried to offer "youth" as its decoration theme but then found few people would venture there for mere trappings. Beach clubs and food/drink/gambling spas need customers but it just wasn't a happening place stuck out in the area of rubble and chain link fences and fleabag motels.
You have to let people travel there real cheap, let them have a reason to go there and make certain that once there, they don't regret the decision and start looking over their shoulders for lurking dangers.
Neighborhood upgrade, casino upgrade, hotel upgrade, nightclub upgrade, clientele upgrade.... its expensive and will take time.
Players may not want to "try the casino next door" but they always want to be able to do so. If the neighborhood is too dismal, no one will want to visit an oasis in the middle of nowheresville, even if the ride there is free.
The SLS tried to offer "youth" as its decoration theme but then found few people would venture there for mere trappings. Beach clubs and food/drink/gambling spas need customers but it just wasn't a happening place stuck out in the area of rubble and chain link fences and fleabag motels.
You have to let people travel there real cheap, let them have a reason to go there and make certain that once there, they don't regret the decision and start looking over their shoulders for lurking dangers.
Neighborhood upgrade, casino upgrade, hotel upgrade, nightclub upgrade, clientele upgrade.... its expensive and will take time.
Players may not want to "try the casino next door" but they always want to be able to do so. If the neighborhood is too dismal, no one will want to visit an oasis in the middle of nowheresville, even if the ride there is free.
March 25th, 2018 at 10:52:07 AM
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It takes vision. Fifteen years ago, no one would have thought the area around the El Cortez would become a hipster oasis.
Some people have it, most don't.
I've worked fairly intimately with two self made men, both of whom net worth went from near nothing to hundreds of millions of dollars. They were in very different fields but had the same message.
Give people what they want and you will be successful, but real success comes from convincing people they want what you have to offer.
Some people have it, most don't.
I've worked fairly intimately with two self made men, both of whom net worth went from near nothing to hundreds of millions of dollars. They were in very different fields but had the same message.
Give people what they want and you will be successful, but real success comes from convincing people they want what you have to offer.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 25th, 2018 at 10:57:34 AM
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Sls may be a bad casino in a bad location. And the name may be odd. But it's a well known ultra high end hotel brand. Its not like they just picked a random meaningless name for the Vegas property. Www.slshotels.com
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
March 25th, 2018 at 11:08:12 AM
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Quote: rdw4potusSls may be a bad casino in a bad location. And the name may be odd. But it's a well known ultra high end hotel brand. Its not like they just picked a random meaningless name for the Vegas property. Www.slshotels.com
I was unaware of this, never heard of them before. It makes a little more sense now.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 25th, 2018 at 11:20:16 AM
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Quote: billryanI was unaware of this, never heard of them before. It makes a little more sense now.
That's kind of an issue with 'ultra high end'... they're so rare that the mass market doesn't recognize them.
March 25th, 2018 at 11:29:55 AM
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Now it is even more confusing with one of the towers being named W. Someone down there needs to put ZenKing in charge. He'll turn that place around in the first quarter.
March 25th, 2018 at 11:45:13 AM
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I was in Vegas a couple of weeks ago and made the walk from the Mirage to the Circus just to check the Circus out a bit. There sure isn't much to look at between the Fashion Show mall and the Circus. That is especially true on the west side of the street. If you take the east side, there were at least a few strip malls. I can't imagine the Circus will be around much longer since they never fix it up. I feel the new Sls owner is throwing good money after bad. The location there is just terrible.
March 25th, 2018 at 11:52:00 AM
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I've heard many times, that Circus Circus one of the most profitable properties on the strip. It has no debt and doesn't have huge chunks of it sitting vacant most of the time.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 25th, 2018 at 12:39:08 PM
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Quote: billryanI've heard many times, that Circus Circus one of the most profitable properties on the strip. It has no debt and doesn't have huge chunks of it sitting vacant most of the time.
Without a doubt! In a nuclear apocolypse, all that will survive are roaches and Circus Circus.
100% risk of ruin
March 25th, 2018 at 1:19:19 PM
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Quote: MaxPenNow it is even more confusing with one of the towers being named W. Someone down there needs to put ZenKing in charge. He'll turn that place around in the first quarter.
Is it just something as practical as being shorthand for the West Tower?
March 25th, 2018 at 1:23:51 PM
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True, but redundant.Quote: RogerKint...all that will survive are roaches and Circus Circus.
Suck dope, watch TV, make up stuff, be somebody on the internet.
March 25th, 2018 at 2:01:17 PM
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Quote: VenthusIs it just something as practical as being shorthand for the West Tower?
No. Your response is why the situation is so comical. W is supposedly some high end hotel. They bought one of the towers. There is now a big ass W on top of the SLS sign. People think the name of the whole place has changed. It should be studied in marketing class as how not to brand a property.
Where is ZenKing?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/w-hotels-worldwide-logo-lights-up-las-vegas/amp/?source=images
Last edited by: MaxPen on Mar 25, 2018
March 25th, 2018 at 4:14:02 PM
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Quote: MaxPenNo. Your response is why the situation is so comical. W is supposedly some high end hotel. They bought one of the towers. There is now a big ass W on top of the SLS sign. People think the name of the whole place has changed. It should be studied in marketing class as how not to brand a property.
Where is ZenKing?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/w-hotels-worldwide-logo-lights-up-las-vegas/amp/?source=images
The W is a very well known top end brand. Much more recognizable than SLS, in my opinion. Doesn't Mandalay do the same thing? They changed The Hotel tower to another brand.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 25th, 2018 at 6:12:06 PM
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I believe the names and absence thereof are the descendants of “postmodern” architecture as it advanced boldly into post-literate architectural identity. First the Mandalay Bay property got the vapid glitteratti to pay an extra super-exclusive poshness fee to shack-up in one of their towers going almost bare of language, nakedly name-stripped as “THEhotel.” Then there came a trend of hotel-casinos selling off their vowels entirely to become the “M” and “D” and “Q” and “SLS” and “W” and suchlike.
I understand it is related to the inarticulate glory of ultra-lounge nightclub identity breaking the shackles of human brain function, in which coolness was made known to the clueless by being identified with the fewest syllables. So “Pure” and “Tao” were naturally for cooler kids than “Rhumbar” and “Indigo.” Obviously, to the splendidly special little gods & godesses shambling about, unburdened of the ability to spell the word “syllable” or use it in a sentence.
I understand it is related to the inarticulate glory of ultra-lounge nightclub identity breaking the shackles of human brain function, in which coolness was made known to the clueless by being identified with the fewest syllables. So “Pure” and “Tao” were naturally for cooler kids than “Rhumbar” and “Indigo.” Obviously, to the splendidly special little gods & godesses shambling about, unburdened of the ability to spell the word “syllable” or use it in a sentence.
Suck dope, watch TV, make up stuff, be somebody on the internet.
March 25th, 2018 at 7:20:24 PM
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Quote: billryanThe W is a very well known top end brand. Much more recognizable than SLS, in my opinion. Doesn't Mandalay do the same thing? They changed The Hotel tower to another brand.
Did you see the marquee sign. One would think the whole place is W.
March 26th, 2018 at 12:14:56 AM
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Quote: MaxPenDid you see the marquee sign. One would think the whole place is W.
I don't get over that way much. I've never noticed it. I was at the convention center last week for ASD, but didn't go up to Sahara
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 26th, 2018 at 12:49:12 AM
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Mandalay Bay actually ran three hotels in the same tower structure they just used certain blocks of floors as different hotel names and supposedly markedly different room sizes and amenities.
Corporate history of SLS is just dandy if you are from Los Angeles and read the financial columns; doubt it means much if you are a Yuppie taking a vacation to Vegas.
Circus Circus in the sixties was ultra profitable. Even made money on its headline making buffet that drew zillions. Recent decade, I hear they washed an ashtray and some auditor jumped down their throats for it.
SLS tried to market themselves to Young, With It "lifestyle" types but found those people preferred the Cosmopolitan where it was more substance to the social claims.
Times change, neighborhoods come back. Stay tuned ...
Corporate history of SLS is just dandy if you are from Los Angeles and read the financial columns; doubt it means much if you are a Yuppie taking a vacation to Vegas.
Circus Circus in the sixties was ultra profitable. Even made money on its headline making buffet that drew zillions. Recent decade, I hear they washed an ashtray and some auditor jumped down their throats for it.
SLS tried to market themselves to Young, With It "lifestyle" types but found those people preferred the Cosmopolitan where it was more substance to the social claims.
Times change, neighborhoods come back. Stay tuned ...
March 30th, 2018 at 10:56:48 AM
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Quote: RogerKintThanks to my degen gf, I ate at Cleo for the first time, last night. It was really, really good. I'm sure all the locals are sick of it by now.
Yum..yum so good. Bring me some more pitta bread please.... !! This post reminds me of Axel. He is sick of eating at Oscars. ;)
"18 hit me, 19 hit me, 20 hit me, 21 hit me" - homer simpson
March 30th, 2018 at 1:45:04 PM
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Quote: AxelWolfI was listening to NPR
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
