The SLS Casino in Las Vegas has become sort of a joke among locals, since it opened. The failed casino of attempted mogul Sam Nazarian failed to attract visitors after a less than stellar opening, and was brought to it’s knees when Nazarian was unable to obtain a gambling license because of questionable ties to a felon and reported drug use. However, with the addition of Scott Kreeger as their President and Chief Operating Officer, the Casino seems to be taking steps to slow its fall.
It seems they realized they couldn’t compete with the large casinos, so they have entered into an agreement with Starwood Hotels to give one of the SLS Towers to be redesigned as a new “W” brand boutique hotel.
“SLS Las Vegas, with some 1600 rooms, is a milestone addition to Starwood, growing our total footprint worldwide by nearly half a percent with a single signing,” said Adam Aron, Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Hotels & Resorts on an interim basis. “This is a perfect example of what Tribute Portfolio was designed to do—bring the power of Starwood to great independent hotels, while giving our Starwood Preferred Guest® members and global guests more access to sought after destinations around the world. It also allows us to debut our iconic W brand on the world famous Las Vegas Strip, an incomparable stage for the dynamic energy and vibrant scene of W Hotels.”
The remaining towers, as well as all food & beverage and casino-related operations will remain under management of SLS Las Vegas, which has operated the hotel since its redevelopment in 2014.
Starwood has four other properties in the Las Vegas area, belonging to the Westin, Four Points, and Elements brands. Starwood Preferred Guest members also enjoy earn-and-burn privileges at select Caesars Entertainment properties in Las Vegas and elsewhere.
“We have long wanted to increase our Starwood presence in Las Vegas, a much desired destination for our SPG® members, who occupy 50% of our guestrooms on any given night,” said Allison Reid, SVP, North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “The signing of SLS Las Vegas not only allows us to expand our footprint and give our members more options on the Strip but also speaks volumes to the power of Starwood’s brands and our industry-leading distribution, loyalty and sales platforms that will contribute to the success of this landmark property.”
