Sahara Hotel Casino Closing on the Strip

vegasrocks · #1 03-12-2011, 01:34 AM

I just read that the Sahara Hotel Casino on the strip will close in May. Owner, SBE Entertainment basically said that the prolonged recession has just made it too difficult to keep running.

Quote:

The announcement is a psychological blow to Las Vegas, which has been battered by years of economic misery. While some gauges of tourism, including the number of visitors, have ticked up in recent months, many analysts expect a lumbering recovery.

Gaming revenue in January dipped 2.5% on the Strip compared to the same month last year, according to figures released this week, despite several marquee conventions that swelled visitor volume by nearly 9%.

Many times when a hotel/casino closes someone else will buy it and restore it. Let's hope that is what will happen with this one.

This place is full of history with the Rat Pack and others. It would be great to see it restored.

queen of hearts · #2 03-12-2011, 05:21 PM

This is a shame and I know a couple who are going to be very upset about this because they got engaged at the Sahara!!

I am hoping as well that someone will buy it and restore it and make sure that it is around for a long time for the enjoyment of others.

It's sad that the economy has taken such a toll on everyone including businesses. I wish there was a quick fix for it all, but we know that just isnt going to happen. We fell quickly and it is going to take a long time to climb back up again.

IluvVegas · #3 03-14-2011, 04:41 PM

I am also hoping that someone will buy it and restore it to its former glory. Greats like Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra and others were a big part of the Saharas history and it would be a shame to lose that.

As far as the economy looking up anytime soon, I sure dont expect it. Some of the things that were done govermental wise has also helped to lower Las Vegas' economy and in my opinion was totally uncalled for.

Danny · #4 03-21-2011, 02:40 PM

You're right. If you go to the reservation site of the Sahara the calender stops after May.
That's a shame, I was planning to grab a drink at the Sahara in July. I have good memories at this place.

reilly12 · #5 03-26-2011, 08:07 AM

As much of a dump as Sahara is it is sad to see it close.That's too bad it's closing. This is a sign of how bad things are.

reilly12 · #6 03-28-2011, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

You're right. If you go to the reservation site of the Sahara the calender stops after May.
That's a shame, I was planning to grab a drink at the Sahara in July. I have good memories at this place.

yes i was also planning a trip of las vegas and stay at my always favorite place " Sahara Hotel" in last week of June, but now it's not possible for us.

So sad !!

VegasLuvsMe · #7 03-28-2011, 02:25 PM

I think the Sahara was the first place we stopped at when I was very young as we passed through Las Vegas on vacation in the 60's.

It is sad to hear that another Las Vegas landmark is closing its doors.

I remember we spent hours on the road in the back of a station wagon and it was late at night (or early AM), and we stopped in Las Vegas.

After being woke up from the stop, all the young'ens (inclucing myself) had to use the bathroom/restroom.
I'm pretty sure it was the Sahara since it was just off of the strip with easy parking access.

After our dad's stop at the Sahara, he went to the Golden Nugget casino and then another one to try his luck at the slots.
He must have done well since we stayed in the car and watched him through the window as he play slots for a couple hours.

vegasrocks · #8 05-17-2011, 06:25 PM

It is officially the end of an era with so much history and memories. It really is sad to see this happening.

Today the Sahara is officially saying goodbye.

Quote:

The legendary Sahara Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip will close its doors today for good after 59 years, sparking nostalgic reflections from not just fans of old school Vegas but also media around the world.

Last week they shut down the roller coaster and now the doors forever.

The Sahara opened up in 1952. Can you imagine the history there!

People like Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Mae West, Elvis Presley and John Wayne made put this hotel on the A-list.

It's not yet known what they will do with the building.

IluvVegas · #9 05-17-2011, 08:25 PM

Wow, look at all that history that goes with that building.

One might think that someone would turn it into a museum or so forth, but probably not.

Opened in 1952 eh? Thats a long time to stay in the business and its a real shame that the economy and newer hotels/casinos are causing the shutdown.

Danny · #10 05-18-2011, 08:54 AM

Wow, that's history guys, when you see the old pictures.
I'm glad I have seen it from the inside several time. (I got out of the Monorail at Sahara station many times, walked through the Sahara on my way to the T-shirt shop across the street or the Stratosphere. Also met a collegue at the bar last year. He was travelling the South-West with his wife and I was at Vegas the same time. He sent me a text message and because he stayed at the RV area near Circus-Circus we met at the Sahara. As I said before, memories, memories......