The Sahara Hotel Casino New Look
Archived 1995 - Pre-completion
The new owner of the Sahara Hotel, William Bennett (recently retired chairman
of Circus-Circus Enterprises) has announced plans to totally rennovate the
property in a move to bring renewed life to the traditional "top of the strip".
The new look, still encompassing the original time-favored, Moroccan theme
can only be alikened to something stemming from Marakesh, Casablanca or other
subtropical, Sahara Desert location. From the planned stylistic minarets and
yet larger new property sign (the current Sahara marquee at one time held
records for tallest, free-standing lighted sign) to the many intricate
details planned, the property will ooze with Southern Mediterranean charm.
Construction should be starting before the end of 1995 and will proceed
for many months, with no completion date provided at this time.
Major changes confirmed by reliable sources include:
- Doubling of the Casino floor to nearly 80,000 sq ft.
- Relocation of the well known and popular pools area further south or southeast along the strip to make room for the new casino space.
- Razing of the low wooden style buildings about the pool courtyard (see maps Bldg 5 and likely parts of bldg 6/7) to make room for more parking and newer construction.
- Eventual addition of another 1,000 room tower in the more distant future.
- Shifting of the main entrances as shown in the plans and pictures.
- The hotel front desk will be moved toward the Las Vegas Blvd entrance closer to the casino, rather than near the Paradise Ave side where it is now.
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| Current Building Arrangement(Bigger 19k GIF) |
Future Building Arrangement(Bigger 19k GIF) |
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Here is a relatively accurate, current building plan. And then, since we could
not yet pry an actual plan of the new floor layout out of anyone, we present
our own Unofficial Las Vegas Leisure Guide "reconstructed" map based solely on
descriptions, semi-reliable tips, rumors and technical suggestions. If
anyone can lend yet more reliable guidance down the road, we're always
open to suggestions and will make updates as they become available.
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Solitary sunbather enjoys the afternoon sun in
front of low rooms to be scrapped. |
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Plans are for the pool to be filled or removed and become part of the new
casino floor. The new pool will be further to the south or southeast. |
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Blending with the palms, and standing as a
harbinger of future progress, the Stratosphere Tower
looms over the wooden bungalows at the south-most extreme of the property,
soon expected to be razed to make way for new parking and possibly a new
1,000 room tower. |
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The Sahara Hotel and Casino is located at 2535 Las Vegas Boulevard South,
Las Vegas, Nevada. They can be reached directly at: (702) 737-2111 or
at (888) 696-2121 for Toll Free Reservations. For more current information,
maps, etc. visit the STRIP HOTELS section of the Las Vegas Leisure Guide
Las Vegas Hotels Section of our site.
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This is the current courtyard next to the pool area which will make
way for the casino and hotel entryway.
If your Las Vegas hotel, casino, restaurant or establishment has new
major construction, public activities (sorry, slot tournaments and bingo night
don't count) or other interesting tidbits to offer, send them to us on company
letterhead and if we think LVLG readers will be amazed, astounded, or even
slightly interested we'll publish it. Make sure to send LOTS of pictures!
We love pictures!
Created by PCAP; © Copyright 1995
Last Updated: October 12, 1995
Las Vegas
