Sahara Hotel & Casino to Close
Las Vegas, NV - March 14, 2011 - Sahara Hotel & Casino announced that it plans to close on May 16, 2011.
"We are working with our partners to assess a variety of options for the property, including a complete renovation and repositioning," said Sam Nazarian, CEO of sbe Entertainment Group, which owns and operates the Sahara. “While no final decisions have been made at this point,” Nazarian said, “the continued operation of the aging Sahara was no longer economically viable.”
"We see the northern end of the Strip as the future of Las Vegas," Nazarian said. "With Las Vegas showing early signs of recovery, we are confident that we ultimately will find a creative and comprehensive new solution for this historic property."
Meanwhile, the hotel and casino will remain fully operational until May 16th. The Sahara will be honoring all room reservations and players' club events until that time.
The Sahara has been working with MGM Resorts International on possible solutions for both customers and employees.
“SBE is fortunate to have a strategic relationship with MGM Resorts International. As a result, we will work together to try to find jobs for Sahara employees in cases where there are open positions in MGM Resorts' properties,” added Nazarian. “We will also work with MGM Resorts to accommodate Sahara hotel and group customers with reservations following our closure.”
Additionally, customers with reservations after May 16th will receive assistance in finding alternate accommodations.
The Sahara's human resources department will be working with team members through this transition. The Sahara plans to offer sessions with Nevada Job Connect and provide career counseling.
"We sincerely appreciate the service and dedication shown by the many Sahara team members over the decades,'' Nazarian said. "They have been the heart and soul of this iconic property. We thank them for their longstanding service.''
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
