A Vegas original, the Sahara Hotel and Casino hails from the days of the Rat Pack of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Dating back to 1952, this venerable, modestly priced institution on the Strip still exudes "old school" elegance and a little slower pace. The vintage Moroccan theme and architectural touches are still charming, and so is the roller coaster: Speed shoots guests right along the Sahara's marquee at more than 70 miles an hour.
The 80,000-square-feet casino offers table games, slots, poker, keno, race and sports book, and low-minimum blackjack. The Sahara also sits close to the Fremont Street Experience, an explosion of more than 2 million lights and a 54,000- watt sound system that provides a pulsating light-and- music show created to dazzle.
At the Sahara, guests also can drive simulated race cars at the Cyber Speedway and catch the legendary 1950s groups, the Platters, Drifters and Coaters, in the Congo Room. Las Vegas' first true lounge, the Casbar, still presents nightly entertainment from smooth jazz to rock.
To help guests relax, the Sahara's 5,000-square-foot swimming pool is augmented by a gazebo-covered whirlpool, poolside bar, cabana and a 15-person spa beneath a filigreed wrought-iron dome, perfect for social soaking. Guestrooms come equipped with basic amenities and festooned with jewel-colored fabrics. Hungry guests can chose from five restaurants, including the House of Lords, the legendary eatery featuring steak and seafood in a posh ambience of draped fabric, plush booths and jeweled lighting. The NASCAR Café includes ribs, chicken, steaks, pasta and burgers, along with race cars hanging from the ceiling.
Compact for easy access to all facilities and attractions, the Sahara appeals to guests seeking moderate prices, less noise and slower pace of a different era.
