The SLS Las Vegas Lux Tower SPG Junior Suite

One of the first reviews I had the pleasure of doing when I started here at TravelZork was that of the SLS, Sam Nazarian’s reborn version of the Sahara. And the review brought with it many pleasant surprises that I honestly didn’t expect from the final product considering my past experiences with SBE offerings.

But considering recent stays I’ve had, exceptional service, and the product for the price, and considering the SLS’s new connections to SPG and the word of changes to the Lux Tower into the W at some point in the future, I thought it was time to revisit the former Sahara and see if it was still standing up amidst a sea of changes in order to make the resort just as much for locals as for the traditional Vegas visitor.

I won’t spend much time on the lobby and public spaces, as essentially little has changed outside of the shuttering of several of the retail outlets and the changing of a few restaurant names and hours. One noticeable addition is that due to the partnership with SPG, there’s now a dedicated check in desk for SPG tiered guests to the right end of the main front desk, tying into the addition of several SPG Club Levels (SPG floors) within the Lux tower itself. Having booked a comp, I politely requested an upgrade at check in and for $50 a night was bumped from a standard room to an SPG Club Level Junior Suite in the Lux tower. Considering the fact my friends who were here while I was were paying in excess of $100 a night for a smaller room in the same tower, it was a no brainer, especially when you factor in no resort fee as part of the comp.

Just like the rest of the tower, the SPG levels are no different in decor save a few extra signs pointing out the special level. Located at the end of the hall, room 22406 was just a keycard wave away.

Much like the previous regular room reviewed, the suite opens into a small dark vestibule framed by the cloth wall coverings we’re already creepily familiar with. And similarly to the immediate right is the entrance to the bathroom, laid out similarly but quite a bit longer due to the larger size of the room.

In the first area of the bathroom is the same setup as before, a three tiered hanging rack with ironing board, robes, and hangers, as well as three drawers for storage, one holding an iron and laundry bag, another holding a top opening safe big enough for a laptop, and a third with SLS branded slippers. Sadly my iron lacked the monkey cover of the last room, but no sleep was lost over it.

Right behind the shelves, behind a large sliding mirror, is the water closet, a low riding throne in a stark white room. No phone, but a scale and a wastebasket finish off the efficient if prison like room. No reason to linger here.

And just like the other room, only enlarged, further in is the vanity, this time with two sinks instead of one. The same SLS linens are featured here, as are an LED vanity mirror and hair dryer. Bath products are the same Ciel branded as they have been and are lovely, although one oddity is that my room was stocked with plastic wrapped cups in the bathroom making it somewhat like being in the most bohemian Motel 6 ever.

Rounding out the bathroom on the other side is the other favorite thing of mine about the Lux tower rooms, the shower. Much like the first review, again there’s a large walk in rain shower with a shelf for products and a wall mounted head as well, but oddly there’s a window. Wonder where that looks out to. (Hint, not the casino.)

Much like the previous room, the junior suite is only a larger version of the same basic layout, with some nice additions. Right inside is a large mirror and table with magazines, a bit like a catch all for when you come in the room.

Just beyond is the same banquette as in all other Lux rooms, only in this case much longer due to the lengthened space in the suite. There’s a table with an actual chair here at one end, in addition to the metal stump seat present in the other rooms. The same mismatched glassware quirkily awaits use on the table as before.

The entire wall behind the banquette is curtain covered, in the middle resting a swiveling flat panel TV with the SLS’s awesome in room interface to get you set up with entertainment. Don’t be fooled by the curtains though, only one side is actually a window. The other is just disguising a solid wall behind.

Just like the other room, the bed here is in the middle, backed with the same hyper colored woman watching over you as you watch yourself from the mirror in the ceiling. The linens have the same SLS embroidery, although it is starting to look a bit worse for wear in places.

Nightstands here are also handy as well as decorative, each with a sconce above. The left with a cordless phone and a set of plugs as well as USB power port, the right with a Bluetooth based speaker for a little in room entertainment from your favorite iDevice.

Adding to the space not found in the other room is a nice setup on the opposite end of the suite. There’s another floor to ceiling mirror, with a desk in front of it for work, with a lamp, phone, and ample power outlets built in. There’s also a lacquered box full of quirky stationary, another sign to the outside the box thought that’s the SLS’s call to fame.

To the left of the desk is the mini bar, much the same as in all other rooms, same prices, and same contents. There’s also additional barware, as well as a shaker and cocktail accessories for entertaining. It’s a nice touch. Also, instead of baiting with $4 Fiji, SPG guests are given complimentary water that is refreshed daily. A nice touch in a place where people have learned to nickel and dime for everything.

Oh, and that window in the shower? Surprise! It it floor to ceiling next to the bed and desk, described as a peek-a-boo shower. It’s a cute little oddity, and don’t worry modesty folks, there’s a curtain that can be closed to give privacy. But something tells me that’s not what’s being encouraged here, and that’s a fun thing if it’s consensual.

One thing I’ve taken away from the revisit is that the SLS continues to surprise. Not only was I able to get an amazing room for an amazing price, but with the addition of SPG into the mix and all the benefits that come with it, one of Vegas’s best kept secrets in residual value is only getting better. Now if only more people would patronize the place. There’s no reason not to. The SLS is old school Vegas done in the new school way.