Check Out The Transformation of SLS Las Vegas

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Original SLS Las Vegas Design
Photograph ©2019 Marc Meltzer | Original SLS LAS VEGAS HOTEL & CASINO Design

I was stoked for SLS Las Vegas when it first opened. Sure it was the first casino I was able to preview before it opened to the public but I dug the vibe. The original aesthetic of SLS Las Vegas was a nod to the past while mostly looking forward.

SLS – Different in Both Good and Bad Ways

The casino had different music and attempted to offer an upscale experience for a budget price. The design was a strange combination of old and modern. The various cuts of vintage looking carpet were sweet. Even though some furniture was like it was from Ikea.

The overall environment was fun and almost obnoxious. SLS LAS VEGAS HOTEL & CASINO was different in both good and bad ways. Looking back, I miss that.

When the property first opened they were very loose with comps so I visited very often. Once the old owners realized they weren’t making money, they cut back all the freebies. The new ownership might be that way again but SLS lost me as a regular when they tried to fix some of the problems that existed when they first opened.

Old SLS Las Vegas
Photograph ©2019 Marc Meltzer | New SLS Las Vegas Design

SLS Las Vegas is currently being renovated. The dark and high industrial ceilings are being lowered. Light colored overhangs and chandeliers are offering a more cozy and comfortable feeling. Yawn.

Construction on the casino floor is just getting started. The casino design near the hotel entrance is the same as it’s been since day one. The casino floor near Umami Burger has been renovated to the design above. The space in between the two is currently having the most work done.

Related: Review Redux | The SLS Las Vegas Lux Tower SPG Junior Suite

New design of SLS Las Vegas – good or bad?

It is too early to say if the new design of SLS Las Vegas will be good or bad. What I’ve seen so far feels like a casino in anywhere, USA. That’s just an observation and neither a compliment or criticism. My feelings are trending toward the latter but that’s based on a sliver of the new casino design being revealed.

Old SLS Las Vegas
Photograph ©2019 Marc Meltzer | New & Old SLS Las Vegas Design?

I’m not quite sure what this light fixture above the slot machines near the cashier is supposed to be. It looks like a heat lamp hanging down from the old industrial ceiling. The lights look strange and I wouldn’t mind seeing some odd design touches like this.

Unfortunately, I can envision a bright comfortable casino floor when all the work is complete. Will it be good for business? Probably. Is it exciting? Not really. It seems like SLS Las Vegas will have some kind of generic casino design when the work is done.

Casino Design – What Makes a Casino Attractive

Casino design is just part of what makes a casino attractive. A fun environment goes a long way but so does good gaming. Hopefully, the casino keeps the 10x odds craps. It would be nice to see more good pay tables for quarter video poker players. Most appealing would be for SLS Las Vegas to change all blackjack games to pay 3:2.

I don’t like visiting casinos while there is construction. It’s easy to assume what everything will look like when it’s done without actually seeing the casino. I’ll certainly revisit SLS Las Vegas when the renovations are complete. Just like the old casino, I’m hoping for the best.

Marc grew up on the mean streets of the South Bronx. He's the rare combination of Yankees and Jets fan which explains his often contrarian point of view. He learned about gambling at a young age working down the street from a bookie who took action on anything from the mainstream sports to the last three digits of the purse for certain horse races. Yeah, that's a thing. Today Marc is a freelance writer and social media consultant which allows him to work anywhere there's a wifi signal. This allows him to work from the sportsbook at Red Rock Resort or the food court at The Venetian where you’ll find fast and free wifi. Writing about steak, booze, gambling and Las Vegas is a tough job but somebody has to do it.