I am happy but frankly shocked that this place hasn't fallen victim to the wrecking ball yet. A couple of years ago, there were rumors that this place was going to be sold and the new owners would demolish the property and build new on it (like all the old Vegas hotels before it.). The prime Vegas real estate it is sitting on is worth far more than the structure itself, and many people believe that the Sahara is not putting to optimal use the land its sitting on. (e.g. a 5000 room luxury resort). New owners bought it in 2007, and so far, say they just plan on "renovating".
The Sahara is 55 years old and by no means a luxury resort. That said, the rooms themselves are clean, modern, and an unbelievable value for money on the strip. I have stayed on weeknights for rates as low as $30.75+tax
The hotel has 2 towers, the much older one that went up in the 1960's and the newer one from the 1991 renovation. All the cheapest "standard" rooms are located in the older tower. There is really not that much difference in the "standard" rooms in the older tower and the "deluxe" rooms in the newer tower. The rooms in the newer tower usually cost about $10-15 more, are slightly larger, and have individually controlled Aircon/Heating. In the older tower, there is central heat and A/C but it is controlled centrally, and there's no way to adjust each room. (I've never been too hot or too cold when staying in the standard rooms, whether it was summer and 110F outside in the summer or 25F outside on a cold desert winter night.) Also, most (if not all) the smoking rooms are located in the old tower. ALL rooms at the Sahara have TV with cable, dresser, closet, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, bathroom with bathtub/shower combo, and your choice of one king size bed or 2 double beds.
They have a heated pool which is actually quite nice for a hotel in this price range.
Check in can be hit and miss. Sometimes there's a long line, sometimes there's no problem. There are self check-in kiosks now in the lobby if you don't want to wait in line.
As far as the restaurants go, I have only eaten at their Buffet, as it is such a good value. Of course its not the most elaborate buffet in Las Vegas, but there's a suprising variety at all meals for the price and I've never had any problems with the food. It was all pretty good. For the best buffets in town, don't miss the buffets at Paris, Bellagio, and Planet Hollywood, but be prepared to pay at least double the price at the Sahara. For a special treat, I say go to these hotels for their fantastic buffets. For a place just to have a decent meal for an excellent price on the strip, stick with the Sahara. There is also the House of Lords Restaurant and the NASCAR cafe in the Sahara Hotel but I've never tried either of these. For cheap eats, there is also an IHOP near the hotel (across the street).
The casino is not bad at all. The minimum bets are quite low for the strip and the dealers are friendly. There are some $5 blackjack tables, and some higher tables. Craps was a $5 minimum the last time I was there. They have lots of slot machines from a penny to $25 a pull. The tables are rarely crowded.
This property is on the north end of the strip, but don't let that stop you from staying here. Transportation is no problem whatsoever here. The Sahara is the last stop on the Monorail, which is a fast way to get up and down the strip (but a little pricey). A better deal is to take the Deuce buses which run up and down the strip constantly 24 hours a day. $5 will get you a ticket for unlimited rides for 24 hours from the time of purchase. If you are traveling as a family or a small group, always do the math first, and realize that most of the time a taxi will cost about the same and will get you there a lot faster. Taxis fares are reasonable compared to other US cities so depending on the size of your party this may be the best way to go. I have never had any issue with safety at night on this end of the strip!
Overall, this place remains a wonderful value for money, which is becoming an increasingly hard find in Vegas. I hope it stays around for a long time, but I wouldn't bet on it.
