Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Sahara Hotel

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)

- United States (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/)

- - Sahara Hotel - Las Vegas (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/sahara-hotel-las-vegas-135141/)

Sahara Hotel - Las Vegas

I have a chance to trade timeshare through RCI into the Saraha Hotel -- should I do it? I know it's older -- has it been refurbished, is it nice or old & tired. We'll have a car and can drive to the newer resorts. We normally stay at Mandalay Bay, but the chance to stay for a week on a "trade" is appealing. Need any advice.

Depends on what your tastes are. I enjoy Mandalay Bay. If someone told me I could spend a week at the Sahara for free on a trade of ANY type, I'd pass. First off, more than 4 days in LV is too many for me. Secondly, the Sahara is very poorly located and not convenient to the places I'd be spending my time. Thirdly, while recently rehabbed, it's still very old and tired IMO. But to each his/her own.

Lois: Last month I stayed 6 nights in Las Vegas. Since it was a last minute trip, I couln't get reservations at my hotels of choice for the full time. We stayed 3 nights at the Sahara and 3 nights at Treasure Island(my personal favorite along with Mirage). I almost always stay 5-6 days on my trips to Las Vegas and always have a car. With a car you have considerably more freedom of movement than if you're stuck in one hotel on the strip. So, we never run out of things to do and always think we are leaving too soon. To answer your question: Sahara is in a run down part of town and not close to much. The hotel is older and caters to a more budget clientele. The rooms were just fine but older and a bit worn.(some are recently remodeled, some not). It's definately not like the Mandalay Bay. For the price, we had no complaints. The casino was very active and lively if somewhat dated. They have an very good brunch buffet for only $4.99.( a bargain). Parking was very good. We spent very little time in this hotel. You just get in your car and drive wherever you want. But for your trade: How much is the rental value of your timeshare? Rooms at the Sahara vary in price. We only paid $47 per night(Mon. to Thurs.). Probably double on Fri. and Sat. Try running the figures. By all means go for a week to Las Vegas. But, you may be able to do it on your own cheaper than the value of the timeshare you are trading. Sorry if I told you things you already know. But, then, maybe it will help someone else. Good Luck Gerry

The Sahara is the history of Las Vegas. Judy Garland, Jack Benny, George Burns, Johnny Carson have all played and stayed there. Elvis used to always stay there before he signed with the International. Do you want some fancy, smancy baby boomer, yuppie type place or do you want a Las Vegas experience? I'm staying at the Sahara. See you in the Congo Room.

Yeah? Well the history of high class air travel used to be a 6 seat propeller plane, too. The Rat Pack all flew that way at times, too. Doesn't mean I want to emulate them! And clothing? Just because leisure suits were fashionable in the 70's when Elvis was still King doesn't mean I'm going to hit the town in a fine powder blue number with fat white contrasting stitching! Give me Mandalay Bay or Bellagio any day!

Hi Lois, I would try for the Jockey Club, right in the middle of all the new places,across from the Aladdin. We were in LV 9/00 and walked the strip, at that time there was not much of interest that end of town. RCI has the Jockey Club, and the rooms were nice, we traded a studio and got a 1 bdr 1.5 bath. Good Luck Joyce

hey gerry....what's wrong with an older budget clientele? we all don't make six-figure incomes. i hope you eventually become a upper demographic...still checking out the strip.

The original poster stated that she normally stays at Mandalay Bay. As such, Gerry's comment that the Sahara caters to an 'older, budget clientele' was intended (I believe) not as a knock against those who like the Sahara, but to let Lois know that the hotel she's used to is geared toward a different demographic than the Sahara. A fair comment, I think.

mj: My comment was "The hotel is older AND caters to a more budget clientele.(ie. than the Mandalay Bay.) I noticed no difference in the age of the customers from any any of the hotels on the strip. They also had tour groups booked there. These were people not willing or able to pay Maydalay Bay prices. I also noticed that they have a very nice(if older) swimming pool that was not nearly as crowded as those down the strip. But, one aggrevating thing, maybe related to this post, was that every time you entered from the garage, they tried to sell you a time share. Basicaly, I agree mj. You can stay a whole week at the Sahara for the price of 1 or 2 nights at Mandalay Bay. Go have the $4.99 brunch and then go hang out at Bellagio or Venetian. They'll all think you are just another retired millionaire and they'll will treat you like one. But, you'll probably need a car on your trip. It's a very long walk. If you have a car, I also recommend The New Orleans and any of the Station Casinos. They are all new and very affordable and nice. Also, if you have a flexible schedule you can stay during weekday specials at some of the best(most luxurious) hotels on the strip for a very reasonable price(eg. $49-$69 per night).(eg. go to the MGM-Mirage website and click "specials"). They treat you exactly the same as they would if you paid $300+ per night for the room. You don't need a 6 figure income to do this. You will be so glad you gave yourself this treat. Las Vegas is the perfect place for people on a limited budget to have really luxurious experience. Just take advantage of the bargains. And, Don't Gamble--thats where they make their money. Happy hunting, Gerry