Photo Courtesy of Starwood Hotels and Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has signed SLS Las Vegas and plans to transform the 1,613-guest room property located on the iconic Las Vegas Strip into a dual branded hotel. The move will significantly expand Starwood’s footprint in Las Vegas. The property offers planners 80,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space.
Two towers of the SLS complex (1,324 guest rooms) will be rebranded as SLS Las Vegas, a Tribute Portfolio Resort by the end of this year. The Lux tower (289 guest rooms) will be converted to W Las Vegas after a renovation in 2016.
The Tribute Portfolio brand, introduced just six months ago, enables SPG members to “Stay Independent” at distinctive hotels while enjoying the benefits of the industry’s most powerful loyalty program. The premiere of W Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip marks a milestone opening for Starwood’s W brand as the first opening in North America since 2009. The W Las Vegas conversion will include the addition of a W Living Room (the W brand’s take on the traditional hotel lobby), a dedicated entrance for W guests, nearly 14,500 sq. ft. of new W-branded meeting and event space, signature Away® Spa, FIT® state-of-the-art fitness center, and an exclusive outdoor WET® pool deck and bar.
“SLS Las Vegas, with some 1,600 rooms, is a milestone addition to Starwood, growing our total footprint worldwide by nearly half a percent with a single signing,” said Adam Aron, chief executive officer of Starwood Hotels & Resorts on an interim basis. “This is a perfect example of what Tribute Portfolio was designed to do—bring the power of Starwood to great independent hotels, while giving our Starwood Preferred Guest members and global guests more access to sought after destinations around the world. It also allows us to debut our iconic W brand on the world famous Las Vegas Strip, an incomparable stage for the dynamic energy and vibrant scene of W Hotels.”
W Las Vegas will be managed by Starwood, while the remainder of the property, including the additional hotel towers, casino, food and beverage outlets, and nightlife venues, will continue to be managed under the direction of Scott Kreeger, the hotel’s president and chief operating officer.
“We have long wanted to increase our Starwood presence in Las Vegas, a much desired destination for our SPG members, who occupy 50% of our guest rooms on any given night,” said Allison Reid, SVP, North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “This deal not only allows us to expand our footprint and give our members more options on the Strip but also speaks volumes to the power of Starwood’s brands and our industry-leading distribution, loyalty and sales platforms that will contribute to the success of this landmark property.”
SLS Las Vegas will join Starwood’s four existing hotels in the market, which include The Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa, The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Four Points by Sheraton Las Vegas East Flamingo and Element Las Vegas Summerlin.
Las Vegas Building Boom
Las Vegas in general is currently experiencing tremendous growth, thanks in part to a $9 billion investment in developments, including a $2.5 billion expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center, located near SLS Las Vegas. Last year, Las Vegas welcomed a record 40+ million visitors. Its occupancy rate is projected to be 30 percent higher than the national average in 2015.
Tribute Portfolio is comprised of exceptional independent hotels around the globe. From boutique resorts to urban destination properties, guests can enjoy access to outstanding four star, upper upscale hotels with an indie spirit while benefitting from the award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program. Launched in April 2015 as Starwood’s 10th brand and second collection of independent hotels, Starwood plans to grow the Tribute Portfolio brand to 100 hotels by 2020. For more information, visit tributeportfolio.com.
W Hotels is a contemporary, design-led luxury lifestyle brand and the industry innovator with 47 hotels and retreats, including 17 W-branded residences, in the most vibrant cities and exotic destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access, offering a unique mix of cutting-edge design and passions around fashion, music and entertainment. With 15 years of proven success, W Hotels is on track to reach more than 60 hotels by 2018. For more information, visit whotels.com.
