FRIENDLINESS RATING: B
I've never had a problem with anyone being unfriendly at the
Sahara, but most of the employees look as if they'd rather be
someplace else. An above-average, older staff (but they COULD
learn to smile more)! Most of the dealers are a little slow,
but their personalities are exceptional. The dealers always
make you feel welcome and are always willing to take time to
teach you the ropes if you don't know a game. You'll never be
turned away at the Sahara.
ROOM RATING: C
Nothing special; average Comfort Inn-type rooms. Your grandmother
would be comfortable here.
GAMBLING RATING: B
The Sahara recently unveiled their new, remodeled casino, and
WOW, what a difference! The dark reds and empty tables have
been redone in flashy gold and blue. Definitely worth a look,
especially if you haven't been to the Sahara in a while! The
Sahara also has a good variety of table games; some of the best
I've seen on the Strip, including Super 9's and 21 Madness.
Nightowls Beware: it's hard to find any table games after 2
a.m.; the Sahara doesn't open enough tables and as a result,
is unable to meet the demands of all of its newly-earned customers
(everyone staying at the Stratosphere comes over to play at
the Sahara).
ATMOSPHERE: B
The casino, once dead and only filled with a few older customers,
is now extremely active! Lots of younger gamblers smoking cigars
and taking advantage of the low table limits. You won't believe
the difference a little renovation makes! Also, playing at the
Sahara is always good for some laughs. Be sure to sit at a low
limit table and make chit-chat with the friendly dealers and
friendly (but poor--like me!) players. We've met some interesting
folks at this casino.
FOOD: B
The new buffet is very, very CHEAP! For $3.99 at lunch, you
can gorge yourself! The food is quite bad but for that price,
you can find plenty that you like. I do not suggest that you
make a special trip just to eat at the Sahara's buffet, but
if you are in the neighborhood and have lost most of your gambling
money, it wouldn't hurt to eat here. Along with the standard
fare (fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fried rice, pizza, pasta)
you get to refill your own sodas/coffee/juice, which is nice.
The buffet is really dirty and the food is bland, but like I
said, it's cheap. The Caravan Room coffee shop (look for the
big camel) is my favorite coffee shop in Vegas. They run $2.49
midnight specials (breakfast foods only, including waffles,
steak and eggs, and ham and eggs) and they have a good side
order of spaghetti for $2.50. The sweet elderly waitresses with
hairnets and orthopedic shoes call you "honey" and make sure
you clean your plate.
OTHER:
Parking is no longer a mess at the Sahara. When we stayed at
the Sahara in the mid-90s, we had to park in the overflow lot
across the street (quite a hike for guests) due to inadequate
parking facilities. I'm happy to report that the Sahara just
opened a 2,000 car parking garage, and now self-parking is a
breeze. The valet parking is also quite efficient here, but
if you are a hotel guest, be sure to valet at the BACK of the
casino, NOT in the front.
