Photos:: Sam Nazarian’s SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Los Angeles nightclub operator Sam Nazarian bought the former Sahara Hotel and Casino, closed it, then renovated and reopened it as the SLS Las Vegas.   (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Cleo is one of the signature restaurants inside the SLS Las Vegas. Sam Nazarian owns and runs most of the nightspots and eateries in the SLS.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

A customer is reflected in the ceiling of the entry at the new SLS Las Vegas.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

A 3-D elelctronic digital screen keeps images rolling above one of the bars in the casino at the SLS Las Vegas.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Life, a nightclub inside the SLS Las Vegas, is a great spot for a photo.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Dean Martin and other Rat Pack members are honored with their images in the carpet at the SLS Las Vegas. The renovated property rose from the bones of the old Sahara Hotel and Casino, one of the Rat Pack’s hangouts.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

“Saam,” designed by Philippe Starck, is among the whimsical touches at the SLS Las Vegas.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Sam Nazarian took a huge gamble by opening the $800-million SLS this summer in the decaying northern reaches of the Las Vegas Strip.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

One of the Luxe King rooms at the SLS Las Vegas has a mirror on the ceiling, chandeliers and a French feeling.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Guests at the new SLS Las Vegas can rest on the “lily pads” in the pool area.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Just for the fun of it, there are images of monkeys all over the new SLS Las Vegas, including the windows near the elevator lobby.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)