LAS VEGAS—SLS Las Vegas says Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has agreed to open its first W Hotel on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip at the SLS development.

Starwood, one of the world's leading hospitality companies, will take over management of the existing 289-room tower, currently operating under the SLS LUX brand, after its conversion to a W Hotel. The W Las Vegas is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2016.

In addition, the SLS Las Vegas will become part of Starwood's Tribute Portfolio, a brand designed to give independent hotels access to Starwood's global distribution systems, worldwide sales organization, and the award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest® loyalty program. Starwood launched the Tribute Portfolio brand in April 2015.

"We are very excited about our new partnership with Starwood," said Scott Kreeger, president and chief operating officer of the SLS Las Vegas. "W Hotels is the pioneer and continuing leader in the luxury lifestyle hotel business, and it's an ideal fit for the approachable luxury experience offered at the SLS Las Vegas. And joining the Tribute Portfolio will strengthen our business across the board." 

Following a renovation, W Las Vegas will include a W Living Room (the W brand's unique take on the traditional hotel lobby), a dedicated entry and reception area for W Hotel guests, an Away Spa, and WET, an exclusive outdoor pool and bar.

W Las Vegas will be managed by Starwood while the remainder of the SLS property, which includes the other two hotel towers comprising 1,324 rooms, the casino, the restaurants and nightlife venues, will continue to be managed byKreeger. The SLS Las Vegas is owned by Las Vegas Resort Holdings, LLC.

"Starwood has long wanted to increase its presence in Las Vegas, a much-desired destination for our SPG members, who occupy 50% of our guestrooms on any given night," said Allison Reid, senior vice president of North America development at 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."

The SLS Las Vegas, designed by Gensler in consultation with Philippe Starck, offers:

·      1,613 guest rooms, including 120 suites.

·      8 restaurants, including Bazaar Meat by José Andrés.

·      3 nightlife/entertainment venues.

·      2 pools.

·      80,000 square-feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space.

·      a 54,000-square-foot casino, including a William Hill sports book.

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.

SLS Las Vegas is an all-encompassing resort and casino with more than 1,600 guest rooms and suites in three distinctive towers, 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and a collection of acclaimed restaurant and nightlife brands.

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.