For those familiar with other SLS branded hotels (Beverly Hills and Miami Beach), the Las Vegas property is a confusing statement contrary to the chain's goal of hip luxury. While the Lux Tower fulfills most of those expectation with spacious, well designed rooms and suites and nice views, the World and Story Tower rooms are simply warmed over 2.5 star closets; reminiscent of the old Sahara.

I think of it as two hotels in one with really only the Lux Tower meeting standards set by the chain in their other hotels. Perhaps the property would be better marketed as the SLS (Lux Tower) and revive the famed Sahara name for the other two. It's not unheard of for several hotels to share casino, restaurant and retail space. Then the usually empty VIP lounge near the Lux Tower could be used for Lux and Diamond guest check in. It definitely has an identity crisis as rates are very low in all room categories if you know where to look. I love the Lux Signature King Suites with their brilliant Phillippe Starck design especially at a CODE rate of $187. Food is also top notch though spa is a little sparse as compared to other luxury strip hotels,

As for points, I made my first reservation on SLSLasVegas.com through the CODE and got a super $259/night rate for the Lux SLS King Suite which was huge and wonderful with 1.5 bathrooms and a Knoll dining room table. After calling the hotel and giving them my HHonors Diamond number I received the points and all necessary bonuses but no stay/night credit or base points added to my year totals. A quick pdf version of my folio to the Diamond desk resolved an issue that should have been be solved by now for all members.

The real moral of the story to me is Lux Tower good, rest of room areas bad, food and facilities generally excellent. The monorail works well and can take you to Flamingo and the Strip where you can visit any one of a number of hotels or walk to the Bellagio which can transport you through to Aria and Crystals and beyond. Just expect two hotels for two different types of customers in the SLS. Getting the wrong room (especially World or Story Towers) can truly wreck the experience for affluent old geezers like me. I'll be back quite soon but only in a Lux King Suite for $187/night.