The STRAT’s 1,149-foot tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and the easiest landmark in the city to spot. On top are an indoor and outdoor deck and a set of rides that hang riders over the edge.
The hotel itself is one of the cheaper options on the Strip, at the cost of being a long walk from everything else.
The story
Bob Stupak’s Vegas World casino stood here before the Stratosphere tower opened in 1996. The tower was built to be the city’s signature landmark, and its rides at more than 800 feet up are still some of the highest in the world. Golden Entertainment rebranded it as The STRAT in 2020 after a long renovation.
A few hours at The STRAT
- Start at the SkyPod deck an hour before sunset and stay for the lights coming on along the Strip.
- If you have the nerve, add one ride; X-Scream and Insanity hang you over the edge.
- Take a rideshare or the Deuce south afterwards: it is a long walk to the centre Strip.
Stay here if
You want a cheap room, a pool and views, and do not mind travelling to the action.
Skip it if
You want to walk everywhere or are here for a short first trip.
Free here
- Views of the tower from anywhere in town
Worth paying for
- SkyPod observation deck
- Thrill rides at the top (SkyJump, Big Shot, X-Scream, Insanity)
- Top of the World revolving restaurant
Pool: Rooftop pool area on the 8th floor.
Getting around: About a 20-minute walk to Sahara and the nearest monorail station; most guests use rideshare or the Deuce bus for the centre Strip.
Things to do here
Paid · The STRAT
SkyPod and thrill rides at The STRAT
The highest observation deck in Las Vegas, with rides that dangle over the edge.
Observation deck
Check rates for The STRAT
Compare prices and dates on the big booking sites. Remember that most Las Vegas resorts add a nightly resort fee, so compare the total price. Resort fees explained.
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Good to know
- It is far from the centre Strip: budget for transport.
- Sunset from the SkyPod is popular; go a little before.


Walking from here
Door-to-door estimates at an easy pace. Walk calculator →
Opened 1996 (as the Stratosphere)Operator Golden Entertainment
Frequently asked questions
What is free at The STRAT?
Views of the tower from anywhere in town.
How do I get around from The STRAT?
About a 20-minute walk to Sahara and the nearest monorail station; most guests use rideshare or the Deuce bus for the centre Strip.
Does The STRAT have a pool?
Rooftop pool area on the 8th floor.
Have you stayed at or visited The STRAT?
Tips from travellers
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Questions from readers
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