The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower stands out as a singular property on the Las Vegas Strip—an iconic observation tower rising above a budget-friendly resort with rooftop pool, casino floor, and signature thrill rides. This guide covers what the property is, why rates stay competitive, and what trade-offs travellers face at this north-end location.
Last checked: 2026-05-31
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Official name: The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower · Location: Las Vegas, Nevada (south end of the Las Vegas Strip) · Tower height: 1,149 ft (350 m) · Former name: Stratosphere · Number of rooms: 2,427 · Notable features: Observation tower, thrill rides (SkyJump, Big Shot), rooftop pool, 360° revolving restaurant
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-31.
Sources reviewed: official property website, booking platforms (Agoda, Expedia), traveller reviews (TripAdvisor), independent video review.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification.
Key facts at a glance
- Tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States at 1,149 ft (The STRAT)
- 2,427 rooms, making it one of the larger properties on the Strip (The STRAT)
- Far north end of the Las Vegas Strip (Agoda)
- Stratosphere; rebranded to The Strat in 2020 (Agoda)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower |
| Location | Las Vegas, Nevada (far north end of the Las Vegas Strip) |
| Tower height | 1,149 ft (350 m) |
| Former name | Stratosphere |
| Number of rooms | 2,427 |
| Notable features | Observation tower, thrill rides (SkyJump, Big Shot), rooftop pool, 360° revolving restaurant |
What is The Strat hotel famous for?
The hotel’s defining feature is the observation tower, which rises 1,149 feet and holds the title of the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States, according to The STRAT’s official site. The tower anchors the property’s identity and draws visitors who want panoramic views without staying overnight.
The iconic observation tower
The tower tops out at 1,149 feet above the Strip. Agoda confirms it is the tallest freestanding observation structure in the United States. From the observation deck, guests can see the entire Las Vegas skyline in every direction, which makes the experience distinct from rooftop pools or lounge views available at other Strip properties.
Thrill rides at the top
The tower hosts paid rides including SkyJump and Big Shot. The official site lists SkyJump as one of the property’s signature experiences, with visitors paying a separate fee to step off the tower’s upper platform. These attractions are operated independently from the hotel stay and require tower admission.
Panoramic Strip views
Top of the World, the 360° revolving restaurant near the tower’s apex, offers dining with rotating views. The official site describes it as an award-winning venue. The combination of observation deck and fine dining makes the vertical experience the property’s clearest differentiator from other budget Strip hotels.
The observation tower is the primary reason guests choose this property, with the revolving restaurant and thrill rides extending the experience beyond a simple view.
Is the Stratosphere hotel still open?
The property remains open and fully operational under the name The Strat. The Stratosphere brand was retired in 2020 as part of a rebranding effort. The tower, casino, and hotel continue to function as they did before the name change.
Rebranding from Stratosphere to The Strat
The transition from Stratosphere to The Strat involved a full name change, updated branding, and revised marketing materials, per Agoda. Online travel agencies updated their listings, and the property’s own website now refers exclusively to The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower.
Current operating status
The casino, hotel rooms, observation tower, and restaurants remain open. Expedia describes the property as an active Las Vegas Strip hotel with casino, poolside bar, and live shows. No closure or pause in operations is indicated in current booking listings.
The property is actively operating and fully open under its new name, with all major venues (casino, hotel, tower) running as of November 2024.
Why is the Strat hotel so cheap?
Nightly rates at The STRAT consistently fall below the Las Vegas Strip average, according to aggregated booking data. Several structural factors contribute to this pricing position.
Location at the quiet end of the Strip
The property sits at the far north end of the Las Vegas Strip. A 2024 review video describes the position as removed from the central resort corridor, which means most Strip attractions require either a long walk or a rideshare or bus ride. Agoda’s location rating of 7.1 reflects this trade-off.
Older room inventory
While the property markets renovated rooms, guest reviews on TripAdvisor include complaints about dated fixtures and inconsistent housekeeping. The discrepancy between the property’s renovation claims and some traveller feedback may contribute to lower rate expectations.
Competitive pricing strategy
Agoda notes that rates may be higher during special events, but weekday and off-peak pricing tends to remain competitive relative to central Strip properties. The combination of location trade-offs and mixed review signals supports lower average nightly rates.
Lower rates reflect the north-end location, inconsistent room-quality signals in reviews, and a property positioning that prioritises value-conscious travellers.
Is The Strat the end of the Strip?
The STRAT occupies the northern terminus of the Las Vegas Strip, where the boulevard begins and ends according to the property’s own marketing language. The next major resort, Circus Circus, is a 15–20 minute walk to the north.
Where the Strip begins and ends
The property’s website states it is located “where the Las Vegas Strip begins and ends.” Independent traveller commentary confirms the far north end position and notes that the property sits at a geographic transition point between the Strip corridor and the areas further north.
Walkability to other hotels
The 15–20 minute walk to Circus Circus is the shortest hop to the next major resort. Reaching central Strip properties like Bellagio or Caesars Palace requires either multiple bus rides or a rideshare. TripAdvisor reviewers mention the Deuce bus as a practical way to cover longer distances.
The Strat marks the northern boundary of the Strip, making it well-placed for travellers heading to downtown Las Vegas but less convenient for those focused on the central resort corridor.
Property specification table
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower |
| Location | Far north end of the Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Observation tower height | 1,149 ft (350 m) – tallest in the United States |
| Casino size | 80,000 square feet |
| Room count | 2,427 |
| Rooftop pool | Yes |
| Signature attractions | SkyJump, Big Shot, observation deck, Top of the World restaurant |
| Location rating (Agoda) | 7.1 out of 10 |
| Nearest airport | Harry Reid International Airport – 7.0 km |
| Children policy | All children welcome; extra beds depend on room type |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Iconic tower experience unique to the Las Vegas Strip
- Nightly rates consistently below Strip average
- Access via Deuce bus and Downtown Loop shuttle
- Rooftop pool on property
- All children welcome policy per Agoda
Cons
- Far north Strip location requires transportation to central attractions
- Mixed traveller reviews on room condition and cleanliness
- Some reviews mention unexpected fees (smoking, parking) per TripAdvisor
- Observation deck and thrill rides require separate admission
Best for traveller types
- Thrill seekers: The observation tower, SkyJump, and Big Shot offer vertical experiences not available at most Strip properties.
- Budget travellers: Rates below the Las Vegas average make this a viable option for cost-conscious visitors who prioritised saving over central location.
- Solo travellers: The Deuce bus stops at the property, making independent exploration practical without a car or rideshare.
- Couples seeking affordable views: The observation deck and revolving restaurant provide a distinctive experience at price points below comparable central-Strip alternatives.
Pricing band
Agoda indicates that nightly rates at The STRAT sit below the Las Vegas Strip average, with weekday pricing typically lower than weekend rates. Prices may increase during major events, conventions, or holidays. The property does not publicly disclose a fixed resort fee in the reviewed sources; travellers should verify total charges at checkout.
Expedia lists the property alongside comparable Strip hotels, positioning it in the mid-to-budget range relative to the broader market. The north-end location supports lower pricing, but the trade-off is reduced walkability to the central Strip.
Location and getting there
Agoda lists Harry Reid International Airport as the nearest airport, with a distance of 7.0 km from the property. Transfers by rideshare or taxi are the most direct option from the airport.
The Downtown Loop shuttle serves the property and connects to Fremont Street Experience, the Mob Museum, the Arts District, and the North Outlet Mall, according to a 2024 review video. The Deuce bus also stops at The STRAT, with single-trip, 24-hour, and multi-day passes available for travel along the Strip.
Parking is subject to availability per Agoda. Self-parking availability may vary during peak periods, and guests are encouraged to confirm parking arrangements before arrival.
Alternatives nearby
| Hotel name | Location on Strip | Tower / attractions | Average nightly rate | Overall rating (TripAdvisor) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower | Far north end | Tallest U.S. observation tower, SkyJump, Big Shot | Below Strip average | Varies by review period |
| Circus Circus Hotel & Casino | North end, adjacent | No major tower; Adventuredome theme park | Budget range | Varies by review period |
| Luxor Las Vegas | South end | Pyramid building; tomb-themed casino | Mid-range | Varies by review period |
The STRAT’s tower sets it apart from Circus Circus and Luxor, both of which lack observation structures of comparable height. For travellers prioritising the tower experience, The STRAT offers a unique proposition. For those focused on central Strip access, Circus Circus or Luxor may present more convenient locations.
Our pick recommendation
The STRAT suits travellers who want to experience the tallest observation tower on the U.S. Strip without paying central-Strip prices. The trade-off is the north-end location: most of the action on the Strip requires either a bus ride, rideshare, or a long walk. If the tower and budget pricing matter more than proximity to the central resort corridor, The STRAT is a viable and distinctive choice. For visitors who plan to spend most of their time walking the Strip between resorts, a more central property will reduce daily transit time.
“The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower in Las Vegas is a one-of-a-kind resort destination featuring thrilling rides, world-class dining, and the tallest observation tower in the United States.”
— The STRAT, official property
“Located on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, The STRAT offers newly renovated hotel rooms, an 80,000-square-foot casino…”
— The STRAT, official property
thestrat.com, tripadvisor.com, agoda.com, tripadvisor.com, expedia.com
Frequently asked questions
Does The Strat have a buffet?
Current dining options include Top of the World, the 360° revolving restaurant near the tower’s apex. Buffet availability varies by season and demand; guests should check the official site for current dining listings and hours.
What restaurants are at The Strat?
The property lists Top of the World as a signature dining venue. Additional dining options include casual and poolside venues. Operating hours vary by day and attraction per The STRAT tripbuilder page.
Is there a pool at The Strat?
Yes. The property features a rooftop pool accessible to hotel guests. Expedia lists a poolside bar as part of the property’s amenities.
Can you go to the observation tower without staying at the hotel?
Tower admission is available to non-hotel guests for a separate fee. The observation deck and thrill rides operate independently from the hotel stay, according to Agoda.
What are the hours for the tower and thrill rides?
Operating hours vary by day and attraction. The STRAT’s tripbuilder page lists time windows for different venues, and hours can shift based on demand and season.
Is The Strat family-friendly?
Agoda states all children are welcome at the property. Extra beds are available depending on the room type selected.
How far is The Strat from McCarran Airport?
Harry Reid International Airport is 7.0 km from the property, per Agoda. Rideshare or taxi transfers are the most direct route.
What is the parking situation at The Strat?
Agoda indicates parking is subject to availability. Guests are encouraged to confirm parking status before arrival, particularly during peak travel periods or major events.