The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower sits at 2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, anchoring the north end of the boulevard with a 1,149-foot tower that’s the tallest freestanding observation structure in the United States. Opened in 1996 as the Stratosphere and rebranded The Strat in 2020, the 2,427-room resort is owned by Vici Properties and operated by Golden Entertainment.
It’s the pick for travelers who want a landmark view and adrenaline over Strip-center polish: the SkyPod’s Big Shot, X-Scream and SkyJump rides sit 800-plus feet up, rooms run noticeably cheaper than Strip-center towers, and the 80,000-square-foot casino and rooftop pool give it a full resort feel without the crowds.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: North Strip, 2000 Las Vegas Blvd S
- Operator: Golden Entertainment (owned by Vici Properties)
- Opened: 1996 as Stratosphere; renamed The Strat in 2020
- Rooms: 2,427
- Price tier: Budget to mid-range
- Casino: 80,000 sq ft with William Hill sportsbook
- Signature attraction: SkyPod Tower (1,149 ft) with Big Shot, X-Scream and SkyJump
- Headline venue: Rouge showroom and LA Comedy Club
Rooms, Pool and Casino
Rooms span renovated Elevate, Elite and Select categories (roughly 320-340 sq ft) up through Tower, Boulevard and Classic Grand suites topping out near 1,100 sq ft, all recently updated. The rooftop-level pool deck, home to the Swim & Social pool experience, is a highlight for a resort at this price point, and the 80,000-square-foot casino floor covers slots, table games and a sportsbook without the maze-like sprawl of the megaresorts.
Shows, Attractions and Dining
The property’s calling card is the SkyPod: indoor and outdoor observation decks on floors 108-109 plus three thrill rides — Big Shot, X-Scream and SkyJump, the country’s highest commercial jump — clustered near the top of the tower. On the ground, entertainment includes the Rouge showroom, LA Comedy Club and the Ikons of Rock tribute show. Dining runs nine venues, led by Top of the World Steakhouse (the revolving restaurant near the tower’s peak) and CHĪ Asian Kitchen, with quicker options like Nunzio’s Pizzeria and STRAT Café.
Location and Who Should Stay Here
The STRAT sits at the Strip’s northern gateway — technically within Las Vegas city limits but outside Clark County’s official Strip boundary — putting it roughly 3.5 to 5 miles from the Sphere, T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Stadium, which cluster near the Strip’s center and south end. That’s well over an hour on foot, so it’s a rideshare, taxi or Deuce-bus trip rather than a walk. It’s a strong fit for budget-conscious travelers, thrill-ride fans and view-chasers who don’t mind commuting to central-Strip venues, but a poor choice for anyone planning to walk between shows and arenas nightly.
Explore more: more Las Vegas Strip hotel guides, tips for catching a Las Vegas residency show.
The STRAT FAQs
What is the resort fee and is parking free at The STRAT?
The STRAT charges a resort fee (commonly cited around $45-57 per night depending on rate) covering pool and fitness center access. Self-parking has shifted between free and paid tiers in recent years, so confirm current rates at booking; Nevada residents have historically parked free.
Is The STRAT within walking distance of the main Strip and T-Mobile Arena?
No. It sits at the far north end of Las Vegas Blvd, about 3.5-5 miles from the Sphere and T-Mobile Arena — well over an hour on foot. Plan on a rideshare, taxi or the Deuce bus rather than walking; it’s actually closer to Fremont Street Downtown than to those central and south Strip venues.
Are the SkyPod thrill rides included with a hotel stay?
No, SkyPod observation deck access and thrill rides (Big Shot, X-Scream, SkyJump) are sold separately as tickets, typically starting around $30, whether or not you’re a hotel guest.
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Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.