You can't miss it. If you’re flying into Harry Reid International or driving up from the California border, that giant concrete needle basically screams "You're here." But honestly, The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower—formerly known simply as the Stratosphere—occupies a strange, lonely space in the Vegas hierarchy. It sits at the very edge of the North Strip, a literal bridge between the shiny, multi-billion dollar resorts of the main corridor and the gritty, revitalized arts district of Downtown Las Vegas.
It is tall. Really tall. At 1,149 feet, it’s the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. To put that in perspective, it towers over the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas and dwarfs the High Roller observation wheel. But for years, people kinda looked down on it—and not just from the observation deck. It had a reputation for being a bit dated, a bit "budget," and a bit out of the way.
Things changed around 2020. Golden Entertainment poured over $100 million into a massive rebrand. They dropped the "Casino & Resort" mouthful, shortened the name to The STRAT, and actually fixed the rooms. Now, it's this weirdly compelling mix of high-adrenaline thrill rides and surprisingly sophisticated dining, all wrapped in a building that looks like it belongs in a 1960s sci-fi flick.
The Bob Stupak Dream and Why It Almost Didn't Happen
The history of the The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower is a chaotic mess of ambitious gambling and near-bankruptcy. It was the brainchild of Bob Stupak, a legendary Vegas promoter known as the "Polish Maverick." Stupak originally had a small place called Vegas World on this site. He wanted to build something that would make the world stop and stare. His original vision was even crazier—he wanted a tower that would surpass the height of the CN Tower in Toronto.
Engineering reality hit hard. Winds in the Las Vegas valley are no joke. During construction in the mid-90s, the project faced massive fires and financial collapses. When it finally opened in 1996, the Stratosphere was a marvel, but the company behind it went into bankruptcy shortly after. Why? Because the North Strip was a ghost town. People would come for the view, look around, and then take a cab straight back to Caesars Palace.
Why the Observation Deck is Actually Worth the Price
Most tourists avoid the "tourist traps," but the tower is different. It’s the best view in the city, period. Most people go at night to see the neon, but go at sunset. Watching the sun drop behind the Spring Mountains while the lights of the Strip flicker on is something you actually have to see to understand.
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There are two levels: the indoor deck and the outdoor deck. The indoor area is climate-controlled with floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s great if you have kids or if it’s 115 degrees outside. But the outdoor deck is where the real Vegas energy is. You’re over 100 stories up, the wind is whipping, and you can hear the screams from the thrill rides above you. It's visceral.
The Rides That Might Make You Vomit
Up at the very top, they have these mechanical nightmares that only a certain type of person enjoys.
- Big Shot: It blasts you 160 feet straight up the mast of the tower. You hit 4G forces. It’s over in seconds, but your stomach stays up there for a few minutes.
- Insanity: A giant claw arm that extends 64 feet over the edge of the tower and spins you at 40 mph. You’re looking straight down at the pavement 900 feet below. Honestly? It's terrifying.
- X-Scream: A giant teeter-totter that tilts you over the edge. It feels like the car is going to fly off into traffic.
Then there’s the SkyJump. It’s a "decelerated power fan" jump. It isn't bungee jumping because there’s no bounce. You basically jump off the 108th floor and plummet toward a landing pad while attached to a high-speed wire. It holds a Guinness World Record. If you do this, you get a certificate, but mostly you get the bragging rights of not crying on camera.
Eating at Top of the World
Let’s talk about the revolving restaurant. Usually, "revolving restaurant" is code for "overpriced mediocre steak." At The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, the Top of the World restaurant has actually stepped up its game. It rotates 360 degrees every 80 minutes.
The food is expensive—expect to pay Strip prices for Wagyu or sea bass—but the execution is significantly better than it was a decade ago. It’s a formal dress code kind of place. If you’re looking for a cheaper way to see the view, just go to 108 Drinks. Grab a cocktail, sit by the window, and skip the $100 entree.
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The Casino Floor and the "Vibe" Shift
The casino floor at The STRAT is huge, roughly 80,000 square feet. It feels different than the Bellagio or the Wynn. It’s more approachable. You’ll see guys in cargo shorts next to people in suits. Because it’s a bit removed from the "Core Strip," the table minimums are often lower. You can still find $10 or $15 blackjack here when the rest of the Strip is demanding $50.
They’ve also added the REMIX Lounge and a massive William Hill sportsbook. The sportsbook is a major draw now because they put in these massive LED screens that make it one of the better places to watch NFL games on a Sunday. It doesn’t have the "old Vegas" smoke-filled basement feel anymore; it’s bright, modern, and actually smells decent.
Sleeping at The STRAT: The Room Situation
If you stayed here in 2012, I’m sorry. The rooms were rough. But the "Elevate" and "Select" series rooms they’ve rolled out recently are legit. They went with a minimalist, modern aesthetic—think greys, whites, and pops of color.
The "Wet24" pool on the 24th floor is another bright spot. It’s an adult-only rooftop pool. It’s not the massive "day club" chaos of Encore Beach Club, which is actually a plus for some people. It’s more of a "chill with a mojito and look at the mountains" vibe.
Is the Location a Problem?
Sort of. You aren't walking to the fountains at Bellagio from here. Well, you could, but it’s a three-mile hike through some areas that aren't exactly scenic. However, the Deuce bus stops right out front, and Uber/Lyft rides to the center Strip are usually under $15. The upside? You’re five minutes from the Fremont Street Experience and the Arts District, which is where the best local bars and breweries are anyway.
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Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you're planning to head to The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, keep these specific tips in mind to avoid the typical tourist headaches.
- Skip the Ticket Line: If you’re staying at the hotel, you usually get a discount or free access to the tower. Check your resort fee inclusions. If you’re just visiting, buy your tower tickets online in advance to save about five bucks and skip the first queue.
- The Happy Hour Hack: 108 Drinks has a happy hour (usually 3 PM - 7 PM). It’s one of the highest bars in the world. Drink there, take your photos, and you’ve basically paid for your tower entry through the price of a couple of drinks.
- Parking is Free-ish: Unlike most Strip resorts that charge $25 for the privilege of parking your own car, The STRAT still offers free valet and self-parking for many guests and local players. This is a massive win in modern Vegas.
- Check the Wind: If the winds are over 35-40 mph, they will shut down the outdoor rides. They won't always tell you this at the bottom of the elevators. Check the weather app or ask the concierge before you pay for a "ride pass" on a gusty day.
- The "Secret" Bar: Check out the View Lounge. It overlooks the casino floor and has a much more "local" feel with decent video poker odds if that’s your thing.
Moving Beyond the Tower
The STRAT is no longer just a needle in the desert. It has become a legitimate anchor for the "New North" end of the Strip. With the Fontainebleau and Resorts World finally open nearby, this area is finally filling in the gaps that Bob Stupak couldn't fill thirty years ago.
Whether you're there to jump off a building, eat a steak while spinning, or just find a hotel room that doesn't cost $400 a night, the tower remains a weird, essential part of the skyline. It’s stubborn. It’s loud. It’s very Las Vegas.
Actionable Steps for Travelers:
- Book "Elevate" Rooms Only: If you’re staying overnight, avoid the base-level "Standard" rooms. The price difference for an "Elevate" room is usually less than $20, and the quality jump is massive.
- Strategic Timing: Visit the tower on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Friday nights are packed with people trying to get "The Gram" shot, and wait times for the elevators can exceed 45 minutes.
- Explore the Arts District: Since you’re already this far north, take a 5-minute Uber to Main Street. Visit Able Baker Brewing or Velveteen Rabbit. It's the "real" Vegas that exists outside the casino walls.
- Security Awareness: While the resort is very safe, the immediate area surrounding the North Strip can be spotty at night. Stick to ride-shares or the bus rather than wandering blocks away on foot after dark.