The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod sits at the north end of the Strip with the tallest observation tower in the U.S. and insanely scary thrill rides on top. It also has low-priced rooms along with restaurants, bars and shops.
The vibe: Vegas from on high, easy on the pocket, last stop on the Strip before downtown
What we love: You can't miss the The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod. At 1,149 feet tall, it dominates the skyline standing out like a giant. We locals use it for navigational purposes. As you can imagine, the views of the city are extraordinary -- and hotel guests can swipe their room key cards for free admission to the observation decks.
If the views aren't enough for you to get your kicks (we're talking to adrenaline junkies now), then check out the not one, not two, not three...but four different thrill rides. All of them are awesome in their own way. Dangle off the tower on the fast spinning Insanity or teeter-tottery X-Scream. Be shot straight up into the sky on Big Shot. Or walk right off the edge on the vertical zip line SkyJump.
What makes The STRAT unique?: The STRAT (formerly Stratosphere) is known for its outrageous height, jetting into the stratosphere and providing some of the best views of the Las Vegas Valley.
Not to keep talking about the tower, but also located up there is a gourmet restaurant suitably named Top of the World. It revolves 360 degrees. Romance might as well be an item on the menu. If your wallet's starting to feel that vacation squeeze, check out the 107 Sky Lounge instead. Situated a floor above Top of the World, it offers similar jaw-dropping views and fantastic cocktails.
Good to know: You should know that The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod is positioned on the north end of the Strip and downtown. It's not within walking distance to downtown and it's a long way from the heart of the action on the Strip. It's a half mile to get to SLS Las Vegas and then another 1.5 miles to reach Wynn Las Vegas and Encore. On the bright side, there is a bus stop and shuttle stop right in front of the hotel. We recommend taking the Deuce if you're heading to downtown or the central part of the Strip. (If you're here for an adventure-seeking weekend, you can enjoy the rides at Circus-Circus after crossing the STRAT ones off your list. Circus-Circus is less than a mile away.)
After mentioning all the great things you can do on the tower, we sadly have to tell you there are no rooms up there. All the rooms are located in traditional hotel buildings. The base-level rooms are small and come with the bare necessities while the STRAT Select rooms have MP3 alarm clocks, 42-inch flat-screen TVs and safes. If views are important to you, we recommend you upgrade to a room that's located on a higher floor or has a Strip view.
We love, love, love the low room rates at the The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod -- but be prepared because the location (see below) puts you at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip.
Looking for cheap drinks? You'll find some great deals in C Bar, the round bar in the center of the casino. While you may be away from the center Strip, you are close to a beloved Vegas landmark. Luv-It Frozen Custard, a little stand that opened in 1973, is on the northeast corner of Las Vegas and Oakey boulevards, within walking distance of The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod. The custard here is so rich and velvety you'll spurn ice cream. Also if you're sucking it up and walking to SLS, pop into Bonanza Gifts on the northeast corner of the Strip and Sahara Avenue. You'll be blown away by all the stuff -- some classy but most of it bizarre (like Polly, a potty-mouthed parrot) -- you can buy at the self-proclaimed "world's largest gift shop."
Insider tips: You'll need transportation to the heart of the Strip or downtown if you don't have access to a car. Taxis are available beneath the porte-cochere, but the cheapest and often easiest way to get around is by bus. The Deuce (with 24-hour service) and SDX routes both have stops in front of The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod.
What shows and concerts are playing at The STRAT?
Shows at The STRAT include: Iluminate, Xavier Mortimer: The Dream Maker, Banachek's Mind Games, and LA Comedy Club What is there to do at The STRAT?: The STRAT offers some of the best views of the Las Vegas Strip via the Skypod observation deck and rides including Big Shot, SkyJump, X-Screem at the top of the tower.
