For the ultimate thrill rides, the best dining, and the most incredible views around – check out SkyPod at the STRAT™.
Lady luck hasn't been much of a lady to me when it comes to roulette, craps, blackjack, or keno, my go-to fave game at brunch. I think my biggest win ever was $80 on the Double Diamond slot machine, and I was thrilled. I cashed in and headed to the pool, which is probably why I'm not offered free suites in the Octavius Tower at Caesars. Though I did luck out when I scored tickets to The SkyPod at The STRAT via Tripster.
SkyPod at The STRAT
When the weddings, sequined Elvises, strip lights, and slot dings all get to be too much, I highly suggest breaking away to The STRAT Las Vegas. Go at night if you can for an expansive, epic view of the legendary Las Vegas valley. Beyond the spectacular glitzy 360-degree vistas, you can see helicopters zoom by and watch the planes land at the Las Vegas International Airport.
As my family typically drives south on I-15 into the beating pulse of the city of lights, we know we've arrived when we see the STRAT! They say its' where "Vegas begins and ends." The old town's famous Observation Tower also has great food, entertainment, Vegas history, oh, and did I mention a few rides?
Fun Fact: Other amazing observation decks across the world in comparison to the STRAT's (1,149Feet):
- Space Needle (605 feet)
- Washington Monument (555 feet)
- Statue of Liberty (305 feet)
- Sydney Tower (1,001 feet)
- Eifel Tower (1,063 feet)
- Tokyo Tower (1,092 Feet)
- Macau Tower (1,109 feet)
I'm going to admit that besides not being much of a gambler, I'm not exactly a thrill-seeking fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of girl either. I don't like extreme heights, horror movies, rollercoasters that go upside down, and virtually anything 'exhilarating.' So, I'm pleased to say it was WINDY, and all of the rides were closed the day I went to the STRAT.
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Lucky for me the Skypod has plenty to see and do without risking life and limp, just kidding! The STRAT says these rides are perfectly safe. They're inspected daily and monitored with computers. Over 46,000 guests ride the tower thrill rides each month!
Pro Tip: Check the weather and call ahead if you're planning to ride any of the STRATs adventures. On windy days the rides are halted.
Attractions at The STRAT
SkyPod and Observation Deck
One of Las Vegas' most exciting attractions is The STRAT Hotel SkyPod and Observation Tower. Known as the tallest observation tower in the United States, the SkyPod offers incredible views of the world-famous Las Vegas skyline.
At 1,149 feet, it's the second-tallest observation tower in the Western Hemisphere. Surpassed only by the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario, which stands at an impressive 1,815 feet.
The SkyPod, on top of the STRAT Tower, includes a revolving restaurant, lounges, tables, telescopes, and plush, comfy armchairs and couches for your viewing pleasure.
Indoor Observation Deck
The air-conditioned lower deck features angled windows and is perfect for those who don't need the feel the wind whipping their cheeks on the top floor.
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Outdoor Observation Deck
On the upper outdoor deck, guests can scan the city through viewfinders and take on one of the STRATS' rides. I made it to the top and peered over the edge, which was about as madcap as I was willing to go.
Observation Deck Events/Convention Tower
If you're hosting an event or reception, you must check out SkyPod's Observation Deck Events Center. The room holds between 100 to 2,000 guests and has an award-winning cuisine to consider. The 360-degree views created a magical ambiance for the wedding venue happening the night we attended.
MJ Live – Michael Jackson Tribute Concert
Guests can sing along to some of the greatest hits from this legendary megastar. I've seen this one and can attest the MJ Live band, dancers, and the entire production is outstanding.
The Stratosphere Elevator Ride
Take a ride to the top to experience the STRAT in all its splendor. The elevators zip you from the ground to the 107th floor in about 30 seconds. The Tower's double-decker elevators are among the fastest in the world, traveling at a speed of 1,801 feet per minute.
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The Tower Shops
The STRAT Hotel and Casino at the base of the Tower include a showroom and mall for all your shopping needs. Â
Fun Fact: The old "High Roller" was a steel roller coaster on top of the Stratosphere Tower constructed at 909 feet over the Las Vegas Strip. The ride, which closed in 2005, needed refurbishing, and since it was the least popular ride, owners shut it down.
photo credit: The STRAT Las Vegas via Facebook
LA Comedy Club
Located on the casino floor inside The STRAT, the LA Comedy Club has nightly shows at 6 pm, 8 pm, and 10 pm. It was voted "Best Comedy Club in Las Vegas by LVRJ five years in a row.
Temporary Tattoos
While I'm at it, let's just say the idea of having a needle jabbed into my arm for 30 plus minutes while I get inked is probably not in my ten-year plan. I admit to dreaming what I'd do if I had the nerve, angel wings, a Celtic cross, or a Buddist script with a deep message like Angelina.
If you're not ready to commit to the ink, their Jaguar gel tattoos last up to five weeks are 100% natural! I'm considering it!
WET24
On the 25th floor, the recently remodeled WET24 is an adult-only Euro-styled (Code: Bathing suit tops are optional!) spa with vibrant skyline views.
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Elation Pool Café & Bar
On the 8th floor of the STRAT, the Elation Pool has three oversized spas, chaise lounges, cabanas, music, and majestic views. The kid-friendly 67,000 square-foot deck features water volleyball, a café, and special events area.
photo credit: The STRAT Las Vegas via Facebook
SkyPod at The STRAT Entertainment
The rides at the SkyPod are over 900 feet high. Take a gander below to read about these four extreme thrill rides if you dare.
Big Shot
This terror-like sling through the air shoots riders 160 feet at 45 miles per hour to a height of 1,081 feet. Sounds fun, right!?
X-Scream
This roller coaster shoots you right off the edge of the building, catapulting riders 27 feet over the edge of the Tower at 30 miles per hour, then dangles you 109 stories with your feet in the air.
I have it on good authority from a friend who has done them all that this one is the most terrifying... I mean.. best!
photo credit: The STRAT Las Vegas via Facebook
Insanity
This insane claw drops you as quick as your heart leaves your chest, then swings riders out 64 feet over the edge at 900 feet in the air and spins at a 70-degree tilt.
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Skyjump – "This is Fear"
Skyjump holds the Guinness World Record for highest controlled descent at 855 feet. This open-air leap from 829 feet above has speeds topping 40 miles per hour.
Or another way to describe it, it's a free-falling bungee jump from the 109th story side of the building.
photo credit: The Strat via Facebook
STRAT Restaurants/Bars
The dining options are as expansive as the view!
Top of the World
At 108 stories, the Vegas views are jaw-dropping! For a top-rated dining experience, check out this upscale award-winning eatery with an elevated menu of double-cut pork chops and seared sea bass.
Wedding parties and special events are welcomed.
Pro Tip: Top of the World enforces a strict dress code that does not allow beachwear or gym attire.
photo credit: The STRAT Las Vegas via Facebook
PT's Wings & Sports
They had me at 24 beers on tap! PT's pub-style bar-fare food is paired with dozens of microbrews and features an LED wall and HDTVs.
McCall's Heartland Grill
McCall's offers another combination of fine dining and delicious comfort food. With an array of steaks, appetizers, and delectable seafood like the bacon jalapeno wrapped prawns, fried calamari, and pan-seared crab cakes, it's an excellent option before hitting the Tower. Located on the 1st floor, McCall's Whisky Bar is also a STRAT favorite.
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STRATCafe
This café, open 24-hours, offers artisan sandwiches, pasta, and salads. With generous portion sizes of country fried steak and eggs, and an Asian menu with Hunan-style orange chicken and spicy peppered prawns.
108Eats
If you're in the mood for a meatball panini or a delish turkey club, you've come to the right place. Located within the SkyPod at the STRAT, this eatery comes with fab views and tasty treats.
Pro-Tip: Sky High Happy Hour at The STRAT is from Monday through Thursday from 3 pm to 7 pm.
108Drinks
Need some liquid courage for Insanity or, like me, the ride back down the elevator? 108 has fab drink choices, from frozen Daquiris to specialty cocktails like the Miami Vice or the Rye Tiki Sour. A Bulleit Rye Whisky, orgeat, lemon and pineapple juice.
photo credit: The STRAT Las Vegas via Facebook
View Lounge
Overlooking the William Hill Race & Sports Book, this lounge offers craft cocktails in the heart of the action.
photo credit: View Lounge at SkyPod via Facebook
The STRAT Backstory
The idea that the visionary American mobster, Bugsy Siegel, drove to the desert and imagined the Las Vegas Strip gives me goosebumps.
I'm always interested to hear how certain casinos got their beginnings. For The STRAT, it was entrepreneur and casino owner Bob Stupak, who had a casino that burned down only two months after it opened. Stupak then opened his Vegas World Hotel and Casino in the exact spot of the STRAT.
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Despite opposition from The FAA for its height, Stupak (another dreamer) planned to build a landmark observation deck. He hired lead architect Ned Baldwin, who designed the CN Tower in Toronto. The Tower opened in 1996, the third most expensive casino in history. Stupak had to file bankruptcy in 1997, then the STRAT transferred and sold twice until its current owner, Golden Entertainment, purchased it in 2017, and reinvented the STRAT Hotel, Casino, and SkyPod.
photo credit: The STRAT Las Vegas via Facebook
As part of its new "Elevate" series, the hotel has remolded 574 rooms with modern designs and 55-inch televisions. The "Elite" rooms offer much grander suites. The recent renovation feature a fresh sign, updates to the two pool complexes, and several new art installations that include sculpture called "Ebb & Flow" by local artists Manny Avila and the Blue True Group.
A sculpture called "LOOK!" stands at the entryway on South Las Vegas Boulevard and West Bob Stupak Avenue. It's made up of three ascending figures made of stainless steel. Other art highlights showcased are "Shimmer and Shine," created by EcoMouse, inspired by the lights of Las Vegas.
Photo Alert: Snap a pic in front of "LOOK!" These steel pieces stand over 15 feet tall!
There are many other eye-catching pieces throughout the hotel, so make sure you take them all in after visiting the SkyPod!
Coming Soon
Atomic Range
Opening in late 2023, the Atomic Range will be a premier golf entertainment destination with an immersive, technology-enhanced gameplay experience.
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This new attraction by Golden Entertainment includes 103 hitting bays, four bars, a meeting space, and a 12,000 square-foot arcade called Astrocade.
The 92,000 square-foot golf entertainment will be just north and adjacent to the STRAT. Construction costs are expected to be approximately $70 million, and Atomic Range will bring 500 new jobs to the area.
What is Your Favorite Way to Experience SkyPod at The STRAT?
Leave us a comment below!