Key Points:
- STRAT suffers from a less-than-ideal location on the north end of the Strip.
- There are ample dining options, unique attractions, and even cheap transportation that quell concerns.
- My renovated “Elevate” Room cost $83.84 and was IMPRESSIVE.
Located on the north reaches of the Las Vegas Strip, STRAT (formerly known as Stratosphere) wrapped up a $100 million renovation project that touched the gaming floor, exterior of the casino, and 574 hotel rooms in 2020 which they rebranded as their “Elevate Series”.
Previous renovation work had touched over 400 “Elite” and “Grand” rooms.
STRAT has always been a great place to visit, as the SkyPod Observation deck and rides are a great value, but I had yet to stay in the hotel.

I reserved a renovated Elevate room in STRAT’s Vegas Tower, which cost $83.84 after taxes and fees for my one-night stay.
Check-In Experience
As always, I attempted to duck interacting with a human by leveraging STRAT’s self-check-in kiosks but was told by the machine that I’d need to visit the front desk to get my room key for some reason.
Lame.
Vegas hotels really need to figure out how to make these work more than 50%-ish of the time.

Fortunately, the line was short, the agent was awesome, and I was en route to STRAT’s Vegas Tower in no time.

It was obvious on the approach to the room that this tower had received recent renovation work.
The elevator lobbies and hallways were clean, modern, and well-lit.
The hotel was already exceeding expectations, and I had yet to make it to the room.

STRAT’s Elevate Room
That modern, trendy, and genuinely nice vibe spilled into my “Elevate” room.
To be blunt: I was taken aback by how nice this room was.
Suddenly, I was feeling guilty for using STRAT as the punch line in far too many jokes over the years.

What made the most immediate impression was how STRAT used lighting in the room.
The headboard had built-in lighting, and the end tables even had motion-activated lighting underneath which is handy when dark.
Classy touches at a budget property.


Even the closet, which was home to an iron and ironing board, had a light that clicked on upon opening it.

There was a bench at the end of the bed, and the TV had a modern channel guide, which made channel surfing a breeze.


On either side of the bed were pop-up chargers equipped with traditional and USB ports.

Next to the work desk was a coffee maker with complimentary pods, and underneath the desk was an empty mini-fridge – Both coveted amenities.



The artwork in the room was both illuminated and uplifting.
This piece in particular spoke to me, inspiring me to visit the ATM to fight my way back on the casino floor.

I was ready to “Soar, Fly, Elevate, and Rise”.
Anyway. I got cleaned out on the craps table. Oops.
The other piece of art, I believe, was encouraging me to hit the fitness center… but, I’m scrawny and don’t lift… so I skipped it.

The bathroom was small. Challenging for a taller guy, but polished.
The single sink vanity was topped by an illuminated mirror and was stylish enough.

I especially like the aesthetic of the shower, with the blue tile work, although I don’t love the “half glass” setups that allow water to splash everywhere.

Bath Products were provided by H2O Therapy.

Before moving on, I want to highlight how impressed I was with this room. I expected STRAT’s recently renovated product to be fine. I didn’t expect it to be this polished.
What’s Not to Like?
When I review hotels, I don’t only share the good. I give you everything you need to make a more informed decision (cleanliness issues, damage, etc.).
This room was immaculate.
I had to work hard to find a few light scuffs on the work desk and about 3 crumbs in a bathroom corner.


What I assume to be the original A/C unit survived the renovation process, and it was a little loud and rattly. I appreciated the white noise, but some may take issue with it.

The window was covered with a big decorative sticker that allowed some natural light in but didn’t allow me to see out.
Even if the view was subpar, I’d prefer that to a covered window.

The biggest concern about staying at STRAT is the resort’s location relative to the Strip and Fremont Street, as neither is comfortably walkable.
The neighborhood also isn’t one you want to spend much time milling about in…. It’s a rough crowd out there.
That said, you could hoof it to Sahara (a sub 15-minute walk) to catch the monorail to the Strip if you wanted to.

Resort Experience
A FREE Shuttle
While STRAT’s location is a bit of a downer, the FREE Downtown Loop Shuttle stops here and can bring you to and from Fremont Street and several other spots in between like the Pawn Stars Pawn Shop and the Arts District for nothing – Just bring a few bucks to tip!

STRAT’s Casino
Like my room, STRAT’s gaming floor was also a recipient of renovation work and almost felt elegant.
I dug this abstract sculpture thing that really tied the room together and the ceiling decor was cool too.


In addition to the typical assortment of slot games, STRAT was dealing $10 blackjack and crapless craps, which is a rung cheaper than casinos mid-Strip.
The sportsbook also looked like a great spot to catch a game.

Dining Lineup
Considering STRAT isn’t near other resorts, ample dining options are important – Fortunately, there’s a good assortment of options with numerous culinary influences that include:
PT’s, a sports bar specializing in “American Pub Fare”, was unfortunately closed when I desperately needed wings and/or a burger to refuel. An affordable option, most meals ring up at a sub $25 price point.

Chee Asian Kitchen, which prices *most* entrees in the $20-$40 range.

McAll’s Heartland Grill is a steakhouse, that offers most steak and prime rib options at a sub $50 price point.

I settled on the STRAT Cafe for lunch and snagged a French dip, which carried a menu price of $21… and honestly, just wasn’t good.

The bread was stale, the meat was luke-warm at best, and it just tasted “cheap” for lack of a better term.
Whatever. I got calories out of the deal.

Top of The World is located in the SkyPod 800 ft above the Strip and is an ideal date night destination.

There are also a few quicker options like a Pizzaria, McDonald’s, and a Starbucks.
STRAT’s Pool Scene
Strat’s “Swim & Social” Pool is perched on the rooftop in the shadow of the hotel tower and SkyPod and is a pretty cool scene.

The pool is big, sunny, and upbeat, and I appreciated how they built in a few shade canopies so that folks seeking reprieve from the sun could do so.
I visited later in the afternoon, but there were more than enough loungers to handle the crowds.

Atomic Golf
Atomic Golf is reachable from STRAT via a climate-controlled hallway and is an attraction similar to Topgolf.


There, you’ll be able to play intuitive and social golf games that are fun for folks of all skill and experience levels.


It’s a great concept, I visited on a hot July afternoon and found the range visually unappealing during the day and HOT AF. The range is also pointed west, so the sun bears down on golfers in the afternoon/evening.
That gray turf does come to life at night though with cosmic lighting effects – It’s an evening destination.

Observation Deck & Rides
My favorite attraction at STRAT is their SkyPod Observation Deck and rides, both are worthy of your time, even if you’re not staying at the resort.

You can buy an Observation Deck ticket in advance on STRAT’s website for $20-$30 depending on the day, but I snagged my most recent mid-week ticket on Vegas.com for $15.
Individual thrill ride passes, and even an “all you can ride” pass can be added onto your observation deck ticket for next to nothing – and they’re so fun.
Big Shot shoots you straight up 160 feet (to reach an elevation of 1,081 ft) at speeds of 45 MPH.

X-Scream is like a teeter-totter that dangles you 27 feet off the tower’s edge at heights of 866 feet from the ground.

If you’re insane enough, you can jump off of the SkyPod in a controlled free fall from 829 feet, reaching speeds of 40 MPH on your decent to the target below.
The Observation Deck experience has 2 parts, which are indoors and out.
The indoor portion has seating, large tablets that help you understand what you’re looking at out there on the skyline, a bar, 108 Drinks, that offers a 2-for-1 happy hour from 3–7pm Mon-Thurs, and even a restaurant with grab and go fare like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.


The indoor portion of the experience is great because it’s climate-controlled and allows for a 360-degree view of Las Vegas, meaning you can see both the Strip and Fremont Street.
The Outdoor portion of the experience only extends about 50% of the way around the tower, but serves up some great views of the Strip to the south.
This view = Worth. Every Penny.

I’ve done this multiple times and it has yet to get old. Do it.
Photo Opps
Although the neighborhood is a bit sketch, you should probably hop outside to grab a souvenir photo of the new-ish Gateway Arch, which has a more compelling look at night.

And don’t forget about the showgirls, which has unfortunately been defaced a bit… and I’m pretty sure a rough dude was pooping behind the “G” in Las Vegas.

The Verdict: Is an Elevate Room at STRAT Worth the Money?
STRAT. Apologies for being unfamiliar with your hotel game.
I don’t know what I expected coming in, but my renovated “Elevate” room was impressive.
I easily got my $83.84 worth, and I’ll be back.
My room wasn’t the only impressive part of the property though.
Golden Entertainment has done a great job with the casino floor and broader resort. It just feels nice – The kind of place you want to hang out.
Dining options on site are ample and the free Downtown Loop Shuttle and inexpensive Deuce Bus could be a great option for overcoming STRAT’s less than ideal location on a budget.
I can’t speak to their cheapest room product which has yet to be renovated, but if you’ve been on the fence about staying at STRAT and can get over the location, spend a few extra bucks to book an Elevate room – They’re fantastic.
Want a better look? Check out my video review of STRAT on YouTube:
NYNY Soho King Review (also renovated!)

I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.