The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, formerly known as the Stratosphere, is a prominent landmark located on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip. It is frequently categorized as a budget-friendly accommodation option for visitors seeking value. The resort provides a variety of complimentary amenities and promotional values designed to enhance the guest experience. These range from included access to the resort’s observation deck to free entertainment options within the property.
Location and General Overview
The STRAT is situated at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. While the immediate vicinity is sometimes described as "slightly scruffy" and lacking in surrounding attractions, the hotel offers easy access to the central Strip and Fremont Street via a two-mile bus ride. The property functions as a full-service resort with a casino, dining options, and entertainment venues.
According to the available data, the resort fee for The STRAT is $36 per night. Despite this fee, the hotel offers several complimentary features that provide value to guests. The resort has undergone renovations to modernize its guest rooms, which are described as spacious and clean. Standard rooms typically include two queen beds and an en-suite bathroom with a bath.
Complimentary Access to The STRAT Tower Observation Deck
One of the primary complimentary benefits for hotel guests is access to the resort's iconic tower. The STRAT Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States, offering 360-degree views of the Las Vegas valley.
- Guest Benefit: Hotel guests receive half-price access to the tower observation deck. The standard price for general admission is $25, so guests pay $12.50 per person.
- Observation: The deck provides views of the surrounding desert and cityscape. It is also a vantage point for watching the "Big Shot" ride and the "SkyJump" attraction, where participants jump from the top of the tower.
- Dining: While not strictly free, the resort features a microbrewery, grill, café, and a Starbucks. The Starbucks is noted as a good option for breakfast.
Free Entertainment and Pool Access
The STRAT offers several free entertainment options and amenities for guests looking to enjoy the resort without additional spending.
- The Pool: The resort features a pool located below the tower. While sunbeds are limited and tend to fill up early, the pool area itself is accessible to guests. It offers a unique vantage point for watching the thrill rides above.
- Big Elvis Performance: A notable free entertainment option mentioned in the source data is the performance by "Big Elvis." This is a popular Elvis Presley impersonator show. It is described as a fun freebie and a great way to rest and escape the sun during the day. The performance is typically held at the Piano Bar within the resort.
- Casino Atmosphere: The casino floor offers a variety of gaming options. While gambling is not free, the casino atmosphere, lights, and sounds are part of the complimentary experience of visiting the resort.
Dining and Value Promotions
For guests looking for dining value, The STRAT provides various options. The "Summer of Value" promotion mentioned in the data highlights specific pricing tiers for stays, which include dining credits.
- Dining Credit: The Summer of Value promotion includes a $25 dining credit with specific stay packages. This credit can be used at the resort's various eateries, such as the microbrewery, grill, or café.
- Budget Accommodation: The STRAT is positioned as a budget option. For example, the data mentions "Summer of Value" pricing featuring midweek stays for $49 and weekends for $99, inclusive of taxes and fees. These rates effectively lower the barrier to entry for staying at a Strip property.
Nearby Free Attractions
While The STRAT itself offers specific freebies, the surrounding area and the wider Las Vegas Strip offer numerous free attractions that guests can easily access.
- The Linq Promenade: Located south of The STRAT, the Linq Promenade is a free outdoor shopping and entertainment corridor. It offers a great viewpoint of the High Roller observation wheel. While attractions on the promenade cost money, strolling the corridor is free.
- Bellagio Fountains: Although not at The STRAT, guests often travel to the central Strip to see the Bellagio Fountains, a famous free water show.
- Mega-Resort Tours: The data suggests touring "mega-resorts" to see their free spectacles. The Luxor, for example, features an impressive Sphinx head and a pyramid-shaped building. At night, a beam of light shines from the top of the Luxor pyramid, which is visible from space.
- The Venetian: Guests can visit The Venetian to experience the indoor canals and Streetmosphere entertainment, which mimics a trip to Venice, Italy.
Transportation and Accessibility
Getting around Las Vegas from The STRAT is relatively easy and can be done inexpensively.
- Bus Service: The resort is accessible via a two-mile bus ride to reach the central Strip or Fremont Street.
- Parking: For guests driving to the resort, the data indicates that self-parking is available. During specific promotional periods, such as the summer, some properties on the Strip (like Resorts World) have offered free self-parking. While The STRAT's specific parking policy is not detailed in the provided chunks, it is a common amenity to check.
Summary of Amenities
The STRAT Hotel provides a specific set of amenities that add value to the guest stay:
- Half-price observation deck access: Saves guests $12.50 off the standard $25 fee.
- Pool access: Free use of the pool area (sunbeds are first-come, first-served).
- Free entertainment: Access to shows like Big Elvis at the Piano Bar.
- Dining credits: Available with specific promotional packages (e.g., $25 credit).
- Clean, spacious rooms: Standard amenities include two queen beds and a bath.
Conclusion
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower serves as a value-oriented destination on the Las Vegas Strip. It balances a lower room rate with a resort fee and offers specific complimentary benefits that enhance the stay. The most significant complimentary benefit is the half-price access to the observation deck, a signature attraction of the property. Guests can also enjoy free entertainment such as the Big Elvis show and make use of the pool area. By utilizing these amenities, visitors can enjoy a Las Vegas experience that includes iconic views and entertainment without exceeding their budget.