The Strat is a combined hotel, casino and signature tower located on Las Vegas Boulevard just north of the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. Its tall concrete-and-steel tower rises above the city and serves as a visible landmark for residents and visitors.

Overview and main features

The tower portion, commonly called the Stratosphere Tower, reaches 1,149 ft (350.2 m) and is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. It contains observation decks, dining and entertainment spaces and a collection of adrenaline rides near the top. The complex also includes guest rooms, gaming floors and event venues on the lower levels, combining hospitality and attractions in one site.

Attractions and amenities

Visitors may access panoramic indoor and outdoor viewing platforms and a revolving restaurant at or near the tower summit. Several thrill attractions operate at the tower rim, designed to provide dramatic views and sensations. On the ground level the property offers conventional casino gaming, dining options and live entertainment typical of Las Vegas resorts.

History and identity

The property has evolved through different names and ownerships, and in recent years adopted the marketing name "The Strat" while retaining the familiar tower identity. The facility was developed to combine a visible vertical landmark with resort functions, drawing both casual sightseers and overnight guests. Its location just north of the main Strip places it at a transitional zone between the downtown and resort corridors.

Significance and distinctions

  • Tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States; second-tallest observation tower in the Western Hemisphere after the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario.
  • Tallest structure in Las Vegas and in the state of Nevada, and the tallest tower west of the Mississippi River.
  • Serves as both a tourist attraction and a functional hotel and casino, contributing to the city's skyline and visitor economy.

As an iconic vertical element on Las Vegas Boulevard, The Strat remains a notable example of combining observation architecture with resort operations: it is visited for its views, unique ride experiences and as a recognizable piece of the city's built environment.