The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod

The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod — formerly known as the Stratosphere — opened on April 30, 1996 at the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip. Its defining feature is the Stratosphere Tower, at 1,149 feet (350 metres) the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. The tower's SkyPod observation deck offers 360-degree views of Las Vegas, the surrounding desert, and on clear days, the Spring Mountains to the west.

The tower's most distinctive attractions are its thrill rides, which operate at the very top of the structure. SkyJump Las Vegas is a controlled descent by wire from the 108th floor at 829 feet above ground — effectively a guided bungee jump that drops riders past the observation deck. Big Shot launches riders vertically up the needle above the SkyPod. Insanity suspends riders over the edge of the tower in spinning seats at 900 feet. X-Scream tilts riders off the edge of the tower on a teeter-totter structure. These four rides collectively make the STRAT's observation deck one of the most intense theme-park experiences in the United States.

The casino floor occupies the base of the tower and spans approximately 80,000 square feet. The resort is positioned as a value-oriented option on the north Strip, drawing visitors who prioritise the tower experience and gaming over luxury hotel amenities.