The STRAT Hotel, Casino and Skypod is both iconic Las Vegas landmark and, for nearly a quarter-century, the location of the most elevated 360-degree view of the Vegas Valley. Rotating restaurant Top of the World is arguably one of the top three places in Vegas to have a romantic dinner before popping the question, and definitely the highest due to its location 106 stories above the Strip.
While access to the sweeping vistas and thrill rides provided by the Skypod (including the unforgettable Big Shot) at the top remain unchanged, the property itself is in the final phases of a reimagination. The view from the south end, where vice president and general manager Stephen Thayer arrives for an elevator ride and interview amid the tiara- and lace-adorned throngs of a Valentine’s Day crowd, is completely transformed, with anchor venue Blvd. & Main Taphouse established as a social drinking-and-dining hub. Thayer says it will be a go-to place for wings and wildness during March Madness, with special betting kiosks set up.
107 SkyLounge Photo by: Rangel Photography
“What we’re hearing now from our guests is they love the renovations, the way the property looks and feels, and they’re sticking around longer,” says Thayer, a veteran Caesars Entertainment executive who returned to Vegas from Atlantic City in October. “They’re playing table games or slot machines, or going to have a drink at Remix lounge where we now have live entertainment on a regular basis.”
While free parking and free valet remain unchanged, the casino floor is laid out differently, with sculptural chandeliers overhead giving off an orange glow in contrast to the new blue signage on the exterior and illumination from the video panel installed above the entrance. An irresistibly Instagrammable sculpture by Vegas artists Nick Stiley, Adin Fly and James Talbert titled LOOK! greets guests as they pull onto the property, the first of a dozen works commissioned by Kevin Barry Fine Art.
The view from the centrally located Total Rewards desk would be unrecognizable to a visitor whose last stay was four years ago, warmer with new games and pedestrian paths, but we’re heading for the top. It takes two full minutes to reach the 107 SkyLounge, where Thayer orders a shellfish platter from Top of the World’s menu that’s a triumph of super-sized shrimp, crab legs and lobster in stuffed and solid form. Cheers following accepted wedding proposals ring out.
Top of the World Photo by: Anthony Mair
“We need to make sure we differentiate ourselves from some of the center-Strip properties because you’ve got to take a little extra time to come out and see us. We’re always taking a look at what works and what doesn’t,” says Thayer, adding that the north end of the casino floor is up next for transformation, and The STRAT is a gateway of sorts to Las Vegas’ Arts District. “We’ve expanded table limits. We’ve made it so credits are a bit more available for our guests. We’re looking to attract all sorts of new gamers here. … Ultimately, the vision is to provide an elevated, but approachable, experience.”
The STRAT, 800.998.6937
