There are hotels, and then there are Las Vegas resorts. While there are thousands of things to do in Las Vegas, it can be a bit daunting to choose which activities to do on a short weekend. With mega-resorts of all kinds, Las Vegas provides numerous one-stop options for a fantastic vacation or staycation.
The STRAT Staycation
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod is the perfect destination for thrillseekers. With a whole host of rides at the very top of the tower, numerous restaurants and some of the best views in town, you can enjoy a staycation here without even having to leave the property. The STRAT invited us in for a hosted visit to check out the property and its amenities, so follow along for the perfect thrilling staycation.
Observation Deck at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod
Check-In
While the property is a bit older (it opened over 25 years ago), the rooms and numerous spaces inside the resort have been renovated. Inside your room, you’ll find modern light fixtures, bedside charging ports, sleek fixtures and understated color schemes. Request a room with a view—if you’re lucky, you might be able to enjoy sweeping views of the Las Vegas valley or even the Strip.
Hotel Room at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod (©Melanie Lee)
Lunch & the Skypod
After checking into your room, head up to the Skypod to enjoy an afternoon of thrill rides. Big Shot shoots riders up to the very top of the tower at 45 miles per hour. Insanity spins seated guests out over the edge of the building for an unobstructed view over 900-feet below. X-Scream dangles riders 27-feet over the edge of the tower and back again. If you’re looking for the ultimate thrill, try Skyjump and take a trip off the edge of the 108th floor of The STRAT. After your afternoon thrills (and once your stomach has settled), enjoy lunch at 108 Eats (the sandwiches and cookies are a great afternoon treat) and a drink at 108 Drinks. If you’re not into thrill rides, the observation deck at the Skypod is still a fantastic spot to enjoy (or you can sit and relax with a drink and a view inside). Tickets for the observation deck start at $20 plus taxes and fees; ride passes with the observation deck start at $39 plus taxes and fees (one ride on Insanity, X-Scream and Big Shot each). An unlimited option starts at $49 plus taxes and fees.
X-Scream at The STRAT (Courtesy Golden Entertainment, Inc)
Dinner at Top of the World
One of the best views in Las Vegas is at Top of the World—the restaurant on level 106 of The STRAT. The famous revolving restaurant is especially perfect at sunset, and the complete rotation takes over an hour, so sit back and relax. The menu features a variety of raw and chilled seafood, fantastic appetizers like the baked brie or the braised lamb shoulder and a selection of wonderful entrées like the “42oz Tomahawk Chop” (definitely something to share). Make sure you don’t skip dessert—the warm butter cake and layered chocolate hazelnut cake are both lovely endings to a wonderful meal.
Sunset View of the Strip From Top of the World (©Melanie Lee)
Take in a Show
The STRAT is home to numerous shows, so you don’t have to venture back down the Strip for some excellent entertainment. Magic fans can enjoy the talents of Xavier Mortimer, while “Banachek’s Mind Games Live” will stump any skeptic. Rock and roll fans will love Sammy Hagar, and Friends and fans of the King of Pop can enjoy the “MJ Live” tribute show. The “Best New Act in America” Illuminate blends performance elements to create a complete experience while LA Comedy Club brings various talents to the stage.
Banachek on Stage (Courtesy Banachek)
Breakfast
Open for all meals; STRAT Café is open 24 hours Friday through Sunday, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday (with take-out only from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). It’s the perfect spot to grab breakfast with menu items like the “New Mexico Burrito” and “STRAT Bennie.” Head to level two after breakfast for some retail therapy or souvenir shopping.
Breakfast at STRAT Café (©Melanie Lee)
Hit the Pool
A perfect staycation wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the pool for some Las Vegas sunshine. Hit the Elation Pool, Café & Bar for some sunbathing during the regular season. WET24 Pool and Bar are currently open in the off-season from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the pool is typically 18 and over only during the regular season and is available to hotel guests when Elation Pool, Café & Bar is closed). Hotel guests can enjoy the complimentary daybeds (first-come, first-served basis only) and soak up the last of the Las Vegas warmth before the season changes.
Elation Pool, Café & Bar (©Melanie Lee)
