If you’re planning a Las Vegas vacation (or local staycation) and considering The Strat, recent TripAdvisor reviews paint a picture that’s less “Sky’s the limit!” and more “Rock bottom.” From mysterious smoking charges to rooms that reek like sewage, guests are finding that what happens in Vegas should definitely not happen at The Strat.

“The room smelled like poop,” writes one recent visitor who fled to another hotel after enduring an ice-cold shower and unresponsive customer service. Another guest discovered holes in their bedding and black mold in the shower, and one was harassed by security for… sitting in the casino’s Starbucks.
The property’s troubled history might explain its current state. Like a quickie drive-through marriage gone wrong, The Strat seemed cursed from the start. Opening in 1996 in the aptly named “Naked City” neighborhood, the $550 million project burned through money faster than a tourist at the penny slots. Bankruptcy was filed, and another entity took over to complete the project. A mysterious fire in 1993 during construction (still unsolved) was just the beginning. The FAA opposed the tower’s height, pilots weren’t thrilled about a potential aviation hazard, and the opening night fireworks show filled the observation deck with smoke, stranding VIP guests outside for several hours.
But today’s guests might prefer being stranded in the tower to staying in the rooms. Recent reviews describe an experience that makes the seediest Motel 6 look like the Bellagio. One visitor spent three days begging for washcloths while their stopped-up sink enjoyed an extended vacation of its own. Another guest was charged a $350 smoking fee despite not smoking – though, given the reported state of some rooms, lighting up might have been an improvement.
The customer service appears to match the accommodations. One review describes a front desk scene straight out of a high school cafeteria, with employees “hanging out talking amongst themselves” while guests waited in line. When the guest complained about being placed in a smoking room despite documented allergies, staff allegedly threatened to call security.
The Strat seems to have mastered the art of the unexpected charge. Multiple guests report mysterious smoking fees appearing on their bills after checkout, with one visitor noting that “the whole hotel & casino smells like cigarettes and weed!” It’s like being charged a wetness fee at a water park.
Even the basics seem beyond The Strat’s capabilities. “No hot water,” reports one guest. “No coffee in room, no refrigerator,” laments another. The pool? Closes at 6 PM – because apparently, what happens in Vegas needs to wrap up before dinner. And don’t get too excited about that “renovated room upgrade” they might offer you at check-in. One guest paid $400 extra for what they believe was “the worst room in the hotel.” Rooms are described as dark, dingy, and smelly.
The hotel’s attempt at automation isn’t helping either. One guest described dealing with “a bot via text” while their room reeked of sewage. When they finally escaped to another hotel, the bot cheerfully reminded them about online checkout. At least the AI overlords are maintaining our city’s tradition of taking your money with a smile.
Parking adds another layer of chaos to the experience. Regular-sized pickup trucks? Too tall for self-parking. The solution? “Overflow parking” across Las Vegas Boulevard – for just $100 per day. That’s not a typo. You could probably rent a helicopter for less.
Even the positive reviews come with caveats. “The front desk gentleman, Todd, and the Bellman, Berto, were very nice,” writes one guest before launching into a litany of complaints that would make a prison warden blush. It’s telling when the best part of your hotel stay is the person who helps you escape your room.
The Strat’s recent rebranding and renovations (completed in 2023) appear to have done little to address these fundamental issues. While the property boasts the tallest observation tower in the United States, it seems the only thing higher than the tower is the number of customer complaints.
For visitors considering The Strat, the message from recent guests is clear. Unless your idea of a Vegas vacation includes begging for washcloths, dodging security while drinking Starbucks, and possibly paying $100 to park your pickup truck across the street, you might want to roll the dice elsewhere.