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Cliff Atkinson appointed president of The STRAT
Cliff Atkinson has been appointed president of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, taking the role on November 9. The appointment becomes effective on November 9 and affects guests, casino patrons and visitors to the observation tower, as the new leader will oversee all aspects of the property’s operations.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Cliff Atkinson appointed president of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
- Timing
- Effective 9 November
- Who is affected
- Guests, casino patrons and observation tower visitors
The details
- Announced by
- Golden Entertainment
- Takes effect
- November 9
- New rule
- Cliff Atkinson will oversee all operations of The STRAT, including its 2,427‑room hotel, 80,000‑square‑foot casino and the observation tower, the tallest freestanding tower in the United States.
Appointment Announcement
Golden Entertainment announced that Cliff Atkinson will assume the presidency of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower. The appointment is set to take effect on 9 November, when Atkinson will replace the previous leadership and begin directing the property’s overall strategy.
- Effective date: 9 November
- Previously President and CEO of Fremont Street Experience
Scope of Responsibilities
As president, Atkinson will be responsible for every facet of The STRAT’s operations. This includes managing the 2,427‑room hotel, the 80,000‑square‑foot casino floor, and the iconic observation tower that stands as the tallest freestanding tower in the United States.
- 2,427‑room hotel
- 80,000‑square‑foot casino
- Observation tower, tallest freestanding tower in the U.S.
Transition and Outlook
Atkinson brings more than three decades of luxury hospitality leadership to The STRAT. His résumé includes presidencies at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a tenure as president and COO of Luxor Hotel & Casino, and senior roles at MGM Resorts International and Mandarin Oriental. The new leadership is expected to build on recent reinventions of the property since Golden Entertainment’s acquisition in late 2017.
The transition is slated to be seamless for guests, with no announced changes to reservation policies or service fees. Industry observers anticipate that Atkinson’s experience will further elevate service standards and strengthen the property’s position on the Las Vegas Strip.
- Over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience
- Previously led Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Luxor Hotel & Casino
- Will continue Golden Entertainment’s reinvention strategy
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing reservations at The STRAT remain valid; no changes to check‑in dates are required
- Future bookings can continue as usual; the new president does not alter reservation policies
- Guests may notice service initiatives introduced after 9 November under the new leadership
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced with the appointment
- No additional documentation is required from guests
What you need to do
- Monitor The STRAT’s communications for any service updates after 9 November
- No immediate steps needed for current or prospective guests
Who this affects
-
Current hotel guests
They are staying at The STRAT during the leadership transition
-
Future hotel guests
They will experience the property under the new president
-
Casino patrons
Casino operations are overseen by the new president
-
Observation tower visitors
The observation tower is part of the property managed by the new president
Frequently asked questions
When does Cliff Atkinson start as president of The STRAT?
Cliff Atkinson starts his role on 9 November 2026. The appointment was announced by Golden Entertainment and marks the beginning of his oversight of the hotel, casino and observation tower.
What experience does Cliff Atkinson bring to The STRAT?
Cliff Atkinson brings more than 30 years of luxury hospitality leadership, including presidencies at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a stint as president and COO of Luxor Hotel & Casino, and senior roles at MGM Resorts International and Mandarin Oriental.
Will the appointment affect hotel reservations at The STRAT?
The appointment does not change any reservation policies. Existing bookings stay in place and future reservations can be made as usual, with no new fees or documentation required.
Who announced the new president of The STRAT?
Golden Entertainment announced the appointment of Cliff Atkinson as president of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower.
What facilities will the new president oversee at The STRAT?
Cliff Atkinson will oversee the 2,427‑room hotel, the 80,000‑square‑foot casino floor, and the observation tower, which is the tallest freestanding tower in the United States.
Does the leadership change introduce any new guest fees?
No new guest fees are introduced with the leadership change. The appointment focuses on operational oversight without altering the cost structure for visitors.
