Stratosphere Las Vegas


I remember when the Stratosphere Las Vegas opened, and skeptics abounded, myself included. Some 10 years later, the Stratosphere has improved itself to become a true "player" in Las Vegas , trying to overcome its biggest drawback--its location--by sending its guests high above the rough neighborhood where it resides.

When the Stratosphere first opened, their hotel building wasn't even done; however the spire that sits above the skyline is truly amazing, and even if you are not staying there, it's worth the trip and the admission to head to the top of the Tower. Just make sure you take a taxi--walking into that coarse Las Vegas neighborhood would be a bit of a gamble.

The Tower , Stratosphere Hotel Las Vegas' signature structure, is the tallest building west of the Mississippi at 1,149 feet. It has no hotel rooms, and on top is where all of the action is. There is a wedding chapel, the observation deck, a great restaurant, and best of all, four thrill rides out in the open air around the top. They are:

  1. High Roller. The world's highest roller coaster; you can see most of Nevada , but it is fairly tame. Not worth the money.
  2. The Big Shot. I rode this one the day it opened. Oh my. The view is amazing, and I think my shorts are still up there!
  3. X-Scream. What the Stratosphere High Roller should have been in the first place. You are driven over the edge and shaken. Very scary.
  4. Insanity the Ride. The newest ride, and best use of the height of the Stratosphere tower of the four. You sit in a seat dangled over the edge and rotate. Don't eat just before going.

The Stratosphere Casino Las Vegas also has the highest restaurant in Nevada , from which you can see all of Clark County . The Top of the World Restaurant, www.topoftheworldlv.com , is a great eatery. I enjoy the food, but you pay for the view, which rotates around if you sit on the outside.

For more on the Stratosphere Resort Las Vegas, click on www.stratospherehotel.com .

You can also check out more information on Las Vegas trips and on the city itself at www.lasvegas.com or www.vegas.com .