Stratosphere Hotel and Casino
- Lilly
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 15
- Reviews
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31
- Photos
Editor Pick
Stratosphere Tower
- July 7, 2006
- Rated 2 of 5 by
Saphira from Pine Hill, New Jersey
There is nothing like waking up to your first morning in Las Vegas. As you shove your face full of cheap buffet pancakes and scrambled eggs, you brainstorm ideas as to what you should do first. As my husband and I thought that we would be spending money throughout our trip, we decided the first activity should be free. As guests of the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino, we were allowed to visit their famous tower for free during daylight hours. We elected that the tower should be our first adventure.
The vision of Bob Stupak, quite notorious in his day as a very eccentric casino owner, Stratosphere Tower is the tallest free- standing observation tower in the United States. It is 1,149 feet of reinforced concrete and due to Bob Stupak being his own contractor in the tower’s beginning, one of the three legs is slightly crooked. If you look hard enough you can actually see it. It was still incomplete in 1993 when it caught fire (much like some of Stupak’s other failed ventures) and did not see it’s opening day until Vegas World was finally bought out, striped bare and the renovated.
After going through a lot of security we were ushered on the elevator, which speed its way to the top of the tower. I must admit the view was spectacular. I know most people think Vegas is only exhilerating to see at night, but from that vantage point it was just as interesting in the daylight. You could see for miles and I took particular notice of how the whole city was bordered by tall desert mountains. If you get thirsty there is a Starbucks inside. Once outside you can view the various rides. There is a roller coaster, the big shot, x-scream and insanity. The roller coaster is no more than a glorified kiddie ride, but you can always say that you rode the highest roller coaster in the world. Insanity was just your typical carnival swings suspended over the edge and by far the most thrilling ride was x-scream. You are seated into a roller coaster type car that tilts you over the tower’s edge. It actually looks as if you are going to fall right to your death. We didn’t go on any of the rides, but we watched a group of muscled macho Texans scream like junior high girls as they prayed that this would not be the day x-scream’s breaks gave out.
The tower was definitely something interesting to do, however at $9.95 a person I’m not certain it was worth that much money. Each ride is $8.00 a person per ride or you can purchase an all day pass to ride everything for $30.00. Unless you want bragging rights, again the price didn’t seem worth it. It was fun being able to see the whole layout of Las Vegas from above and plotting and planning our week out with this real life map, but for us it was free.
From journal Las Vegas- A Different WILD
Stratosphere Tower & Thrill Rides
- February 17, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
mdb4c from Hohenwald, Tennessee
The rides were really fast and fun. I especially liked the Big Shot. I screamed a lot while riding it, but I would definitely ride it again. Also, there is an observation deck that allows you to see the city below. Very cool!
From journal Las Vegas Vacation
Stratosphere Tower
- September 7, 2005
- Rated 4 of 5 by
NJdudette from Newton, New Jersey
For $10.95, you can travel to the top of the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower and watch the crazy people on the thrill rides. The views are magnificent, and in true Las Vegas style, there’s a snack bar, bar, and Starbuck’s at the top. Be prepared to wait anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to get to the top, as everyone gets in the same line (thrill-seekers and voyeurs alike).
From journal Las Vegas in September
Dinner and Show @ Stratosphere
- July 15, 2004
- Rated 5 of 5 by
ReedIII from Columbus, Ohio
The tribute show of a variety of stars was great. The Legends show certainly delivers something for everyone regardless of musical taste. I actually have a much better appreciation for Britney Spears now that I have seen the show.
From journal Long Las Vegas Weekend
sightseeing
- June 26, 2004
- Rated 3 of 5 by
bandsan from Gary, Indiana
I toured a Marriott Resort. Within the hotel, I was shown a demo of the resort they were building. They showed us the view out of a window of the proposed resort. Every room had a big screen T.V.
From journal Vegas Heat