Stratosphere, Las Vegas

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The Stratosphere Tower is located at the northern end of the main Strip area. At 350m high it is the tallest observation tower in the USA and hence a major Las Vegas landmark. From the top you can enjoy excellent views of the Strip and the surrounding landscape from the outdoor observation deck.

But this isn't just the place to come and enjoy the views from the safety of an observation deck. The tower is also home to the world's highest thrill rides, which hang off the top of the tower, 110 stories above the Strip! There are three different rides to choose from, and there is no way you would get me on any of them!

You can buy a ticket to just access the observation deck, and then pay for any ride tickets as you go, or buy combination tickets too.

After a visit to the tower, you can always recover with a meal or a drink or a gamble at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino, which sits below the tower.

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Security is tight and they inspect and have everyone go thru metal detector. They also have a huge list of rules before you can go up in the tower. Make sure you read them before you either purchase your tickets or before you head for the entrance incase you have to leave something at the car or bell desk.

Since opening in 1996, this 1,141-foot-tall Stratosphere Tower has captured the attention of everyone alike. It is 869 feet high with a 360-view of the city, the Stratosphere's outdoor observation deck is the tallest of its kind in the country. Yet, I hate heights, but I enjoy this. What a spectacular view. I keep telling myself I am going to do this at night and some day, I will.

A TIP: If you hate heights and get some vertigo, go outside on the deck, do not stay inside it makes it worse. I noticed the observation glass is set at an angle, so it kinds of distorts the senses. I know, I know, but it helped me and the fresh air helps too. What a view!!!

Hours of operation: Sunday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 1 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays, 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Cost: Please either check the website of call the attraction for current cost.

The hotel is actually called Stratosphere. But up at the top of its needle-like tower there is a ride called Insanity. They strap you in, dangle you over the edge with a 300-metre drop below you and then subject you to a 3g force as the arm whirls round and round. They should have called it Stratosfear.

One of my main reasons for going to Vegas was to do the rides at the top of the Stratosphere. I had seen them on Travel shows at home in Australia and have been keen for years.

We finally got to the top of the tower on the morning we were leaving (I probably regret not doing it at night as well because both views would have been different and amazing.).

My fiance does not do rides of any sort especially crazy ones on the top of towers so he just bought entry to the tower, I got a ticket for all three rides. The took photos before we went up and gave us some history and general knowledge on the way up.

I was scared even stepping out to the closed in viewing area. It was an awesome view though. Then it was up to the open air and I did the Insanity ride first. I have never been so scared in my life. The adrenalin was amazing. I was too scared to even scream.

I must admit I chickened out on the X Scream. Having my fiance there saying 'you would have to be crazy to go on any of these rides' didn't help but maybe next time.

I loved the big shot and would recommend it to even people who get a bit scared on those rides. There was the great G force feeling going up and then the weightlessness coming down was beautiful. You couldn't see the tower or anything close you just felt like you were floating down. Amazing.

Of course on the way back down we fell for the tourist trap of buying the photos superimposed on Vegas scenes that they took before we went up. Of course they are lying in a drawer now but what a day.

located at the north end of the strip the stratosphere is much like the other casinos in that area. the casinos on the north end of the strip are not as upscale as the casinos in the central and south strip. here table limits will be lower. the main attraction of the stratosphere is its tower. for a fee you can go to the top of the tower for an impressive view of las vegas.

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Stratosphere is located at the northern end of the Strip, away from the main attractions, but a visit here is well worth it. The resort has one of the Las Vegas landmarks, the Stratosphere Tower which is 1149 ft (350 m) tall. From the top of the tower you get great views of the city. The views from Eiffel Tower offer more detail but here you can get a feeling of how big Las Vegas is; the mountains in the distance make for a great background. Also at the top two rides are offered, a roller coaster and a free-falling thingy called The Big Shot. I didn't try any of them but I can tell that they look scary.

Apart from the tower you'll find everything of what is offered in a Strip resort: the casino which is located on the ground level; shops, restaurants and a 1500 rooms hotel. We stayed here once and we enjoyed the room and their all you can eat buffet.

The Stratosphere is 1,149 feet high, and taller than the Eiffel Tower ( we're talking Paris, France, not Paris Las Vegas). The ride up goes amazingly fast, less than a minute.

The views are actually quite breathtaking, and they do recommend you go twice; once during the day, and the other at night. However, we didn't have time to return at night, so we'll have to make it a priority the next time.

If you want to send someone over the edge, or love thrill rides, make sure you go on The Big Shot. This ride is located on the tower's top needle, and shoots riders up with the force of four G's, then drops them at zero G's -- avoid this if you have a pacemaker! My husband rated this the best ride in Vegas, bar none.

The other thrill ride that is worth taking is X-Scream. Basically, this is a giant teeter-totter that is on the edge of the Stratosphere tower, and you are dangled over the edge of the tower, back and forth. If you do have someone riding on the X-Scream, have them sit in the front, and you can actually take their picture from the enclosed observation area of the tower with a backdrop of Vegas.

The High Roller roller coaster was closed when we were there, but I have heard that it's a very slow, short roller coaster and not really worth it.

For a full day pass, it's about $26.00 US, which includes all rides and tower admission. This is worth it if you are a big fan of rides, and go on them a couple of times each. For the tower admission alone, it's $10.00, and and extra $4.00 if you return the anytime the same day.

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The Stratosphere is a high tower and part of the Stratosphere Casino. When we got inside the casino I thought it was worn and shabby. There were only small shops selling touristy stuff and it was a bit tacky. I would never ever stay at the Stratosphere. We bought the tickets for the tower at the second floor at the ticket booth, but we had to walk through all the shops and cafes to get to the entrance of the tower. Everyone had to pose for a photo before getting in to the elevator.. (hate that..) Up in the tower there's a Starbucks, it was a bit more expensive than other Starbucks. Anyway, you can enjoy the view inside the tower behind the large glass windows.. or you can go outside (up a floor). We almost missed the outside balcony..cause there weren't any signs or anything. I have to admit I was a bit dissapointed as the view over the Strip was quite unimpressive, lots of construction sites.. I think it's better at night! When the neon lights are blinking. There are some rides as well, some crazy rollercoasters where you are tipped outside the tower and then back again.. several times. They close it down when it's too windy. I didn't have the guts to do it though and I never will.