Hotel review: Stratosphere, Las Vegas

The Stratosphere is an extremely good-value hotel with some of the best gambling odds on the Strip. It has paid the price for being located at the most northern point of the Strip just that little bit too far from the rest of the action and in a bit seedier part of town. Having faced bankruptcy, then received an injection of capital to provide a raft of new amenities, the Stratosphere finds itself offering party-time products in an environment that always looks as if it needs a lick of paint.

In its favour, though, are some real crowd-pleasers. XScream is the latest of a raft of thrill rides that, along with Big Shot! and The High Roller, attract the thrill seekers. Those with a less robust constitution can enjoy the observation deck in the tallest building in the city and enjoy a drink as the bar gently circles so you can see every dramatic view.

The restaurant scene is one of the hotel’s biggest hits. Its Top of the World Restaurant provides great food and an incomparable view of The Strip. The Crazy Armadillo, a fun Oyster Bar with live entertainment daily and singing and dancing Shooter Girls and bar staff, is a boon, as is the Tequila Sky Bar with its flair’ bartenders and tequila shots. Roxy’s Diner is another fun place. Set in the 1950s, it provides classic all-American dishes, while the waiters and waitresses sing and dance along to the rock ‘n’ roll music.

The headliner for the nightclub scene is the new Polly Esther’s, a popular nightclub chain that brings disco balls, Doc Martens and DeLoreans to the floor, opened in 2007. This complex is actually four night-clubs in one: Polly Esthers salutes the funky 70s; Culture Club brings back the 80s, Nerve Ana embraces the 90s while the ultra lounge Suite 2000 pounds with current club music.

Beach Club 25 was the first of the “European-Style Sunbathing” facilities in Las Vegas. It is a popular, secluded adult environment with table tennis, fitness equipment, water volleyball and fun parties, with fantastic views of the Strip from its 25th-floor location. It is also incredibly popular with cast members of the topless Bite show who frequent the facilities to perfect their tans and allow the males to drool.

Another chill-out zone is provided on the eighth floor of the tower block. The 67,000sq ft (6,030sq m) pool and recreation deck offers a huge pool, oversize spa, waterfall and private cabanas.

The competitively priced rooms are among the cheapest on the Strip, although they aren’t quite as good a value as first blush. The otherwise budget-priced hotel charges a sometimes pricey “resort fee” on top of your hotel bill, which makes the value go from amazingly cheap to merely very good.

Reservations: 702-380 7777

Website: www.stratospherehotel.com

Fax: 702-383 5334

Room rates: From $39 MonThurs; from $89 FriSun

Location: At the northern end of the Strip

Theme: Tallest building west of the Mississippi

Cost: $550 million

Rooms: 2,444

Shows: American Superstars and Bite

Nightlife: Polly Esthers, Crazy Armadillo Oyster Bar, Images Lounge, Top of the World Lounge and Tequila Sky Bar

Entertainment: Highest observation tower in America, world’s highest roller-coaster and world’s highest thrill ride, the Big Shot

Restaurants: 2 fine-dining experiences including the revolving Top of the World Restaurant on the 106th floor, plus 5 casual dining outlets

Chilling out: Beach Club 25 and pool and recreation deck and Roni Josef Salon Spa

Shopping: the Tower Shops

Other amenities: A wedding chapel and state-of-the-art video arcade