I am Ok with the Stratosphere!
Written: Oct 04 '03 (Updated Oct 06 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good for the price. Nice and friendly staff.
Cons: Location is a little far from major action on strip.
The Bottom Line: This a very good casino for those on a budget. The location is a little far up the strip from where most other major casinos are.
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| outkaster's Full Review: Stratosphere Hotel & Casino |
You know after reading all the reviews on here when I was planning my trip I almost did not stay here. I am glad I did because it was literally you "get what you paid for".
I got my trip off Expedia.com and this was the most reasonable rate for lodging I could find that was on the strip. After I got my baggage from McCarran airport I checked in without any hassle. They gave me two room keys and explained the rules. My room was located in elevator number one section which is actually behind the tower and staircase to the "r" level of shops. I stayed on the sixth floor. As with most casino's you have to walk through the gaming area to get to anywhere. I got into my room and it was clean and had all the basic necessities with an ironing board, iron, TV, a table and two chairs. There was a place to hang clothes which was nice. The decor is sort of strange I have to admit. There is a sort of olive color on the carpets with strange tans mixed in. It was not that big of a deal with me as with other reviewers. Being you are on a budget in the first place you should not complain because there are far worse places to stay. This is not the Bellagio. The staff was helpful and was accomodating if there was a problem.
As far as eating the casino has the basic buffet for $7.50 all you can eat breakfast. The dinner was about $14.00. I could not comment on lunch because I was already out most of the time. You have to walk all through to the back of the casino to get there which is kind of a pain. There is a small lounge to the right called "Oasis" showing video's of major concerts and then major league sports on the weekend. I sat in there a couple of nights watching the Eagles and Eric Clapton. In the mornings they have a travel kiosk by "Lucky's" restaurant which is also next to the valet parking. They have a Japanese restaurant and an Italian restaurant called Pellegrini but I never got to eat at either one. There is a Karoke bar which is annoying kind of (most are) but it was really dead in there.
On the "R" level is where the entrance to the main tower is. I think it is about 1579 feet tall. I never got up there. The lines were way to much of a wait to pay 8 dollars for and stand around. Because the city is open all the time the nights get crowded, especially for the attractions and restuarant at the top. I cannot say much but there is a $17.00 charge that includes the rides up there. I believe there is a roller coaster and a gravity ride plus a new tettor-totter type ride that is opening soon. At the "R" level there is a bunch of shops. Not major retailers but some interesting shops like those including Chinese gifts, Western wear, a massage machines kiosk, magic shop and rock and roll themed stores. There is a McDonald's, Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream place, sandwich place, pretzel stand, and a Pizza place. If you need internet access there is a gift shop with a couple of PC's there. You can pay $5.00 for 15 minutes. There are also some shops that just sell postcards, bottled soda and water,shot glasses and Las Vegas themed gear. As you know every little thing is to make money. I worked out in the open air weightroom on floor 8 that was a five dollar charge. $12.00 if I wanted three days worth. It is NOT included in the room charge because a separate company owns the gym area and runs it as well. The pool deck was busy so it was distracting a little lifting free-weights. You can go inside to use the treadmills and stair machines and it is air conditioned.
My only mistake or oversight was that I did not realize the Stratosphere is located so far to the north of everything. I spent 11-15 dollars in cab rides to either the Bellagio, Venetian, Luxor or back from Ceaser's Palace. I had to hit the ATM in the casino more than once. Most of the action is down south on the strip, where all the major casinos are. One day I actually walked home from the Bellagio and that was a mistake because it is far and my feet were killing me and it get's hot there. The nearest casino to the Stratosphere is the Sahara I think. They are building a mid-sized casino or club the next block south of the Stratosphere on the same side of the street. I think the Hilton is going to be running it. Bring a lot of water because the Las Vegas water supply is nasty tasting, like salt. Bottled water is a big thing in Las Vegas. My advice is to go to Walgreen's and buy a six pack and chill it as you need it with ice from the machine on your floor. Bottled water and soda is in all the stores and Vending machines in most casinos. Bottom line this was not a bad place and just what I expected.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
outkaster
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Reviews written: 33
Trusted by: 2 members
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