The Stratosphere

The Stratosphere is not the largest hotel, nor does it have the biggest casino. But it’s got something that is nowhere else in Las Vegas or anywhere else: The Stratosphere Tower. The Tower, as it’s known locally, is 1,149 feet high. At the top is the famed revolving restaurant and entrances to the rides. With both indoor and outdoor observation decks, the 100-story structure also offers a lounge, restaurants and, of course, a spectacular view. The windows come down to the floor at an angle so it’s possible to look straight down and see what’s below – nothing but air. In 30 seconds the double decker elevator will rush to the top at 1,800 feet per minute or three floors a second. Naturally, you’ll want to travel down a little more slowly. Apart from the observation deck itself there are several thrill rides that are enormously popular. The Big Shot, X-Scream and Insanity are all aptly named. Any one of them is enough to exhaust your adrenaline long before you start gambling. But then, gambling that you’ll stay on is what these rides are all about. The Big Shot is almost 1,100 feet high and qualifies as the highest thrill…