The Stratosphere sits in a geographic netherworld that has hindered it from reaching its true potential. Although I consider it to be the northernmost hotel on The Strip, it technically is a few blocks past where the rest of The Strip ends (at Sahara Avenue). And while it is part of Las Vegas proper (as opposed to hotels on The Strip which are in an unincorporated part of the county) it isn't Downtown either. Since it isn't within walking distance of anything except for The Sahara (unless you're a sturdy type) and the neighborhood surrounding it is not exactly the best for relaxing strolls late at night, The Stratosphere is the kind of place you have to decide you're going to go to, instead of somewhere you just wander into because it's the next one in the line.

If you do decide to visit or stay there, you'll find solid, dependable lodging, gambling, restaurants, and more, all at lower-than-average prices.

Standard rooms come equipped with one king or two queens, an iron and board, hair dryer, safe, dataports on the phones, in-room pay-per-view movies, and comfortable furnishings. It isn’t a luxury hotel but it isn’t trying to be.

Some of the newer suites offer a unique touch, with Jacuzzi tubs behind blinds that can be opened for a romantic view out the windows while you luxuriate. It’s a really nice addition and the new suites are among the nicest in town.

The casino offers all the gambling basics including slots (5 cents to $100), video poker, table games (blackjack, roulette, craps, pai gow poker, and more), a race and sports book, and keno games. I should also mention that they have one of the most generous player’s clubs in all of Vegas. If you spend even a moderate amount of money in the casino you'll get more free room offers than you'll know what to do with.

There are, of course, tons of restaurants including Top of the World, an expensive and upscale place atop the tower (it rotates!); Lucky's, a 24-hour coffee shop featuring vintage Vegas photos; Roxy's, a retro-50s diner with entertainment; Hamada of Japan; an inexpensive buffet; and one of my personal favorites Fellini's.

There's a gigantic, 67,000 square-foot pool deck on the 8^th floor above the casino. It is fantastic with a huge pool, cabanas, café, shop, an entertainment area, and probably the best view of any in town.

In back of the property they have an outdoor performance venue with 3,600 seats, that has already been home to concerts and sporting events.

For the shopping inclined, don’t forget the Tower Shops, a collection of stores that can either be called an overgrown arcade or a small mall depending on your point of view.

Of course those with stronger stomachs and nerves than I have will want to head immediately to the thrill rides atop the tower. If you prefer you can just visit the indoor or outdoor observation areas after paying an admission fee.

Service is excellent all the way around, something that has always been a hallmark of The Stratosphere.

Prices vary wildly here just as they do with most casino/hotels in town. You might be able to get in for as low as $39 during a slow weekday and $79 on very-slow weekends but most likely you’ll be paying either side of the $100 a night range. While certainly not the cheapest in town, that’s not bad for everything you get.

Although I'm still not wild about the location for convenience reasons, it’s not like it’s in Siberia. If you have a rental car and know the back ways in and out, you can get most anywhere on The Strip in under 10 minutes and downtown in 5.

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Officials with the hotel are planning a 7,000-square foot club at the top of the tower that would include an outdoor, revolving observation deck and skyboxes with what would undoubtedly be the best nightclub views in the city.

This is the just the beginning of a bunch of new projects for the Stratosphere including a remodeled and perhaps expanded casino, more shopping, and even a new hotel tower at some point in the future.

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