Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

NORTH STRIP 103
while East Tower rooms go the floral route. You can rent an adjoining parlor
room with a sofa bed, whirlpool, refrigerator, and wet bar—a good choice for
families. Also quite nice are Villa rooms in two-story buildings surrounding a
large swimming pool. Decorated in soft Southwestern pastels, they have private
shaded patios overlooking the pool.
Mr. Wayne Newton himself has taken up residence at the Stardust, performing
regularly in its showroom.
3000 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (at Convention Center Dr.), Las Vegas, NV 89109. & 800/634-6757 or 702/732-
6111. Fax 702/732-6257. www.stardustlv.com. 1,552 units. From $60 standard double; from $250 suite. Extra
person $20. Children under 13 stay free in parent’s room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free self- and valet parking.
Amenities: Casino; showrooms; 5 restaurants; 2 outdoor pools; small exercise room; Jacuzzi; video arcade;
concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms;
executive-level rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, safe.
Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower A really neat idea, in that Vegas
way, in a really bad location. At 1,149 feet, it’s the tallest building west of the
Mississippi. In theory, this should have provided yet another attraction for visitors:
Climb (okay, elevator) to the top and gaze at the stunning view. But despite
being on the Strip, it’s a healthy walk from anywhere—the nearest casino is the
Sahara, which is 5 very long blocks away. This, and possibly the hefty price
charged for the privilege of going up to the top of the tower, may have conspired
to keep the crowds away.
And while the crowds might have been justified before, they—and by “they,”
we mean “you”—might reconsider, especially if you are looking for a friendly
place to hang your hat, but nothing more. The smaller-size rooms here are basically
motel rooms—really nice motel rooms, but with that level of comfort and
style. Then again, you can often get such a room for around $29 a night. (And
do join the casino’s players club—they tend to offer free rooms with more or less
minimal play.) Perfect if you are coming to Vegas with no plans to spend time
in your room except to sleep (if even that).
Which isn’t to say there aren’t other elements to like here, including the aforementioned
casino, a Midway area with kiddie-oriented rides, a pool with a view
and some of the friendliest, most accommodating staff in town. You can still ride
the incredible thrill rides (provided the wind isn’t blowing too hard that day) on
top of the Tower: The world’s highest roller coaster—aka the High Roller—(it
careens around the outer rim of the Tower 909 ft., 108 stories, above ground)
and the Big Shot, a fabulous free-fall ride that thrusts passengers up and down
the Tower at speeds of up to 45 mph. (See p. 186 for a review of these two adrenaline
pumpers.) Indoor and outdoor observation decks offer the most stunning
city views you will ever see, especially at night. For the price, this might be the
right place for you. Just remember you need a rental car or a lot of cash for cabs
to get to the true thrills down the Strip.
In addition to the casino, the hotel also sports two productions shows: American
Superstars (an impression-filled production show) and Viva Las Vegas (Las
Vegas–style revue), which are reviewed in chapter 10.
2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (between St. Louis St. and Baltimore Ave.), Las Vegas, NV 89104. & 800/99-TOWER
(998-6937) or 702/380-7777. Fax 702/383-5334. www.stratospherehotel.com. 2,500 units. Sun–Thurs $39
and up double, Fri–Sat $59 and up double; $69 and up suite. Extra person $15. Children under 13 stay free
in parent’s room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free self- and valet parking. Amenities: Casino; showrooms; wedding
chapel; 11 restaurants; large new pool area with great views of the Strip; children’s rides and games located
at the base of the Tower; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; laundry
service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; executive-level rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport,
hair dryer, iron and board, safe.