The Stratosphere from the north.

The Stratosphere Las Vegas is a hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, owned by American Casino Properties which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Real Estate Partners .

It is most notable for its tower, which at 1,149 ft (350 m) is not only the tallest structure in Las Vegas, but also the tallest building in the United States west of the Mississippi River.

The top of the tower has an observation deck, rotating restaurant and the following rides:

• The Big Shot at 1,081 feet is the highest thrill ride in the world;
• The High Roller at 909 feet is the second highest ride in the world and the highest roller coaster;
• XSCREAM at 866 feet is the fourth highest thrill ride in the world;
• Insanity the Ride, opened in 2005, at 900 feet is the third highest thrill ride in the world.

It is the northernmost of the major Strip casinos and the only one actually in the City of Las Vegas. It has a reputation for being less expensive than many Strip hotels. Many visitors find its location at the far end of the Strip a bit inconvenient and the area immediately to the north – between the Stratosphere and Downtown – a trifle insalubrious.

History

The Stratosphere opened on April 30, 1996. It was conceived by Bob Stupak to replace his Vegas World Casino. The complex was built by the Stratosphere Corporation which lost control when he was forced to file for bankruptcy.

Reference

• John L. Smith , No Limit: the Rise and Fall of Bob Stupak and Las Vegas' Stratosphere Tower (Huntington Press, 1997) ISBN 0929712188

External links

• Stratosphere Las Vegas homepage
• Las Vegas Leisure Guide page on the Stratosphere, with construction details
• More details about the Tower