Stratosphere Hotel, Casino and Tower, BW Premier Collection

Stratosphere opened in 1996 and it still banks on its towering reputation -- and insanely cheap rates -- to draw budget-conscious travelers. However, interiors are dated and dark and don't do much to contribute to that only-in-Vegas vibe many travelers want. The hotel’s ground floor is lit by dim purple, red, or green recessed lights and the glow of almost countless slot machines. Saying it's twilight-dark would be too generous. Things are a bit more pleasant as you move throughout the hotel. Its namesake tower is worth a visit in itself and is constantly busy with tourists, diners, and thrill seekers. It has gorgeous city views punctuated with the screams of adrenaline junkies bungee jumping or riding the rides that dangle over the tower's edge. This isn't exactly the poshest end of The Strip, and the action at the hotel, casino, and even the pool can tend toward the rowdier side of the spectrum. Guests here come from across the globe, lured by the bargain prices.

Stratosphere sits between the biggest destinations on The Strip and Downtown Las Vegas, though don't plan on walking to either. The immediate area certainly isn't glitzy or glam, though you'll find a soul food restaurant, fast food, and a gun club with a machine gun range right nearby. It’s a 15-minute drive to the Bellagio's fountains and the giant LINQFerris wheel. Downtown Las Vegas, with its neon-lined streets, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, as is the Mob Museum. The famed “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign takes 15 minutes to reach by car. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area -- with hiking through gorgeous candy-striped rocks -- is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead are a bit farther away, and take 50 minutes to reach by car. McCarran International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic.

Most of Stratosphere’s rooms are basic and tired, but at their price point, they offer a clean stay for a relatively central location. Entry-level rooms have dark beige carpets, nickel-plated lamps, cafe-style tables with chairs, and wood veneer furniture. The look lacks any Las Vegas flair, and everything is scuffed and dinged up. The city or desert views are, at least, a saving grace. Overall, rooms have a mix of one king or two queen beds with diamond-shaped headboards, tan bed runners, and white-on-white striped sheets. Standard features include flat-screen TVs with cable channels, air-conditioning, basic alarm clocks, metal luggage racks, and irons and ironing boards. Free Wi-Fi is available, but it's slow and speed upgrades come with fees. Bathrooms have tons of counter space plus light stone vanities, hairdryers, standard toiletries, and shower/tub combos. For a bit more style, Stratosphere's upgraded Tower Suites are the hotel's shining star, with their bright, loft-like interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and whirlpool tubs. Accessible rooms are available.

Despite its less-than-central location, the Stratosphere has enough Vegas-sized extras to make it something of a destination in its own right. The ground floor consists of an 80,000-square foot casino that's quite dark, but includes table games, slot machines, and a sports and race book. However, the hotel’s tower is its most iconic feature. The 1,149-foot-tall structure helps define the Las Vegas skyline and has a steakhouse, bar, and viewing platform (there’s a fee to reach the viewing deck). Adrenaline seekers are in luck with the tower’s gut-punching thrill rides like the Skyjump (a harnessed jump to the ground from the tower’s edge), and different rides that jostle and dangle riders over the tower’s edge. Keep in mind that all of these come with extra fees. The property’s two outdoor pools include a sprawling family-friendly freshwater pool with lots of lounge chairs, a bar, and cabanas (available for a fee). Don’t forget sunscreen though, as there aren’t enough umbrellas to go around. The smaller adult-only pool -- on the 25th floor -- has a party vibe and allows topless sunbathing. It also features panoramic city views. The hotel’s 24-hour gym takes up quite a bit of real estate and includes Cybex treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, recumbent bicycles, weight machines, dumbbells, and free weights. The hotel's spa offers standard services like massages, manicures, and facials. Food options range from upmarket venues to fast food, but all mostly get mixed reviews. Top of the World is a pricey steak and seafood restaurant located in the tower. McCall’s is a ground-floor casual steakhouse and seafood restaurant. Fellini’s is the higher-end Italian dinner restaurant. There’s a 24-hour diner, a buffet, a pizza spot, and fast-food that includes Mexican and Asian options plus burgers. There’s also a dessert eatery and a Starbucks. A gift and sundry shop sells basics and snacks. The hotel’s entertainment options don’t match the celebrity level of other Vegas hotels, but include a Michael Jackson tribute concert, a rock-and-roll variety show, and comedy acts. Other features include shops, a video-game arcade, an oxygen bar, and an ATM. The free valet and self-parking options are unexpected perks for central Las Vegas. The hotel also has free Wi-Fi, but unless you pay for upgraded speeds it’s painfully slow. Keep in mind that resort fees are levied per day.