Stratosphere - Las Vegas

The Stratosphere is the hotel I stayed at on my first trip to Vegas. The Stratosphere is the northern-most hotel/casino on the strip. We stayed there mostly because it was inexpensive, and partly because of the views of the strip from the top (as I continue to write, you will see that I love going to the top of buildings to see the view). We checked in to our hotel and immediately took an elevator to the top! My first view of Las Vegas was unbelieveable! It was dark by the time we got up to the top, and the views were astonishing!! The lights were so bright, and each hotel/casino seemed like they were in competition with the other hotels to go bigger and better!!

When we checked into the hotel, we were told of the discounts we could get on several attractions. Being we stayed at that hotel, we received discounts on the rides at the top, and the show that is held at the Stratosphere.

There are 3 rides at the top of the hotel, the Big Shot, X-Scream, and Insanity. From experience, the Big Shot is a must-ride! The Big Shot shoots you 160 feet above the Vegas Strip when you are already over 1,000 feet off the ground. Reaching its max speed of 45mph, this ride will knock your socks off! X-Scream is the newest ride on the top of the Stratosphere. The ride is like a teeter tot, starting flat, then dropping you 30 degrees OVER the building to get the best vantage point of the strip. I didn't have the guts to try this ride, but if you are a thrill seeker I'm sure you would love it. Insanity also takes you over the strip. You board the ride on the Stratosphere, and an arm moves you over the strip, then starts spinning you around at 40mph. Not only does it spin you around, but it propells you at an angle of 70 degrees so you are looking down on the strip. This ride is approximately a minute and a half long, but I can imagine you feel like it's an hour-long ride! Too much for my stomach to handle!

The permanent show that is held at the Stratosphere is called "American Superstars." This is a celebrity impersonator show, hilighting Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, and Elvis Presley. This show is sure to please everyone from any age range.

Even though there is no discount for this, I will write about the Top of the World restaurant at the top of the Stratosphere. The Top of the World is a 4-Star rotating restuarant, one to give you the best views of the strip and downtown Vegas. The restaurant makes one complete rotation every hour and a half, so it goes slow enough to make it seem like you aren't really moving, but the sights will quickly tell you different! I will highly recommend eating here! Whether you are wanting a romantic night on the strip, or a nice family dinner, hit up the Top of the World!

Tips on the Stratosphere:
-If you are looking for hotels to go to strictly for casinos, I would recommend bypassing the Stratosphere.
-One negative aspect of the Top of the World is when X-Scream is in motion, it shakes the restaurant.
-If you stay here, check out the pool. It is on the roof of the hotel portion and it overlooks the Stratosphere.
-The Stratosphere is a ways away from the heart of the strip, so be prepared to walk a lot, or pay a few bucks for taxi fare.

Broadway at the Beach

The nightlife in Myrtle Beach was an experience on its own. Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle's downtown, has everything you can imagine. From clubs to bars to restaurants, everyone will be satisfied. Some restaurants to note are the following: Hard Rock Cafe which is shaped like an Egyptian pyramid, Planet Hollywood where the whole restaurant is circular depticing the planet, and Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Jimmy Buffet's has a 10 foot blender with margaritas in it (I wish it was real), and you can pull up a chair and sit at a boat, not a table, for dinner. These restaurants were right up there with the coolest I have ever seen, and you won't be disappointed with the food! The bars and clubs are equally as fun, and there really is something for everyone.

Tips on Braodway at the Beach:
-There is a bus system to take passengers from the coastal beach to Broadway at the Beach, but sometimes it doesn't come when or where is expected, so just beware.
-March through May are peak seasons for spring breakers, so if you are looking for a quieter time, I would suggest planning your trip here on the non-peak months.