Boasting a 1,149-foot freestanding observation deck, Stratosphere Hotel – Casino & Resort Hotel is renowned for spectacular views of Las Vegas, from the city lights to the desert mountains. The Stratosphere’s immediate surroundings on The Strip’s north end are quieter than the 24-hour hustle and bustle a few blocks south. But accessing the action is easy with an onsite bus stop and a monorail station within walking distance. T

Try your hand at slots and table games in the Stratosphere Casino, or place a bet at the sports book (especially during basketball, football, and racing championship parties). If you don’t hit it big, you can still earn your Sin City bragging rights by leaping from the top of your hotel and living to tell the tale: SkyJump, one of 3 onsite thrill rides, is a 108-story controlled freefall offering amazing aerial views of The Strip–if you can keep your eyes open. Jumping off the tower isn’t the only reason to head to the top.

The revolving Top of the World restaurant, perched 1,000 feet above The Strip, completes a 360-degree turn every 80 minutes. This casual restaurant specializes in steak, seafood, and decadent desserts. If you just can’t get enough seafood, head to the Stratosphere’s buffet for all-you-can-eat shrimp and crab leg nights. The after-dinner entertainment comes with a bite too, and a spicy one at that: At Bite Las Vegas, topless vampires perform to hard-rock music.