I been going to Vegas for four years and have always avoided the Stratosphere due to preconceived notions that it was a dump and cheap.
On Sept 27, 2013, those thoughts were immediately dismissed when I checked in for a last minute convention weekend.
The hotel room is actually clean. It's up to par with any standard room on the Strip. You get free admission to the top of the Tower if your a guest here. There are plenty of cheap restaurants if your on a budget. If your a video poker fanatic like I, be sure to play at the bar area. Those bartenders do sure take care of you, consistently refilling my Coke & Jack :)
With that in mine, there are two things to avoid at the Stratosphere
1. The Buffett (enough said?)
2. if your a low limit blackjack table, stay away. the $5 tables here pay 6-5 on BJ.