I didn't think the stratosphere was terrible. Granted, it was a little ways from the strip, but we had a rental car so it was fine.
I didn't have much of a view from my floor (18th) but for the price I paid I wasn't to upset about it.
I actually slept through the night surprisingly because last time I was in Vegas 7 months ago we stayed in the Hard Rock. I was up all night because the people next door were partying.
The hallway always seemed to have slight smell of vomit.
The beds were decently comfortable.
The guy who brought up our bags seemed to be fishing for a tip. I would've given him one of I carried any cash.
Unfortunately my stay got cut short due to some unforeseen circumstances.
I went downstairs and gambled for a while. I think I won a whole 40 cents. I don't really gamble or know how to for that matter!
I would recommend the stratosphere to anyone that is in need of a decent hotel for a decent price.