When my wife and I visited Las Vegas this year (2016), we couldn’t help but notice the new attraction that had appeared since our previous visit 4 years before.
The High Roller is similar to the London Eye, but – as with most things in Vegas – bigger! Apparently it’s 550 feet tall and 520 feet in diameter, making it over 100 feet bigger in both cases. It certainly dominates the skyline on the east of the Strip, albeit behind the new Linq hotel. In a city where every building impresses in its own way, the High Roller achieves the desired effect and, if you don’t mind heights, is a must to visit.
The ‘ride’ itself is very like that in London. You walk into a pod, along with several other people, and can either sit or stand during the turn of the wheel which lasts about 30 minutes. It goes very slowly, and you can hardly tell you’re moving apart from the ever-expanding views in all directions. There is a commentary, but the scenery is the star of the show. The extravagant constructions of Las Vegas can all be viewed from a completely different angle as you arrive at the top of the ride. You also get a very good impression of the situation of Vegas, in a bowl in the middle of a desert, surrounded by mountains!
If you’re so inclined, you can book a ‘special’ ride in the pod with the bar, and enjoy your free cocktail, in typical Vegas style! However, I don’t think we really needed the alcohol to enjoy the ride and especially the views.
