Let's just get this out there. Downtown Las Vegas is depressing. Remnants of an era left behind by the flashy mega-hotels, hardcore older gamblers, sad looking showgirls..this is not the place for the younger crowd. However, I love the Cal. Big Hawaii crowd (you'll almost always run into someone you know) and they have the delicious Aloha Specialities restaurant. Low table prices ($5 blackjack, roulette, craps, three card poker) and supposedly the loosest slots in Vegas. Can't really go wrong here. The dealers are nicer and more willing to help you out here. You just get a generally good feeling here.
The rooms are cheap but you will definitely get what you pay for. I'll pass on staying here if I can get a comped room on the strip, but it's always nice to visit The Cal.