See the special offer page on the Stratosphere website for great deals. I used one of these offers and got a lower rate than my friend that booked over the phone.
The hotel rooms and towers seem recently updated but the casino and retail level could use a makeover. Because of this, we only spent one night gambling at the Stratosphere. I had a rental car so we could quickly go to other casinos on the strip.
The pool area and bar are adequate and it's fun to watch people doing the Skyjump off the tower. A full service Starbucks in the casino lobby was a welcome surprise but there can be a long line around 9 am.
If you have a rental car, the Stratosphere is a good, inexpensive place to stay and use as your base of operations. I would stay there again.