Way better than the Imperial Palace when comparing it to other cheap hotels.
I was able to get a room here for $39 a night. (YAY) I was even able to check in at 10:30 am, after finding a nice front desker (try Dennis from Hawaii). For once, I was not disappointed. I was very very tired but the bed was very very comfortable. The curtains blocked out all evidence of day and I somehow slept until it was night again.
There was no smoke smell in my room, and the furniture wasn't falling apart. The Sahara is definitely aged, but I think like a fine wine. There is a FOUR DOLLAR Roulette wheel here, where you can split bets inside and outside. I ended up making $60 from 15 at one point. Also, the smoke smell doesn't seem as prominent in the casino.
I'd say stay at the Sahara for an old-school Vegas feel. There's enough shady joints (like a 24 hour massage parlor down the street) to make it feel like you should roll your windows up, but there's classic charm and a nice pool.