I've been frequenting the Las Vegas area for 7 years and frankly I'm sick and tired of the Strip. There is so much more to Vegas than the $1000 + bottle service at the clubs and pool parties, the girl to guy ratio that you must meet to enter a club and the ridiculously expensive everything on The Strip. Downtown Vegas AKA Fremont Street is that saving grace for those of us that are sick and tired of the stereotypical Las Vegas Strip.
As for the place that I find better than any fancy hotel on the strip, is The Golden Nugget. With the reasonable prices and newly remodeled rooms, this place has such great amenities to offer. Not only is it smack dab in the middle of Fremont Street, but it also has 2 Starbucks, a 24 hour Claim Jumpers, a casino and of course plenty of bars. The absolute best part of this hotel is their swimming pool. They have a massive water slide that goes through a shark tank! Overall, if you are looking for something cheaper than the strip and want to explore downtown Vegas, then definitely stay at the Golden Nugget!