I usually stay here while in Vegas when I need to pay for a hotel. It's technically on the Strip, but it's far up on the North side of it. The only thing close by is the Sahara which is now closed. The next closest casino is Circus Circus and it's quite a walk.
The hotel rooms are clean and recently updated. Prices are slightly cheaper than most places on the Strip since this isn't exactly on the Strip and it's at the beginning of the slightly seedy area of Vegas. Around $100/night is typical.
I enjoy gambling here because you can find plenty of table games where it's $5-$10 minimum during the weekend, unlike most of the Strip casinos where $15 if you are lucky is the minimum.
The pool area is decent. There is a bar and plenty of towels.
The observation deck is free to hotel guests during the day with a pass that comes with your fun book. (but honestly, who wants to go up there during the day?)