This was my first time at the Monte Carlo (like seriously. Even when I was younger, we skipped the Monte Carlo because they didn't have any kid-friendly attractions), so I was pleasantly surprised. My friend is a hustler (har har) so we were able to get a room for Labor Day weekend.
The room:
A little outdated, but large and comfortable. The toilet had a crack (i didn't do it!) and the shower head tried to blast all the skin off my body. There was no refrigerator (boo having to drink warm Four Lokos... ok just kidding, we made our own fridge in the sink :P) and our room was the very end of a long hallway (but not as long a hallway as the Mirage, so still alright!). It came with free wired internet (which we didn't use because seriously, who doesn't have a blackberry/iphone/smart phone by now?) and a binder that advertises the Lance Burton show (haha, didn't that thing get cancelled like 5-10 years ago?). There was an ipod docking station and 2 phones (which were practically next to each other. convenient, no?) Our view was of the pool, which looked pretty awesome actually. If my friend had brought swim shorts, we would've gone!
The hotel:
Small strip of stores/restaurants in the "Boulevard of Dreams" or whatever its called. A small food court which included Subway, Starbucks, Sbarros, Hagaan Daz, McDonalds, and some Chinese restaurant. There were bars/restaurants scattered through the casino area. Nothing crazy impressive, except for the minus 5 Ice Lounge (which was overpriced, but still awesome). Bonus points for having a direct connection to the Aria and a tram that goes to Aria/Crystals and Bellagio/Vdara.
Overall, its a great location to sleep in/pay little money for a room, but if you're shelling out big bucks, you might as well stay elsewhere.