Would you recommend staying in the DownTown area of Las Vegas?

I know most people stay in “The Strip” area – big fancy hotels with casinos, bars an shows. None of that interests me. Sorry Vegas!
On the other hand, Old DownTown seems like a funkier, more interesting section and it has inexpensive hotels. I figure that is more my speed.
Has anyone here stayed there? I’ve read TripAdvisor and get such mixed reviews they are almost meaningless.
Do you have any suggestions? I’ll be there for 3 nights and 1½ days.