Never having been to the Palms, but having seen all the TV commercials and magazine ads since they opened, I had the notion that this would be a pretty hip, Vegas hotel.
What I didn't realize is that this is just another of many other low to mid-priced hotel in Vegas.
The hotel is off the strip, but only by a few blocks (as far as I can remember). The size of the hotel and casino was on the smallish side, but cozy. Everything was clean but a little bit on the tacky side (I saw ads for women in bikinis everywhere). I cannot comment on the spa, because they were booked for the day.
The room was, again, like other low to mid-priced Vegas hotels. Everything was fairly clean and tidy. The standard room was smallish, but I usually don't go to Vegas to stay in hotel rooms all day and night.
I did check out the bar on the roof, forgot what it is called. I do remember that you have to pay just to get up there (I think it was $15 per person). A couple of big mafia-type guys made everyone wait in line for access to the elevator that takes you up. When you finally get up there, the place is only about 80% full (and 80% male). The access outside was even closed (probably because of the wind). After 15 minutes and a $10 drink, I left.
Overall, I was not overjoyed with my stay at the Palms. It was like a lot of other hotels in Vegas, but on the other hand, the room was only $99, the place was clean, the hotel was not crazy-chaotic busy, and it is located close to the strip.