Hey, My first trip to Vegas was at the Sahara. As you probably have figured out, your on the north side of the strip. Your also at the beginning of the Monorail, which is great, and considerably cheaper than cabs. Walking anywhere from the Sahara is not really practical. Ride it all the way to the end at MGM at least once because the view of the strip from the monorail is great. It's also better to get the multiple ride pass, think it 24 hour; two round trips per day and your definitely ahead compared to cab fare.
It's not Starbucks, but they have a good coffe shop/deli. Their buffet, by Vegas standards is not much, but it is stellar compared to my local Golden Coral, and again, with coupon or comp, a good price. Always have seafood and pasta bar.
Sahara's Casino is older and reminescient of the Rat Pack days. I found the BJ to be disappointing here. The best game is 3 or 5 dollar min, 500 to 1000 max, H17 only (no ds, rsa, ls, etc.) They do pay 3/2 for BJ's on the six deckers. I think their edge on the best six decks is .76. However, it's right down stairs from your room, and the minimums are low. Sahara's Casino tops out at black chips, so don't play too hard. I found that out on a lucky spin at the roulete wheel with my wife. The place seems to be popular with the younger set on a budget, so lots of young drunk kids late night. Nascar themed, and, they have a roller coaster. Rooms are nothing special, and well warn, but clean and quite adequate for the price. If you have a choice, the Tunic Tower is in slightly better shape.
My advise for anyone new to Vegas is to spring for a "Streetwise" laminated map of Las Vegas, worth its weight in green chips. This particular map shows the Strip and Downtown on the same side; mine is about six months old, and still current, except for the MGM Theme Park; think they closed it.
P. S., Warning - avoid Circus Circus. There's a problem there; don't know if it's drugs, money laundering, gang traffic, or all of the above. Just don't get involved. There's a problem when cabs don't even want to go there!
I land at McCarran late this Friday night. Must be nice to be able to make mid week trips. Good Luck!