Yea, Bowl.com moved their discussion forums to Facebook. Here you will get plenty of discussion on how much Reno sucks, but not a lot else.
Personally, I like Reno, but mainly because it's close for me. Yea, I'm selfish like that.
As for where to stay, it depends on how long you are there and if you plan to do anything other than bowl the Open. If you intend to rent a car and stay a few extra days, then by all means do not stay downtown. I recommend the Nugget in Sparks or better yet, the Western Village in Sparks. Either will cost you less(for a better room) than the downtown major hotels, with the exception of the Sands(not a better room, just cheap).
If you are just going to be there to bowl the Open, by all means, stay downtown, it is much more convenient. The Sands will be the least cost, but it is a couple of blocks walk to the stadium.
If your wife is bowling the Women's Open, then you might consider staying at the Peppermill or Atlantis hotels on S. Virgina as the Women's Open will not be downtown near the stadium. Both will have shuttles to the stadium and the convention center and are very nice.