Espectro,
These guys are always wise guys, don't take offense.
Any of the newer hotels on the Strip will be fine. Negotiate the price. Negotiate the price. Then negotiate the price. Don't settle for a room until it is almost cheap. Not only is negotiating a super way to save money to lose later, it is also intersting and keeps you from setting your sights on just one hotel! Be sure to visit manyothers. It is probably impossible now to see more than half of the hotels on a single visit.
I like going downtown. It's got a special cheesy charm that is lost on the strip. If you want to play the tables and just relax without a bunch of glitz, downtown is for you. Many stay on the strip and game downtown. Even now, quite a few people stay downtown.
I'm not much for shows, but the Circ de aulie (or some such) is pretty good. Others swear by the magic acts. All are too expensive for my tastes. Watching people is free!
Have fun.
Oldplayer