I used to travel to Vegas a lot for business. Mostly stayed at the Las Vegas Hilton since its right next to the convention center, now its called the LVH which is off the strip on Paradise. Older hotel, not bad, bad, but not great either don't know if they completely renovated it with the name change. I've stayed at Harrah's, decent rooms, but loud casino. The Orleans and the Rio are off strip, but nice rooms. Last I knew the Orleans had reasonable rates, but it gets expensive to take cabs back and forth to the strip. Check the Paris. Bally's is on the strip, don't know about the rooms, casino can be a bit loud though.
Looking for great dining? The Golden Steer, a local gem, incredible food, pricey but worth it, Sinatra and pals dined there. Romantic. Nothing to look at from the outside, but great decor & impeccable service and the best table side made ceasar salad and the filet mignon is heaven. Timmerman's is another local's restaurant. Good food, great decor. The revolving restaurant at the Stratosphere is elegant and neat to experience as is the 360 at the top of the Paris. Also the buffet at the Paris is awesome. Go early because there is always a wait.
If you go to the shows and have never seen any I highly recommed Cirque's "O" at the Bellagio, you won't regret it, it is an experience. That's my favorite. Absolutely breath taking. Mystere is also very good and well worth it. husband and I had front row seats for that. Wow. I saw Believe and that was good, but not the best.
The monorail is a great way to get up and down the strip. You can order a ticket a head of time and have it mailed to you so you're ready to go.