I go to Vegas at least 1-2 times a year, BF's dad lives there. I won't even try to recommend hotels because we've never stayed in one, but I do agree that you'll probably want to stay on or near the Strip. Downtown is usually for people who are more interested in gambling, although if you have a car, I would also pay a visit there to see the Fremont Street Experience. I also have better luck with Gambling there too. If you are going in August or later, a new outlet mall is opening in Downtown too.
As far as things to do, there are MANY, even if you aren't big time gamblers, which BF and I are not. I'll just list them, some may require a car:
* Shows: Mystere, Siegfried & Roy, O, Danny Gans are some of the popular ones and have good reputations
* Outlet Malls: Belz Outlet (near the airport end of the Strip), Primm (an outlet mall on the CA/NV stateline, about a 45 minute drive, sorry, can't remember it's real name!), Las Vegas Premium Outlets (the new one opening in Downtown)
* "Normal" Shopping Malls: Boulevard (my favorite, on Maryland Parkway), Galleria at Sunset (in Henderson, across Sunset Station), Meadows (I think this one was in Northern Las Vegas, have only been there once)
* Malls in Casinos or on the Strip: Fashion Show Mall (on the Strip, just expanded), Forum Shops (Caesar's Palace), Shops at Aladdin (Aladdin Hotel & Casino)
* Mirage: be sure to check out the "volcano show" outside where the volcanoes erupt at night; they also have a "Secret Garden of Siegfried & Roy," I haven't been for several years, but it used to be $10 and the money went to conservation efforts, and you got to see the dolphins that belong to the Mirage and then walk thru a little mini-zoo with S&R's animals (tigers, elephants, etc.).
* Treasure Island: there is/was a pirate show that occured every evening at set intervals...however, I thought I heard somewhere that they were doing away with this, or maybe just changing it?
* Caesar's Palace: there are statues that come to life, and the sky changes from day to night as you walk through. They also have a "Race to Atlantis" ride which I thought was pretty fun.
* Venetian has gondola rides, though I've heard the wait can be pretty lengthy. Still looks like a pretty resort to walk around.
* Paris has an Eiffel Tower and also is very pretty.
* The Stratosphere offers a GREAT view of LV. I've been to the restaurant there several times and really like the food a lot. Pricey by LV standards, but comparable to any good restaurant in other cities. There are also a couple of rides up there. (Unless you're eating in the restaurant, there's a charge to go up there.)
* Bellagio has an amazing water show in the "lake" fronting the hotel. They used to have an art gallery too, but I heard it closed. I've also heard good things about their buffet.
* Red Rock Canyon: I think it's 30-45 minutes away, but if you're looking for something nature-oriented, might want to check it out.
* Mt. Charleston: also about 30-45 minutes away, beautiful just to drive around. They may have a few trails too if you're interested in hiking.
* Hoover Dam: really an awesome sight. You can just stay at the top and walk around, or you can take the tour. Beware if you're claustrophobic though, you have to travel is a small elevator to the bottom, and the ride lasts a while.
* Lake Mead: offers a variety of water craft, boats, jet skis, etc., or you can just go swimming.
Anyway, that's all I can think of at the moment, but I'm sure I'll remember something else as soon as I finalize this post!
I'd also suggest Paris or Aladdin, both are very nice and less expensive then Bellagio. Bally's or Flamingo are also great locations and often have really good deals.
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, we didn't have time. We were to busy checking out everything Bellagio watershow, Ceasers Palace Forum Shops,Venetian,MGM,NYNY,etc.
