We went for a 2 week camping/hiking style trip fall 2013. We spent a few extra days in Vegas because we were kicked out of the national parks due to gov shutdown.
Eating close to stripCafe Rio (Mexican
http://www.caferio.com/locations/state/NV). I think this is a Utah based, Mexican chain.
+ Very reasonable prices.
+ Made-to-order, tasty, quality food.
+ Awesome self-serve drinks: real lemonades, Horchata (creamy rice based drink, very good with spicy food)
- Not really "on" the strip, but they have a few locations so depending where you are touring, I highly recommend.
Lotus of Siam (Thai
http://www.saipinchutima.com/)
+ Very good food and famous place
- Pricey, but it is quite famous. This was our splurge dinner.
Secret Pizza in the Cosmopolitan (Pizza
http://www.yelp.com/biz/secret-pizza-las-vegas)
+ Great pizza, very filling after a day of walking the strip.
+ Good location for people watching. We got a pie and watched all the fancy dressed people party.
- Hard to find place, its hidden inside the Cosmopolitan, down a corridor, behind some pool tables (google the directions).
HotelWe spent 2 nights at the end of our trip at the Aliante resort, in North Vegas (
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g45981-d1200840-Reviews-Aliante_Casino_Hotel-North_Las_Vegas_Nevada.html ). Its a very nice modern 4 star resort. We had a car so it served a a good home base. We were there during the week and used hotels.com to book the room. Each time we got it for $30/night (all in) but you need to book <24 hours before you intend to stay.
Otherwise we stayed just off the strip in a 2 star motel (Motel 6? or travelodge ~$50 night, booked well in advance). Nothing special here, clean and walkign distance to strip ... good enough for us.
City activities we enjoyed- The Atomic Testing Museum - A nice break from the heat and noise
- Gun range - hehe ... we did "American Shooters", wanted to try "Clark County gun range" but it was closed for the day.
- Walking and photography, very nice especially at night.
- Swimming in resort pools.
- Free music performances on Fremont street.