First of all, THANK YOU both AaronJB and thereuare for your time and insights, I really do appreciate it!!
AaronJB, thank you for putting together those suggestions. And yes, I'm hoping to spend $150 per night rather than per room, although I'm sure I'd like that room.?
I'm actually hoping to stay OFF the strip but still in a Vegas-y themed casino hotel (picky much?). A Vegas family member recommended the Orleans based on ease of access and parking when they all come visit, hopefully cheaper rates off strip, but still a nice place with amenities on site and a free shuttle to the strip. However I called them and they don't have adjoining rooms, I haven't decided how I feel about completely separate rooms yet..... apparently their rooms are larger than average, though.
Next question - when you see on HOTWIRE "book soon, the last person got xxxxxxx hotel", is that a fairly accurate guess of where you might be booking? There's one that I saw referring to the Orleans. I will see if i can find it and copy the details.
I'm really up in the air with what to do at the moment, but I will keep thinking about it.
Ok, I'm back to browsing again. Thank you again so very much for your help.