Booking on a hotel's official site is one way to be assured that the quoted rate will be honored.

The most frequent "semi-hidden" fee is the so-called resort fee. I say semi-hidden, because the hotels that charge this fee (essentially a mandatory supplemental charge to the daily rate) do disclose them in that pesky small print at the bottom of the reservation page.

One example of a rate I personally might consider is a promo that MGM Grand is offering right now (December 1) - rooms for your date at $59, no resort fee, and included is a $100 dining credit at your choice of two restaurants at the brand-new Aria Hotel (which opens five days before your arrival).

https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/b...mo&code=INB304


I like MGM Grand for a first-timer immersion into the Vegas scene (I assume that since you're not a gambler or imbiber, you are interested in observing the scene and people-watching aspects). The MGM is easy to reach from the airport via shared shuttle (about USD 8.00 plus tip), and it has good access to the Strip highlights via foot, monorail, and Deuce public bus.