I'm heading to LAS with my SO in May and we can't decide where to stay. We are going there because she has never been there. I was going there a lot for work and fun, but last time probably 3 or 4 years ago.
I've stayed at:
Luxor - not impressed
Circus Circus - total dump
Stratosphere - rooms were nice, but the place was far from everything, and they were selling crack right outside the hotel
Hooters - stayed there when I had business at the airport, rooms looked like they got stuck in the 80s
Imperial Palace - probably the worst hotel that I have ever stayed at

I have also stayed at several Hilton and Marriott "regular" properties without casinos, but this time I would like to stay at a nice casino hotel, close to the strip (or on the strip) and keep the cost under $100 per night. Is it possible?
Which hotel should we consider?

Also, as we are going there for 7 days, where should we drive for a day trips? Obviously we will go to see Grand Canyon, but what else?
Is Death Valley nice area for sight seeing?

Thank you