Imperial is about the lowest end you can get in LV North side strip. They went through a renovation on their rooms but it's basically the same. The restaraunts are nothing to write home about, and I wouldn't even want to wait in line for their meals. The casino is tiny and cramped, no room to walk or move. I haven't stayed at IP in a long time as I stay at Venetian now.

Having said all of this, I actually have a fun time there and it's a good / cheap location IMO. It's basic down to earth folks and was easy to get comped at but they count table play differently then slots and do not combine them. The dealers and hosts were always friendly to me. And I still stop in for a few hours each stay just because I like some of the folks that work there. Most folks who stay at IP seem to wander and party around not stay at IP all the time.

Suites at Venetian / Bellagio are 800 + sq feet. Venetian you can get two queens with a fold out couch. 6-9 in one room, sorry not for me, and I think you'd be hard pressed to find 110 a night at Bellagio / Venetian for the weekend. Maybe 125 - 150. Most I had was wife / three small kids / and the nanny in one room. I find the web sites for the hotels have some decent rates / special offers as time gets closer. Two rooms at a lower rated hotel would probably be better then one room at Bellagio / Venetian (one bathroom for 9 guys who've been out partying??).

All my opinion here and based on where I've had fun in the hotel, North Side: Mirage, Treasure Island, Paris, Caesar's, Venetian, Harrah's (as well as IP). I personally do not like Bally's / Flamingo. South Side: MGM, Mandalay Bay. But I prefer the North Side and downtown over the south side. You sound more like you won't be in the room so I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about the hotel, find a cheap rate direct on their web sites or priceline / hotwire it and enjoy.