I have not stayed downtown for a long time; but hear very good things about the new places there. New food places and Hotels.
As for the Strip and Hobbying....
If you prefer the lady to come straight to your room, then you need the following
1. TheHotel (easy access from parking, no security, nice rooms)
2. Mandalay Bay
3. PH
these are the 3 I can think of, with no security.
Now if you like to meet your friend down in the casino, at a bar
1. Wynn/encore (just the best most elegant option)
2. Cosmo: Very young, high energy crowd (WAIT: I think they removed their elevator key card security, but have people in place at nights)
3. Palazzo: very nice open casino, 2 bars close to elevators (can even meet on second floor bar and shop area....less people and easier to see each other). Also self parking is so easy
play safe and enjoy and most of all have fun.