the recently refurbished Luxor is a middle of the road priced hotel I have enjoyed staying at, so was the New York New York [ a bit dearer though] MGM or the medieval themed one Exacalibur [?] last time in April we stayed at the Imperial Palace its an older hotel, rooms fine but not as palatial as some but it was so central right in the middle of the Strip, theres so much to see and do that you wont spend much time in our room.
Anyway at check in ask for the free magazine Whats On and use it like a bible, it tells you everything you need to know, where to go, the shows, helicopter rides etc.
spend at least one evening Downtown its like one big street party, try and incoperate with a show down there.
I agree the malls on the Strip are far more expensive than the outlets, also there is now a Ross [ Ross Dress for Less] store on the Strip its between the Riveria Hotel & Walgreens pharmacy its just like TKMaxx only much better.
To go put one empty suitcase inside the other and dont take too many clothes with you as you will buy & buy out there, they are much cheaper ut there but it depends on the dollar exchange at the time but still cheaper than UK.
If you have time and you need to rest your feet try Wild Bills Gambling Hall in an afternoon-- Big Elvis sings there,lgood fun and you can do a duet with "The King" if you want to,lots of Brits, and its free all u have to do is buy a drink., lots of free things on offer if you read Whats On, the free show at the Rio comes to mind.
Dont bother to book any shows from here tickets always available when u get there.
Take the hotel's buffet breakfast believe me u wont want anything else all day, if its to your liking, try a different hotel each day.
Have fun , its like Disney for grown ups !