I was in Vegas for the first time few months back as well.
Don't get a hotel off the strip, you will do a lot of walking anyway and by taking an off the strip hotel you are just adding more useless walking to your day.
We stayed at the Aria and it was very nice. Get the cheapest room in the hotel of your choosing and do the $20 trick with $40. (Slip the money between credit card and id when checking in) you will most likely get upgraded. We were given a nice suite on the 39th floor....the actual price of that room was $400 and we paid only $200 for it per night + the one time $40 tip.
I wouldn't want to drive in vegas, most people are drunk/high when they are there and I don't think you want to be an exception
I would recommend getting a cab but they stink. If you need any drugs you can ask the cab driver I was told they know their shit.
Enjoy
Vegas is fucking fun, but expensive...