Atticus

I think you made the right choice. Fremont can be fun for a night, but I wouldn't celebrate my wife's 40th down there. Maybe I'm a snob but the Fremont Experience itself (under the canopy) disgusts me. Think fanny packs, white trash and down on their luck street performers. Go a little east and it's a lot better with great bars like Commonwealth, Park on Fremont, Insert Coins etc. Go a little further east and you hit Container Park (fun area to stroll through). Keep going and you hit Atomic Liquors. Cool bar thats been around forever and has been remodeled. Legend has it the rat pack used to go there after shows to get off the strip. I wouldn't stray too much further east however, especially at night.

Side note on Commonwealth, there is a 'secret' bar in the back called The Laundry Room. Need to text a number to make an appt and only let a certain amount of guests in at a time. Great drinks and cool atmosphere.

Aria is a great hotel, as is Cosmopolitan. As someone mentioned earlier the wrap around terraces facing the Bellagio fountains have some of the best views in town (at not totally unreasonable prices). For drinks before a show or club hit up Vesper Bar in the Cosmo. Good people watching and the bartenders/waitresses are fun. Not sure if you guys like clubs but can't go wrong with Marquee or XS @ Wynn. For true excess hit up Hakkasan at MGM. Havent been for dinner but hear its phenomenal. City center is in a great location and a great hub to explore the strip. I wouldn't bother with a rental car unless you want to explore Red Rock or Hoover Dam. Do NOT take a bus tour to Hoover Dam. I have heard from more then one visitor that they suck and it kills the entire day, when it should take only 2-3 hours.

Not sure what types of food your wife likes so I'll leave off any other dining recommendations. No matter what you'll find something you guys like Im sure.

Oh, and Oct is a great time to visit. Have fun!