Pay for the Strip or Free Downtown?

Also, from Palms, it would be a fairly short walk to Rio which still hopefully has Free Shuttles going to and from The Strip -- one going to and from Harrah's and the other one going to and from Paris/Bally's (check the LVA website for the Transportation link -- which is hopefully still accurate).

If she doesn't gamble then downtown is going to get boring real fast. Flamingo is reasonably priced with good views and location...and its closer to a lot more things she'll be interested in.

Think about the food and entertainment that she would like. The room is for sleeping, in Vegas walking, talking, eating and making love is the spice of life for a non-gambler. So the Strip with an inexpensive room as possible, with a trip Downtown for a look-see.

First time strip ... even what I call bad strip. For the first timers I took when the prices were high center strip I stayed at Sahara, Riviera, Trop for example. But center strip is the way to go for anyone never there.

Downtown is an hour to see the FSE, maybe dinner at an old time coffee shop and then back to strip.

I disagree with Palms...and downtown. (and I am all about saving $ & good value)
For your wife's first trip, do the Strip. As quick as the trip is, forget about downtown. Let her soak in the Strip--THAT is the Vegas experience.
My first trip we stayed at Sahara--crummy location, nothing special, but I still fell in love with Vegas. (we did the whole trip for 2 on $500--and that was all we could afford). In my 20s, that was fine.
If you need a cheaper hotel, try Ballys, LINQ, TI, Luxor--I am tossing out several. I would stay near the concert if possible.

I always tell 1st timers stay on the strip for the experience. But I am so glad We discovered downtown.

We have decided on the Strip. Going to cash in a few discounted rooms at Planet Hollywood. Not 100% free, but still nice.

marko..

enjoy it! don't look back and think about what ifs.

PHo is a great place to stay as a first timer on the Strip. You're so close to Bellagio & Caesars Palace, which are just icons of Las Vegas. Great places to eat in that immediate area. You could have picked FAR worse, in my opinion. Great decision!