Never been to Vegas...BUT plan on going soon

I have never been to Vegas but would really like to, I am only 23 and a very lively person so to speak who really loves "action"....My buddies and I have always talked about going out to Vegas but in reality I think that it is just that, all talk. But I really want to go no doubt. This may sound strange but I kind of want to go by myself to sort of "explore/scout it out". I have been reading some of the recent posts in this forum and it sounds like going during March Madness would be fun but I am not looking to spend a ton of money and only bet 100 bucks a game MAX...it is just recreational fun for me but I also enjoy playing poker quite a bit. So I guess what I am asking is would this be a good idea to go to Vegas alone my first time? Just looking to stay 2 or 3 nights and wager fairly sparingly...LMAO it sounds fun but I have heard and read so much about this gambling paradise that I really want to see for myself...I have been to Lake Charles, New Orleans, Reno, and Oklahoma to gamble but never to the "Mecca" (as I am sure none of the above mentioned places even compare to Vegas). Also, I have heard various things concerning how downtown compares to the strip and what not....so is there anything specific that I should checkout that will really sell me to keep me coming back? OR should I just go see what all the hype is about?? I really want to go and go fairly soon....so help me out fellas and give me some solid advice! Appreciate it guys

AND of course would I have fun if I actually went out there alone? I am definitely a people person but do not mind going exploring alone from time to time...is Vegas more or less strictly for groups/couples/familes? Would I have fun alone?

PS....I am NOT into clubs or extravagant dining or prostitutes for that matter lol ...so hopefully you guys can give me some useful feeback BOL

Your age group and where you are from should like

New York - New York

Monte Carlo

Hard Rock

They are "no pressure" hotels with a younger vibe, more casual, less expensive and located on the Strip for excellent access to many others.....NY-NY shares stuff with Monte Carlo.....the pool scene at Monte Carlo is very good for your age group and attitude....lots of normal females, 21-30 age group....

Have u ever played poker at the Mirage??  I have played at both the MGM and The Mirage, And the Mirage is much nicer and gears more to a serious gambler.  And more importantly, very comfortable chairs.  haha

The Mirage has a higher tourney buy in, the MGM is fun, but a lot less serious.  

Thanks for all the great responses fellas they are greatly appreciated...It seems that the prime time/cheapest time to go is to leave on a Sunday and come back on a Wednesday...does that sound right? I will def do a little more research about poker rooms but I think I will have to be going summer time because Spring semester starts this week and spring break will probably be going to Florida. Keep me updated with anymore info you guys have  BOL all

Hey man I currently live in the Austin area and that is really ironic that you posted this about Winstar because actually me and a couple friends JUST got back yesterday...we went up there for 2 nights like we always have done each January for the past 4 years. We had a good time as usual but I only made about 300 bucks this trip playing 1-2 NL mainly....but last year I won 1300 bucks playing 1-2NL, it seems to vary each year but I have never actually lost money up there...and I have to admit that their poker room is top notch in my opinion. Atleast the ones I have been to in NOLA, Lake Charles, and Reno...I guess you used to live in the Dallas area or something? Good stuff brother