Phantom theres another discount booth called tix4less
http://www.vegastix4less.com/ they have less outlets but carry some different shows too.
On strip the best hotels are the new mandarin oriental, Wynn/Encore, Bellagio and maybe Pallazzo, parts of Ceasers(some towers are better than others), TheHotel and Four Seasons both at mandalay bay.
Worst on strip, Imperial Palace and Flamingo (though both are fine on a budget, great locations), circus circus (not really on strip anymore but markets itself as such, its a hell hole regardless, avoid avoid), Excalibur isnt great. Sahara (bad location, 70s travelodge style rooms).
A lot of the just off strip places dont have great reps, any number of the motels, hooters(though friends have been fine there for the money).
Downtown Nugget is best Las Vegas club is one of the worst.
Most of the bad hotels arnt that bad by any other cities standard, I've stayed at the much derrided Plaza downtown and at £9 a night I wouldnt complain, bigger than any room I've had in london, clean, hot water. But i've also stayed at some great places like the Wynn and been made to feel like a superstar(and its still only been $100 a night).