wrote:

I plan to arrive (solo) in LV on a Saturday evening later this month and
intend to book a hotel on the 'Strip'. Are there are any problems
about parking my rental car please? Do all the big hotels have ample
space and is it free? Will I be able to park it myself without being
bothered by valets? Are entrance signs to the car parks clearly signed?

In general, self parking at Strip hotels is not a problem, except during
New Year's week -- begins the 26th of December and continues until the
2nd of January or so -- when the city is filled to beyond capacity.
However, if you come between the end of the National Rodeo Finals
(ends about the 10th or 12th) and the 26th, Las Vegas is very empty.

Strip Hotel parking is free. I've yet to find a place that charges for
it. Some "Downtown" casinos do charge, if you're not a guest at that
particular hotel. The Golden Nugget comes to mind, but they do validate
at the casino cage -- 3 hours free.

Depending on the hotel, self-parking can be relatively close or a
quarter of a mile away. I suggest when you first arrive you valet
(it's free. Just tip the attendant when your car is returned) while
registering and have the bellman take care of your luggage. A dollar a
bag is an average tip, if you have several bags. Five, if you have
only one or two. If you have big, bulky cases, then more for them.
Tip when the bags are delivered to your room. Tip the parking valet $2
to $3 for a "daylight" or beginning of evening return; $5 if it's busy
and you got your car quickly or it's show break.

I myself prefer to valet. So much easier.

Any personal recommendations for specific hotels would also be
appreciated please. I'm not interested in gambling but a good dinner
and/or show would be a preference.

If you haven't already, booked your room, do so now and get a discount.
Don't try to get one after you arrive. You'll end up paying full rate.

Don't stay at Circus-Circus, Excalibur or Luxor. They cater to
families. So, lots of screaming kids. I prefer "small" places like the
Four Seasons -- It's part of the Mandalay Bay complex, but has its own
entrance, lobby and registration desk, and no casino; or The Westin on
Flamingo Road across the street from Bally's. If you want something
more middle-of-the-road, I suggest Treasure Island, although I think
it's called TI now. It's center Strip and close to other major hotels
and shopping. It's small by Las Vegas standards, only a thousand
rooms, and is considered a boutique hotel. If you prefer a high-end
resorts: Bellagio, The Wynn or The Encore. For a non-casino,
residential hotel option, The Trump is about the best.

I can't really recommend a "dining experience" restaurant. Food means
little to me. I usually eat at coffee shops, diners or the occassional
buffet, if I'm really, really hungry.

Enjoy your trip.

Stef