The wife and I are heading to Vegas on the 13th of August. Looking for some info........

1) What would be a good hotel to book at?
2) What's the name of the water park?
3) Shows to see? (like Blue Man Group)
4) Good places to eat? (cheap as well as nice meals)
5) Good poker rooms for 1-2 ish NL?

Someone mentioned before that taxi drivers will try and milk a few extra $$ from you if they know it's your first time there. It was mentioned that you should just tell them to "take the tunnel" or something like that. Anyone know what I'm talking about?