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

I posted this in the "Las Vegas" forum but I know this forum is much more active...so hopefully you guys can give me some good advice

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

Don't wake up with a tiger in your bathroom.

Stay at the Hard Rock.

If you're main goal is to play poker and win some cash then I suggest that you go midweek. The hotel rooms are a shitload cheaper midweek and you might be able to give yourself a good spoil at great hotel for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay on the weekend.

 roll by myself about every third time out and its always sweet,,sunday thru thursday is great for rates and would be a good time for a first timer--try  The Golden Nugget downtown, fantastic rates , first class hotel -  keep an eye out for info from Vegas Gourmet (resident Vegas guru) he always offers top shelf insight and info---get on out to the 'mecca' tho- you will be glad you did