[PMarlowe]

Where you stay should have little influence on where you play, and 1-2 NL games are soft everywhere, so I thought I'd make a few non-poker related suggestions

Imperial Palace is certainly much worse than Venetian, and even with 2 rooms for the price of one at V you might be over paying. That being said the cheaper rooms attract a younger crowd and I have always had an easier time meeting girls at IP and the IP pool. The Venetian pool won't have as many girls your age, and the few who are there are much more likely to be with their rich parents than parting with friends.

Something else no one has mentioned is the potential for comps and bonus dollars. As a serious poker player i'm sure you would never consider table games or slots, but if any of your 7 friends will be playing those games get a players card first thing, and be sure to hand it in every time you play. Also, at $20 a hand or so your play will be worth much more at IP than at Venetian (where it would be worth nothing). Just messing around at 1-2 NL games and $20 a hand blackjack (cause the girls wanted to play) I earned over $300 in comp dollars in one trip to IP (comp dollars can be used for food and towards your room and other crap). It doesn't take much play at IP to rated, and your next trip will be alot cheaper or free.

Ignore what anyone else has said about security (security doesn't even check for room keys at IP)and don't worry at all about the 4 or 8 to a room. I've over packed rooms at IP, Mirage, Bellagio, and the Wynn (where we got an extra rollaway bed brought up to the room even after they said it was against their policy). Just don't be a moron in the hallways and don't advertise what your doing and you'll be fine.