I will be ending a ten day trip in the southwest next April with a two night stay in Las Vegas. It's my first time there and due to the short amount of time there I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions on a hotel where I might not have to spend a lot of time checking in and out. It seems that I have heard of a couple of places where you don't have to go through the casino to get to the desk, does this make a difference?I want to find a nice hotel on the strip with a good location. Also does anybody have any suggestions for a restaurant that could help end the trip with a bang?

What day of the week and time of day will you be checking in (makes a big difference re: crowds/lines).
What's your budgeted limit for room rate?
What about for the dinner.

Heck, if you have no limits, just stay in a suite at Bellagio, where they have a special concierge desk where you check in all by yourself away from everything else with own private elevator into the hotel...and eat at Picasso in the hotel. You won't top that combination.

I will be staying in Las Vegas on a Monday and Tuesday night and cost not as much of an issue as time and convenience.

Mondays are about the slowest days for check-ins in LV.
If you try checking in anytime other than 11 AM to 1 PM I doubt you'll have to fight bothersome lines anyplace in town (unless there's some fluke convention starting then...rare for a Monday).
As for specific hotels, the best location is mid to south strip, and that will include (best to least) Bellagio, Venetian, Mirage, Paris, Caesar's, Treasure Island. Mandalay Bay is a great resort (good restaurants, great pools, comfortable casino) but isn't a convenient walk to the mid strip. Bellagio is the best overall combination. Picasso runs around $100 per person with average wine. But there are plenty of good restaurant alternatives. Any cuisine in particular?

If time is that much of a factor, chose a hotel that allows for check-in at the airport. Seldom a line, you get your keys at the airport, and you go directly to your room when you get to the hotel.

Cuisine is not that important, I enjoy all types of food. But I thiink someplace that has a great view would really be terrific. As for airport check-in, I will be driving into Las Vegas and leaving there by plane.

Flamingo has a nice and easy check-in....drive in along the side...valet park...ask(pretty please) for a strip/Bellagio view.....had some good website values.......

Bellagio, Bellagio, Bellagio!!! Can't top this hotel especially if price is not an issue. I would request a lakeview room where you can have a beautiful view of the dancing fountains.
Elegant hotel. Perfect location!!
Go for it!!