My boyfriend's brother is eloping to Vegas March 22-25. I don't think they realized that March Madness would be going down on these dates, unfortunately, and everything from airfare to lodging seems to be higher than normal for this time of year.

Any advice for affordable lodging options on or within a few blocks of the Strip?

Any advice or insight into navigating the area during this time? I'm not into basketball or sports betting, so any great new food options (or unique experiences that are more affordable) and cool happy hours or speak easy options would be much appreciated.

So far on my list I have: Herbs and Rye, The Laundry Room, Trattoria Nakamura-Ya, Hattie B's Fried Chicken (the former Southerner in me appreciates this) and NoMad Restaurant (maybe a drink and an app for the ambience). Thoughts on Secret Pizza at the Cosmopolitan? We were also thinking of seeing Zumanity as a splurge.