I don't partake in Vegas either, because it's just so damn expensive. Taxi drivers will always recommend some place... usually it's some Asian micro or AMP, and you're looking at $180 USD, because these guys get a cut.
If you're looking for escort suggestions or reviews, check TER.
I wouldn't really advise trying to pick up the independents that wander around the casino hotels. But if you do and you decide on this route, make sure all pricing per service is explained and agreed upon before taking her up to your room. These girls generally start at $300, but some will play dumb and tell you later that $300 doesn't get you laid. And when you do take one back to your hotel room, hopefully you have a friend who's willing to watch your back, either in the room next to yours or something. You should be watching for a few things: is the escort taking their cellphone with her to the bathroom to freshen up... is she trying to get you undressed before she does... is she looking towards the hotel room door constantly. Basically the last thing you want is her opening the door and a couple of 'roid monkeys coming in to rob you.
Here's what I would suggest. Dress well and wear something clean; you don't need to dress like you have money, but you should at least dress like you care. In the evening, go to the Cosmopolitan. Head over to one of the bars inside the casino, look for ones that are roped off and have a male host at the entrance. You could make casual talk with him, joke around, give him the impression that you're looking for a place to pick up girls or looking to get laid... you don't have to, but it make expedite the process. Then head over to the bar, buy yourself a drink, and hang out. 15-20 minutes later one or two girls will cruise on by and stand near you. They may strike up a conversation with you, but it's probably better that you do. Their appearance near you wasn't coincidence though. These girls will cruise the casino bars, walk up to the host, ask him who looks lonely, and he'll point to you (or whoever's thrown him the hint). I spent a couple hours at one of these bars last summer and literally watched it happen every 10-15 minutes. Obviously he gets a cut from the girls... this is Vegas after all, EVERYONE gets a cut. Which is why this is the "safer" route... there's a middleman who has a reputation and cover to maintain, so you're less likely to get scammed. Of course, you should still watch your 6.
Avoid trying to get laid with the strippers, unless you've got absolutely wads of cash to blow. Of course each girl will react differently to you, or have limitations they won't cross. But speaking from personal experience, if you want any sort of chance, you'll have to spend at least 2 hours ($800 in certain establishments) in VIP/private dances. If you two strike it up and you give her the idea that you're looking to get laid, she may throw you an offer. They're willing to take the rest of the night off to spend with you on a date, which means you're still spending money.... they might want you to take them out for a nice meal, or go clubbing, or drive some balls at Top Golf. If you want sex, that charge usually starts at $1000 and goes up from there, depending on what services you want (yes, if you're a risk taker, "true PSE" is possible at this level of expenditure... and I'm only saying this because the offer was on the table).