Havent stayed in monterey, it is beautiful part of the world though.
As for vegas, Ive stayed in the Luxor, which is very close to McCarran Airport(check out google maps). Booked it through vegas.com last year got a great deal about $30/night. It is what it is though, a giant pyramid shaped hotel, casino, pool and leisure facilities, food court, shows and exhibitions.
Tropicana, MGM Grand, NewYork NewYork, Excalibur hotels are also very close by. If all you want is a place to stay for a night or two, these complexes should have everything you need. And you should be able to get them very cheap.
The hotels are very large and so are a touch impersonal but I had no problems during my stay.
Hard to avoid the gambling in Vegas as most hotels are designed that you must walk through the casino to get to your room, but just keep the head down, keep walking and decline the free drinks from the scantily-clad waitresses!!