July is a great month to see Tahoe! Check out the Tahoe tourism website at:
http://www.virtualtahoe.com/LTVA/index.html

Of the 4 major south shore hotels, the more expensive will be Harrah's & Harveys; then Caesars, then Horizon. I've stayed at Horizon & enjoyed it, though the others have more amenities. It's walking distance among all 4. Also check out the Embassy Suite on the California side, but right next door to Harrah's. If you have a car, also check out some of the motels on the California side.

I would recommend a car, so you can drive up to Incline Village and Crystal Bay on the north shore & see some of the other sights too.