Marc,
All Vegas hotels have rules with regards to outside food and beverage. However, this isn’t strictly enforced in most cases unless the guest really abuses this. For example wheeling coolers into the hotel, or having a loud party where security is called. When you get to the higher end suites which often times have butlers this gets a little more murkey. The hotel will expect you to order from their hospitality department, which unfortunately is much more expensive than going to CVS or Walmart and picking up things. If you bring a few personal items in yourself they generally won’t mind however.
Layout is going to be important for your party, as is sq/ft and hosting capacity. Some of the larger suites do have limits on what they will allow. Since you are booking a weekend, this will impact availability somewhat as many higher end suites are held by the casino for their premium players.
MGM Suites
At the top of your budget, you could get a One Bedroom Skyloft at MGM Grand for your party plus Grand Queen rooms for your guests. The Skyloft is approx 1,400 sq/ft split over two levels. This suite comes with VIP Lounge check in, butler service, and access to MGM’s Mansion. You are allowed to host events here with a deposit and the 1 Bedroom should be able to accommodate 20-25 people. They will want a food and beverage minimum here of I believe $25 pp. And you can pay for an open bar for 2 hours that is staffed by a butler. I have personally stayed in this suite 3 times and love it.
Aria Suites
Aria has a Two Bedroom Strip View Penthouse that could work, along with Deluxe Queen Rooms. This suite offers limo service to and from the airport, Sky Suite Lounge access with free snacks daily, and access to the Sky Suite only Sky Pool. It is approx 2,000 sq/ft and features a steam shower, dining room, living room, and wet bar. I have stayed in the One Bedroom Panoramic version of this suite. It is quite nice.
Delano Suites
Delano Las Vegas, which is attached to Mandalay Bay has the Penthouse Superior Suite. These are approx. 1,600 sq/ft. They are newly renovated and feature a chic modern design of greys, whites, and pops of gold. The Superior Suite is quite well priced, and should be able to accommodate your group. They do have larger suites available up to 2,200 sq/ft however, they are not generally bookable by the public. They are also double the price of the Superior Suite. I have stayed in a larger version of this suite when it was THEHotel. They are very nice. In fact, I have booked two nights here for my wife and I later this year in their Penthouse. The benefit to Delano is that their base rooms are true suites, so your friends would all have a room with a separate living room and powder room. Delano guests get access to Delano Beach Club as well as the Mandalay Bay pools, which are some of the biggest and best on The Strip.
Cosmopolitan Penthouse
Cosmopolitan has Penthouses available, some with and some without balconies. These run $1000-1500 a night for a 2 Bedroom. They come with butler service and are nice, though personally I prefer the Skyloft, though I am big on service, and I feel MGM resorts provides some of the best service in Vegas. Cosmo does have great views of Las Vegas and if you can get one with a terrace, they are wonderful hangout spots.
Bellagio Suites
I would also recommend the Bellagio Executive Hospitality Suite (has a pool table), 2 Bedroom Grand Lakeview Suite (the odd numbered floor suites have balconies), and the MGM Grand Skyline Terrace Suite, which is 1300 sq/ft and comes with an 800 sq/ft balcony. We will look into these for you and get back to you shortly.