A Guide To Clubbing In Las Vegas

The best nightclubs in Las Vegas all operate on the same principle: Las Vegas is hot. This desert oasis cooks 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As the sun sets over the sand each evening, Las Vegas hotspots are just starting to sizzle.

Before you set out to “party like a rock star” you may want to:

• Expect to Spend. Cover charges at top Vegas clubs range from $20 to $50 or more. Fees vary – midweek is generally less expensive than weekends. Once inside expect to pay $12 and up for signature cocktails. “Bottle service” begins at around $300 and includes seating for a party of four or more and one to three bottles of premium spirits.

• Consider a Hosting Service. Most clubs open at 10 p.m. and by midnight the queues can stretch down the street. Purchasing a package with a VIP hosting service saves time by getting you into the club and at your table without the wait. Many of these services also provide transportation. Arrive in style in a limousine. Drinks, bottle service and gratuities are not included.
• Dress to Impress. Unlike the rest of the city, the exclusive nightclubs have dress codes – and they enforce them. Ties are not required for men, but collared shirts and dress shoes may be, check on the clubs website before you go for details. Women should be both elegant and sexy. A classic little black dress paired with heels will make you feel right at home in the glamorous surroundings.

If you’re looking to indulge in a little luxury or mingle with the glitterati, these Vegas destinations won’t disappoint.

XS at the Encore

One of the newer clubs in Vegas, the designers spared no expense in decorating this gold-plated extravaganza. A rotating chandelier hovers over the 1,100 square foot main dance floor. On summer Sunday evenings, the action moves to the patio for a deluxe pool party. In keeping with the theme, XS also offers the most expensive drink in Las Vegas. The Ono Cocktail – a blend of Dom Perignon and Remy Martin Black Pearl Cognac – will set you back $10,000.

Open Friday – Monday, 10pm to 4am

TAO at the Venetian

Step into this Asian-inspired paradise and be greeted by a bevy of beauties frolicking in pools filled with flower petals. A multi-level experience at 24,000 square feet, TAO features a lounge, restaurant and dance club. One of the most popular nightspots in Las Vegas, TAO is a favourite with celebrities including Jay-Z, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. If you need a break from the action, step onto the terrace for a breath of fresh air and enjoy views of gondolas plying the Venetian’s canals and the dazzling lights of the Strip.

Open Thursday – Saturday, 10pm

PURE at Caesar’s Palace

PURE’s main room continues the Roman theme of the casino in classic ivory, silver and white. The illuminated walls enhance the elegance of this iconic club. The intimate VIP Red Room features luxurious crimson décor, a private bar and oversized banquette seating. One of the first clubs to incorporate an outdoor venue, PURE’s fourth-floor terrace is reached via a glass-enclosed walkway that provides panoramic views of the city at night.

Open Tuesday; Thursday – Sunday, 10pm to 4 am

RAIN Las Vegas at The Palms

The one that started it all, RAIN is still going strong more than ten years after opening. With a layout perfectly designed to highlight some of the most popular DJs in the world, RAIN is a favourite with music lovers and industry professionals. A legendary light and pyrotechnic show sends bursts of flame directly over the heads of dancers. VIP booths and skyboxes are arranged stadium-style so patrons can enjoy privacy without missing the action on the dance floor below.

Open Friday and Saturday, 10pm

John is a guest blogger and editor at Las Vegas Travel, a Las Vegas hotel and holidays website.