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The Lounge & Bar SceneYou might also check out the incredible nighttime view at the bars and lounges atop the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower -- nothing beats it. Except for maybe the more up-close view of the bar adjacent to the 23rd floor-lobby at the Mandarin Oriental. The floor-to-ceiling windows make you feel like you're floating in the middle of the Strip, especially at night. There's also the Viva Las Vegas Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel, which every rock-connected person in Vegas will eventually pass through. No Smoking! -- Long the last best hope for smokers, Vegas is considerably less smoky these days. A recent ban forbids smoking in most indoor spaces, including restaurants, shopping malls, and public hallways. Stand-alone bars and casinos are exempt, which, in theory, means you can't smoke in a hotel lobby, but you can a few feet away in a casino. It's an interesting evolution for a town so dedicated to hedonistic pursuits. Cool By the Pool A critical part of the nightclub scene is that it takes place at night. Maybe that's why they call them "night" clubs. But you don't have to wait until the sun goes down to start partying, especially in Vegas where a host of daytime pool clubs gives you an opportunity to boogie down while working on your tan. Most of the major hotels have some form of a poolside day club that usually operates on weekends and only in season (Mar-Oct mostly). They all feature DJs or live music, bars, private cabanas, and lots of opportunity to splash around in pools that are separated from the main recreational facilities for people over 21 years of age only. All charge a cover (although they vary as much as nightclub covers do) and some offer table games (like blackjack) and topless sunbathing. All are open to the general public (you don't have to be staying at the host hotel). It should go without saying that these usually draw a younger, fit crowd who aren't embarrassed about how they look in a bikini or board shorts. If that isn't you, you may want to consider alternate afternoon entertainment. Here are the most noteworthy of the current pool clubs:
Party Spots for the Rest of Us Most of the nightclubs in town are ruled by the young and pretty type -- you know who we mean: the 23-year-olds with impossibly short dresses, tiny waists, and an attitude that can be seen from space. Not that there's anything wrong with that. If we were thin and pretty, we'd want to hang out at these nightclubs, too. But what about the rest of us? What about older people who may not have a tiny waist anymore but still want to go out, dance, and have a good time? For them we offer what some consider to be a dinosaur of a bygone age: the hotel lounge. Don't roll your eyes, because many of the hotel lounges offer entertainment, dance floors, low or no cover charge, cheaper drink prices, and an almost total absence of the kind of "hey look at me" posing that comes along with the trendy nightclubs. These are great places to go to simply have a night out of fun that doesn't involve a slot machine or blackjack table. All of the major hotels have at least one, so you can just wander by to see if it strikes your fancy, but here are a few that might be worth the extra effort to visit. Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (tel. 702/632-7777; www.mandalaybay.com), has two lounges worth knowing about. Mizuya serves up some darned good sushi, but it is the nightly entertainment that makes it noteworthy in this category. It usually features no-name cover bands, but they are usually really good no-name cover bands who do a great job of whipping the crowd into a party-all-the-time lather. The lack of a cover, lower-than-nightclub drink prices, and more casual atmosphere make this one a must. It's open nightly until 2am or later depending on the crowds. Meanwhile, eyecandy sound lounge, located in the center of the casino, has a younger look and feel (bold colors, interactive screens built into the tables), but still draws a more grown-up crowd. DJs spin all types of music nightly from 6pm until late and there is no cover charge. The crowd at the Fontana Bar at Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., (tel. 702/693-7111; www.bellagio.com), definitely skews older, drawn by the upscale feel of the place, the frequent jazz and singer/songwriter musicians, and the amazing views of the Bellagio Fountains from the outdoor terrace. It does sometimes charge a cover depending on the acts performing, and drink prices are not cheap, but the classy crowd doesn't seem to mind. It is open Monday through Thursday from 6pm to 1am and Friday and Saturday until 2am. Rouge at the MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (tel. 702/891-7777; www.mgmgrand.com), feels more like a nightclub (dance floor, DJ, chrome, and red leather decor), but it's operated more like a lounge -- there's no cover charge and drinks, while not cheap, also will not bust your budget. It is open Monday through Thursday from 3pm until late, and Friday and Saturday from noon until late. Gay Bars & Clubs Hip and happening Vegas locals know that some of the best scenes and dance action can be found in the city's gay bars. And no, they don't ask for sexuality ID at the door. All are welcome at any of the listed establishments -- as long as you don't have a problem with the people inside, they aren't going to have a problem with you. For women, this can be a fun way to dance and not get hassled by overeager Lotharios. If you want to know what's going on in gay Las Vegas during your visit, pick up a copy of Q Vegas, which is also available at any of the places described below. You can also call tel. 702/650-0636 or check out the online edition at www.qvegas.com. Gay nightlife listings can also be found on the Web at www.gayvegas.com.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. Related Features Partner Deals:
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