Nothing in New York nightlife is as mutable as the club scene. In this world, hot spots don't even get 15 minutes of fame -- their time in the limelight is usually more like a commercial break.
First things first: Finding and going to the latest hot spot is not worth agonizing over. Clubbers spend their lives obsessing over the scene. My rule of thumb is that if I know about a place, it must not be hip anymore. Even if I could tell you where the hippest club kids hang out today, they'll have moved on by the time you arrive in town.
"Clubs" as actual, physical spaces don't mean much anymore. The hungry-for-nightlife crowd now follows events of certain party "producers" who switch venues and times each week. A number of bars and lounges "club" scenes on various nights of the week.
The tracking game is best left to the perennial party crowd who knows the guy at the door (who lets them in for free) and someone at the bar (who comps them drinks). You're not likely to get that well connected in your weeklong vacation. Just find someplace you like, and enjoy the crowd that enjoys it with you.
I've concentrated on a wide variety of club scenes, from performance-artsy to perennially popular discos, most of which are generally easy to make your way into. Additional online sources that might score you discount admissions to select clubs include www.promony.com. You can also check www.sheckys.com for VIP guest list access.
No matter what, always call ahead, because schedules change constantly and can do so at the last minute. Even better: You also may be able to put your name on a guest list that will save you a few bucks at the door.
New York nightlife starts late. With the exception of places that have scheduled performances, clubs stay almost empty until about 11pm. Don't depend on plastic -- bring cash, and plan on dropping a wad at most places. Cover charges run anywhere from $7 to $30, and often get more expensive as the night wears on.
