Vegas Nightclubs 101
It's been about 25 years since I worked in a club environment where they had any sort of VIP treatment to get in. There was usually a line about 30 minutes long to get in. I used to check it periodically and let my friends get right in, and for free. But the ordinary people merely waited their 30 minutes, paid the $3 cover and that's it. Nothing even close to what goes on in Vegas, LA, NYC, Miami, Chicago, etc.
I too would not be intrigued to go to a Vegas club and pay all that money. If someone else were paying the bill, then maybe. But I'd stop at the local drugstore and purchase some earplugs first. When I was a club DJ, people used to tell me all the time that other clubs, and even other DJs at my club, played louder than I did, and they thanked me for the volume I played at.
The reason people do the stupid expensive Vegas club thing is simple. Some people are so insecure, that they are willing to pay big bucks to gain a false sense of self-importance. And the people on line to get in, want to know who the schmuck-du-jour is that pays those big bucks. That, and the chance to hob-nob with some famous people who couldn't give two shits about you, and wouldn't be there if they weren't getting their public appearance fee.
Quote: JimbodaBimboI know Jim is the expert on clubs in vegas but he doesn't seem to be able to support any of the many negatives people are coming up with. I think it's a niche market for people who aren't comfortable meeting possible dates in most other ways. As someone commented, it doesn't make much sense having a group of honeys coming over to your table if you can't hear them and they respond by pretending to hear you shout at the top of your lungs. I don't like the tip-for-everything mentality either. Never ran into that anywhere else. Normal tipping is fine, but I thought PacMan Jones wrote the review for a moment.
I wouldn't say it's a niche market, it's one of the driving forces of Vegas tourism these days. That said it's not for everyone. I'm not going to argue with anyone who has negative feelings or impressions, some people aren't into that kinda stuff. It's cool. As for tips, Vegas is pretty much tip for everything wherever you go. Granted you don't have to tip a lot of people, I just tried to answer the question of who expects tips and how much is a decent amount.
Quote: Toes14The clubs are definitely not my kind of scene. I'd much rather drop hundreds of dollars on renting a cabana for the day at one of the nicer pools. The music isn't as loud, the drinks are cheaper, the women are wearing slightly less clothing, you can swim, get a message, and get a tan too!
The pool scene in Vegas is great also, especially with a cabana! I don't blame you at all. We're going to be doing some pool party reviews coming up also.
Quote: DJTeddyBearWhen I was a club DJ, people used to tell me all the time that other clubs, and even other DJs at my club, played louder than I did, and they thanked me for the volume I played at.
I totally agree with you here, I'm used to the volume and very few clubs bother me. But it's also the single biggest gripe I hear from friends. It would be really nice to see some DJ's turn it down a bit. Seem like louder is better is the attitude though.
Quote: gofaster87Many people dont understand the expensive nightclub scene but I look at it as a way for some people to escape. Rather than gamble they save up for the one time or once a year all out party. I have many friends that cant stand the nightclubs but they do it once just so they can say they did it. They want to say they sinned in "Sin City." No one can tell someone else how to spend their money, they earned it themselves. Many of us that live here see it in a different light. There are a few people on this board that seem to think they are in a position to judge other people for their lifestyle even though it doesn't impact their own personal life.
When it comes to spending money everyone is always going to have their opinion. Clubs can be very expensive. So can dinner at a fine dining restaurant like Joël Robuchon's or Guy Savoy. Personally I'd enjoy a night at Haze or XS a lot more. A lot of people would pick the fancy dinner. And a good number of people would say both are a waste of money. Nobody would be right or wrong either. Vegas is an escape for many people and they come here to do things they would never be able to do back home. Partying like a rockstar in a world famous club is one of them.
Quote: WizardI have the same complaint about strip clubs -- too loud.
LOL that's because you enjoy the intelligent conversation with the girls!
Quote: JimMorrisonOne last quick thing about the money issue, as I point out in the article you're really looking at roughly $150 a person. Let's call it an even $200 for arguments sake. A dinner and a show will set you back the same amount but people don't get up in arms about the cost of that. Totally understandable if you say you'd have more fun at a dinner and a show but not everyone feels that way. When you break down the money it's really not that bad.
Not sure if I would pick a nightclub over Joël Robuchon at the mansion. $360 a person for a 16 course french cuisine sounds mighty tasty. Everyone should try that at least once. I wont pass up the fine cuisine every once in a while.
Quote: gofaster87Not sure if I would pick a nightclub over Joël Robuchon at the mansion. $360 a person for a 16 course french cuisine sounds mighty tasty. Everyone should try that at least once. I wont pass up the fine cuisine every once in a while.
I'd love to try it someday but I'm a very picky eater and have a feeling I wouldn't try 80% of the food so it would be wasted on me.
Quote: JimMorrisonI have seen far too many women cheat on their husbands or boyfriends out here.Don't get me wrong, I've taken quite a few of them up on it but I always feel bad after.
That's just nasty to say about oneself. Please don't be bragging about something that. Is this what living in vegas does to people?
Quote: JimbodaBimboThat's just nasty to say about oneself. Please don't be bragging about something that. Is this what living in vegas does to people?
I'm not in a relationship, I'm not the one cheating or breaking my word. Sure I feel bad but if a woman is going to cheat she's going to cheat.
I just wasn't brought up like that. More power to you if you can live with it.
Quote: gofaster87No one can tell someone else how to spend their money, they earned it themselves. Many of us that live here see it in a different light. There are a few people on this board that seem to think they are in a position to judge other people for their lifestyle even though it doesn't impact their own personal life.
I just hate to see people get fleeced. Why pay $600 for anything that's available for $30 everywhere else? Are there signs at the entrance to XS that say "WARNING! Bottle service is $1500!" or are people surprised after entry? I know if I just paid $40 cover to get in, and the cocktails alone were $22 each for a little well drink, I would never go back. I can blast music and drink in my car a lot cheaper. lol
In contrast though, the $360 for a 16 course French tasting menu someone mentioned IS worth it IMO. That food takes a long time to create lovingly by a trained chef, using rare ingredients from other countries unavailable to the commoners. It's a dish you've probably never had before, nor ever will again. It's not just a bottle of booze off the shelf and resold for 1000% markup, made with soda or juice from any grocery store. There's huge difference there. And that's not just the truth as I see it, it's the truth. Period.
You might not be a foodie, so you may think $360 is too much. Funny you'd think $1000 for a bottle of vodka is acceptable.
Quote: JimbodaBimboYou do something generally considered morally wrong by a decent society, you rightfully felt bad about it afterwards, but then you have gone out and done it again? Then it seems you're blaming the cheating woman.
I just wasn't brought up like that. More power to you if you can live with it.
My moral compass is probably best a topic for another thread.
Quote: zippyboyI just hate to see people get fleeced. Why pay $600 for anything that's available for $30 everywhere else? Are there signs at the entrance to XS that say "WARNING! Bottle service is $1500!" or are people surprised after entry? I know if I just paid $40 cover to get in, and the cocktails alone were $22 each for a little well drink, I would never go back. I can blast music and drink in my car a lot cheaper. lol
In contrast though, the $360 for a 16 course French tasting menu someone mentioned IS worth it IMO. That food takes a long time to create lovingly by a trained chef, using rare ingredients from other countries unavailable to the commoners. It's a dish you've probably never had before, nor ever will again. It's not just a bottle of booze off the shelf and resold for 1000% markup, made with soda or juice from any grocery store. There's huge difference there. And that's not just the truth as I see it, it's the truth. Period.
You might not be a foodie, so you may think $360 is too much. Funny you'd think $1000 for a bottle of vodka is acceptable.
Again, you're paying for the experience not just a bottle. You're paying for real estate, your table, plus a staff to serve you. $22 is a little high for a drink, depending on what you drink any club or lounge in Vegas is going to run between $10-$20. That's the way it is. And sure you can blast music and drink in your car for cheaper but you won't have the ambiance, the other people, DJ's and other entertainment. Again, if it's not your thing then there is nothing wrong with that but thousands of people every single week are into it.
Well, that is what Las Vegas is all about. Getting fleeced but leaving the shearing shed with a smile and coming back later to do it again.Quote: zippyboyI just hate to see people get fleeced.
I'm told that Paris Hilton is no longer the "in" thing. Perhaps its now OctoMom or some new media obsession. Well, all those adlepated idiots who fawned over Paris Hilton and her fashions (or lack thereof) were getting fleeced by the media. Everyone has their own value system. I realize that some people do indeed value loud music, expensive drinks and being seen at some "in" club. Some people do value an ambiance-famous restaurant rather than good food. Some people do value hitting a little white ball, chasing after it, hitting it again, getting it in some hole in the ground only to take it out again. I hate to see these people get fleeced because they've been brainwashed to think one must play eighteen holes prior to getting sloshed.
Hate to see people getting fleeced? Don't pass by the keno room. And if hordes of half-naked hot-to-slot females do invade the Keno Rooms then yes, indeed someone will start having lines and fees to play keno!
And they will be getting fleeced by anyone's definition other than their own, but its their own that matters to them.
Quote: FleaStiffI'm told that Paris Hilton is no longer the "in" thing. Perhaps its now OctoMom or some new media obsession.
Even Lindsay Lohan is out these days. I think it's the Kardashians now, or the Jersey Shore cast, or Chelsea Handler. Or maybe the guy who plays Thor in the new movie. Or vampires.
Heard the name but can't tell you if she sings, dances, acts, strips or what.
>Kardashians
the lawyer for OJ? Said to have removed the sweat pants from the washing machine after the criminalists failed to seize them.
>the Jersey Shore cast,
Oh, I guess I'm not as "un-hip" as I think. I know that one. Its some sort of beach house reality show filled with screaming slutty broads one of which is named Snooky.
>Chelsea Handler
Don't quite know who or what Chelsea is and don't know anything about her handler.
>Thor in the new movie.
Heard of that movie. Won't be going to it or any of the other talkies though. This is not the golden age of science fiction. The golden age of science fiction is twelve.
> Or vampires.
Can't escape those these days. They are all over the place. Vampires, Zombies, heck you even go to the check out counter and there is this plastic beverage pack being sold as Vampire Blood. All the dark cabaret shows seem to start off with Zombie Dances and I swear young men and women no longer shake hands upon being introduced, they bite each other on the neck. Sales of garlic must have plummeted. All this vampire stuff is enough to drive me into the Keno Room.
Quote: JimMorrisonI totally agree with you here, I'm used to the volume and very few clubs bother me. But it's also the single biggest gripe I hear from friends. It would be really nice to see some DJ's turn it down a bit. Seem like louder is better is the attitude though.
My current hypothesis is that people want the volume loud because it helps to prevent thought. If the volume were reasonable, there would be conversation and that implies thought, and then what would Rob Singer do?
Of course, the role of loud noise as a thought inhibitor is only partial. It's supplemented by the noise's ability to obliterate hearing, and coupled with other techniques, like dim lights, odd colored lights, massive alcohol consumption, etc, that both deaden the senses and dull the mind. Given all this, drugs would seem excessive, but then the "club scene" does qualify as a type of gluttony.
Quote: gofaster87I thought I was bad.
I find that hard to believe.
Quote: gofaster87You did call me stupid in an earlier post.
Did I? Do you care to quote it? I don't alter my posts, Rob, nor do I hide my identity.
Quote: gofaster87"Oh, well. Someone has to run for the Darwin Awards." while quoting one of my posts earlier in this thread.
In the context of a general comment about the behavior at night clubs. If you feel yourself aluded, then that's your problem, Jerry, not mine. And if you're running for a Darwin Award, I would advise you not to.
Quote: gofaster87Im willing to meet anyone of the members here in Vegas to verify my identity at any time.
I don't have the slightest doubt you can do that.
Quote:Im actually done with this conversation.
Now that stretches credulity past the breaking point.
Quote: gofaster87ime. My shop is near Sahara and the 15.
Which shop? I pass by there often.
Now I'm just too damned old.
You are a troll. You are constantly berating and insulting this forum user by calling him names like Rob and Jerry in order to cause drama for your personal entertainment. You are no better than Rob and Jerry.Quote: NareedIf you feel yourself aluded, then that's your problem, Jerry, not mine.
By your own criteria your posts should be flagged and you should be banned.Quote: Nareed"Don't argue with the troll. Flag his posts." Nareed
Quote: kpYou are a troll. You are constantly berating and insulting this forum user by calling him names like Rob and Jerry in order to cause drama for your personal entertainment. You are no better than Rob and Jerry.
I think this particular user is Rob's latest sock puppet. he fits the pattern of:
1) insulting everyone
2) claiming his attacks are a sign that he's the victim
3) posting insults which he then edits out of existence
4) very promptly challenging the claim he's Rob/Jerry by offering to meet
5) extreme sensitivity to criticism of something he likes
6) daring me to report him to the Wizard (as though that's even necessary)
I may be wrong, of course.
Quote:By your own criteria your posts should be flagged and you should be banned.
I can't keep you from flagging my posts. I have done nothing that merits a ban.
Quote: FarFromVegasI suppose if I had ever gone to Vegas when I was young and single I'd have tried the clubs once.
I'm sure I wouldn't have :)
Quote:The kind of guys you'd meet in a club environment aren't the kind I'd be interested in.
Yes. Ditto for any people you're likely to meet there. As I said, shallow and meaningless.
Quote: FarFromVegas.... I used to wait tables and bartend in a miniskirt ....
Pics, please! ; )
Sure, there seems to be a higher than average douche bag and poser ratio, but that doesn't mean that everyone there is one, nor that your favorite hangout is free of them. To each his own. You wouldn't find me there, but only because I'm trying to be a responisible, honorable married man and father, and my lack of impulse control doesn't mix well with the club scene. I suppose if wifey joined then you might find me there encouraging everyone to form a Soul Train line, but in all reality I'd probably prefer to do something more relaxing. Like jumping off the Strat. $1,000 bottles seems insane, but I'd spend $1,000 on a guided fishing trip to Canada and $1,000 to catch a fish sounds crazy too. Different strokes, man. If you love it, do it.
Quote: NareedSo it is shallow and meaningless. Plus the drugs and alcohol afford new and exciting opportunities for VD and AIDS.
Oh, well. Someone has to run for the Darwin Awards.
For someone who hates having their lifestyle choices criticized you sure do a good job ragging on other peoples.
While I am in my mid 20's, the nightclub scene is not for me but I can understand the lure for those who are into that sort of thing. Just because I can't see myself spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars a night in a loud club doesn't mean I need to poke jabs at those that do.
Vegas is a city that caters to every imaginable lifestyle, and that's what makes it so great.
What's all this other arguing about?
Quote: zippyboy
Quote: farfromvegas
.... I used to wait tables and bartend in a miniskirt ....
Pics, please! ; )
Seriously! I believe the expression is "Pics or it didn't happen." ;-)
Quote: JimbodaBimboWhat's all this other arguing about?
Some people believe that they should dictate how others live their lives.
Quote: cellardoorFor someone who hates having their lifestyle choices criticized you sure do a good job ragging on other peoples.
I dind't realize going to clubs constituted a "lifestyle," whatever the hell that means.
BTW, what's my "lifestyle" supposed to be?
But, really, I described clubs as shallow and meaningless and no one's challenged that characterization. If anything some have bragged about it. The purpose of visiting night clubs seems to include one-night stands. Combine that with the drinking of copious amounts of alcohol, and the chances of catching VD or AIDS are high. And, sorry, but catching disease also increases your odds of winning a Darwin Award.
Quote:Just because I can't see myself spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars a night in a loud club doesn't mean I need to poke jabs at those that do.
You misunderstand. I would criticize "clubbing" if it were free. The outrageous expense is just gravy on the irony train, if I may mix my figures of speech.
It reminded me of a reality show I saw on TV several years ago called "The Club" which was about a nightclub in Vegas. I enjoyed watching that show, although I don't think it was on for very many episodes.
Anyways, he did ask where your shop was and said he'd come by...
Personally, I think looking for trolls under every hockey helmet is a bit paranoid. The scuba gear is a dead give away, as AZDuffman put it very well. It's rather counter productive to shout "Jerry" everytime someone acts in a way that's disapproved off, whether it is actually a Jerry or not.
Besides which, this thread was far more interesting when Jim was talking about the club scene in Vegas. It's ties in nicely with a recent The Strip podcast interview with the owner of Tao that I've been listening to.
Quote: thecesspitPersonally, I think looking for trolls under every hockey helmet is a bit paranoid.
Personally I agree. If you have any suggestions on how to shake the impulse of suspecting every new or relatively new user of being Rob Logan's new puppet, I'd really love to hear them. Perhaps I should take a break from the board for a while.
Quote:It's rather counter productive to shout "Jerry" everytime someone acts in a way that's disapproved off, whether it is actually a Jerry or not.
Well, if mkl had a puppet, believe me I wouldn't accuse him of being Jerry. But that's because they had different styles.
In this case, if I'm wrong I'm willing to apologize. I just don't think I'm wrong.
Quote:Besides which, this thread was far more interesting when Jim was talking about the club scene in Vegas.
Takes all kinds.
Quote: blount2000I found Jim's article interesting, and thank him for writing it.
It reminded me of a reality show I saw on TV several years ago called "The Club" which was about a nightclub in Vegas. I enjoyed watching that show, although I don't think it was on for very many episodes.
You're welcome.
Never saw "The Club" but sounds interesting.
Quote: thecesspitThe Wizard has a day job and often will take a while to get back to people. Or leave it a while. Or just ignore it.
Actually, I don't, but I have a lot going on besides this site.
I get a lot of messages of members complaining about each other. My stock response is that if you don't like somebody BLOCK HIM. Also, a heavy dose of tolerance is highly recommended for any forum. Sorry if I don't respond to every PM I get.
In the future, if anyone wants to complain about a member, tell me which forum rule he/she is breaking and a URL to the offending post.
