To plan or not to plan...

[dysfunctional]

Hello everyone!

I'm really looking forward to my 2nd Vegas trip in April. I'll be there with my girl from April 16th - 22nd. I've spent hours of reading the infos on this site plus the forums and all this info is quite overwhelming! After reading all this, I've got some questions.

I didn't really intend to plan our "nightlife experiences". Since there are so many clubs, bars, lounges, shows etc. I thought that acting spontaneously when there would be the best. After reading this board, I'm not too sure bout that anymore...

Well, I've planned one night ahead, house of blues for a concert/hiphop show (which is going to be super dope) but apart from that, nothing planned yet.

We would like to hit some clubs/lounges/bars during our stay and yeah, here are my questions...

1.) is ordering table service (through a host) really worth it? Yeah, most ppl say "yes", some say "no", I know. However, is having a table (let's say at XS) really that much better than "just going there"? Isn't having a table more of a "prestige" thing? I'll be there with my girl only. Why should we book a table with bottle service? I think we can't drink two bottles on our own anyways...

what's it like when not having a table at a club? I understand that most of the clubs are packed (on popular days). Does that mean that you can barely move? Uncomfortable?

I'm not that kind of guy that needs to dance the whole night. So I see the point in having a talbe in order to "chill" a bit and watch the ppl, having a conversation. If you don't have a table, you'll be cramped like a sardine all night, is that correct?

2.) The music. Here in Europe, almost all megaclubs play the same music. Basically its house (top 20 music which is house/eurodance stuff). I'm really sick of it. I assume that it ain't different in the Vegas clubs? They play mostly house music right? Is there a club where they play something more... let's say.. "underground"? any good places for hiphop or dubstep? what about metal? :-) does that exist?

3.) Security. Never really been at a Vegas "megaclub". Are there many "aggressive" ppl? how is the vibe? kinda relaxed or aggresive? do brawls happen often? just wondering...

As mentioned above I'll be going to the house of blues for a hiphop show (because I love live performances, lovin' hiphop too). However, me n my girl also wanna hit a megaclub on one or two nights. I'm thinking of XS since we'll be staying at the Encore for 3 nights. I don't want to drink till I pass out nor do I want to spend 2000$ for a night. Around 1000$ would be the limit (for 2 ppl). Do you guys recommend a table reservation?

What makes the Vegas club experience (apart from the luxury, nice venue) so special? Is there a difference for example to a megaclub in L.A.? (I have no idea)

Can you have a fantastic time by "just going there" and decide spontaneously where to go and see what happens? Or will it be a pain in the a** to get in the clubs when not having planned something? what do you guys think?

Well, this is it for now. Thank you for reading and I'd appreciate any comments/thoughts.

Cheers
Dysfuncional

[Doc1200]

Just a couple of comments on a few of your questions:

1.Table service is the way to go especially if you have a group of people, in your case b/c it's just you and your GF it might not be worth the price. The one thing i have found about most mega clubs is that there is pretty much nowhere to sit unless you have a table, period. Clubs that do offer some sort of seating for the general public those will be very limited. If your up dancing and moving around that won't be a big deal but trying to relax or do some people watching it will be hard as these clubs are so packed in some cases you can barely move.

2. The music on the weekends is going to be EDM house or mash up style mostly. If there is a guest DJ it's guys like Tiesto, Kaskade, Sander Van Doorn ect. On these nights table are more expensive, cover goes up and it can be harder to get in so it might not be worth it. Some clubs have second rooms or lounges that offer a different style of music usually hip hop but again they will likely be playing top 40 american hip hop nothing underground. As far as dubstep goes yeah Skrillex has played XS and a few other clubs but other then that you won't see it in the mega clubs. There are other shows that cater to the more underground style of dubstep or hip hop but these venues are not on the strip and don't happen regularly.

3. I have never had any issues with security at big clubs in Vegas. You will notice on the strip that there are police and private security everywhere, as long as you are not causing any issues you should be fine. There is so much security inside the mega clubs that if something does happen like a fight it will be dealt with quick and by an army of security, in my experience it rarely happens.

hope that helps.

[laidback]

Plan, but loosely.


I like to have a rough outline, i.e. "today we'll do this and this". "so-and-so event starts @ 9pm", etc.

It is entirely possible to be standing around in Vegas with dick in your hand and nothing to do. Don;t over-plan or get too detailed, but have a rough idea of what you want to do each day - especially if it entails a show or table / bottle service. Buy tickets ahead of time, contact a host ahead of time. Everything else can be by the seat of your pants, if you want.

[Chuck]

King Ink?

Has anyone ever been here? Looks different, I may check it out when I'm there...

http://kinginklasvegas.com/

[KristinK]

Has anyone ever been here? Looks different, I may check it out when I'm there...

http://kinginklasvegas.com/

I have always had a good time at King Ink. In fact, their grand opening night was one of the best nights of my life.

[sfnate]

1) I've gone to many a club without a table - it's a ton of fun. I prefer a table cus (a) i can sit (b) i'm badass (c) i get treated like a king. (d) No wait at the bar.

2) not many clubs play straight edm on a fri/sat. After 12 you'll get a lot of it, but before it's mashups, US top 40, pop, etc. Dont expect metal.. unless you want to come to SF, then I know a good goth club... lol

3) I've only seen one fight in a club, way back in the day at Body English. It lasted about 4 seconds until the two guys got jumped by like 8 300lb bouncers

4) 1kish will get you two bottles (more like 1.2k inc tax tip) which will get you a table in any club, almost any day.

5) never been to an la club.

6) If you don't have a reservation and just walk up, then you have to wait in line. I never found that to be too arduous. You can always change your mind and try to get a table at the door...

[Universal]

For me, planning is half the fun, but everyone's personality is different. The only Vegas trip I didn't plan was my first one and, not coincidentally, it was also my worst trip.

My next trip isn't until June, and already have our itinerary finished for each day/night.

[dysfunctional]

molto cool, thanks so much for all the infos guys! appreciate it!

yeah, playin it safe and gettin a table seems like the way to roll... gotta do some club-research and then contact a host to see what's up.

Too bad there's nothing like a bit of underground music on the strip. but I didn't really expect that sooo... it's all good.

Good to hear that there are no security issues. nothing worse than a club packed with troublemakers or "whatcha lookin at me?!?? faces".

@Chuck & KristinK so you like kingink? caught my attention a few weeks ago when doing some research on mario barth. have read lots of not-so-good reviews on the bar. the tattoo artists should be good though. I like the idea of gettin inked in Vegas but most probably won't do it cuz I wanna enjoy the pools, sun etc.

[Chuck]

I haven't been to KingInk but its on my list of options if the opportunity presents itself. Looks like a cool venue...