10-12 Montreal Guys Bottle Service at Marquee and/or XS: Help!

[ChrisMerc]

Hi gang from Snowy Montreal,

New the Forum really enjoying it so far. I am heading to Vegas on May 10-11 weekend and need help figuring out how I can get 10-12 late 30s guys into these top clubs. I have been in discussion with Red Carpet VIP hosts re bottle service but from what I read here, it is not worth the extra cost. However, I have also read that Read Carpet always delivers as promised.

Is there a risk in booking directly with a club host? I have read that you can lose your table because clubs are over booked. This is going to be an epic night for the guys and I want to make sure it lives up to their expectations.

How many bottles do you think we will need to secure a decent table for our group? How much/bottle?

Also, given that the trip is planned for May, when is the best time to contact hosts, couple weeks or months in advance?

Thanks again for this great Forum.

ChrisMerc

[Chuck]

As long as you work with a reputable host, and aren't trying to do the absolute bare minimum you don't need to worry about getting bumped or anything. That's mostly a scare tactic used on newbies to get them to pay a premium for a "guaranteed" table. So, book with a host recommended on the forums and you'll be in great shape.

If not doing bottle service on some nights, get presale tickets for everyone. That will be the easiest way to get everyone in without bottle service.

The absolute minimum for 10-12 guys at most places is going to probably be 4 bottles. Average bottle prices range from $425-500 depending on brand and venue and day of the week. So 4 bottles is going to run you $1700-2000 before taxes and tips. After tax and tips you'll be in the $2400-2800 range on the low end. This will get you a bottom tier table location. If you bump your minimum up to around $2500-3000 ($3500-4200 after tax/tips) then you can start getting into better table locations.

Tier 2 clubs like 1OAK, Haze, Lavo, Tryst, Moon, etc. have lower minimums for better tables. Weekdays will also have lower minimums and/or bottle prices as well.

You can contact a host a week or two in advance, no need to do so any sooner. Until then, post any questions you have here and we'll help you out.

[Matt]

Go through the clubs own hosts, that way you dont have to pay extra to a third party. Like Chuck says, a bottle after tax and tips is $600. Standard deal is one bottle between three, and you're looking at $2400. At XS/Marquee this isn't going to get you a table to fit that many people, but give some hosts a text and see either how many bottles they'd do you for a good table, or what sort of tip they'd want to get you bumped up to something you can all sit at. Just remember to factor in a minimum of $75 a bottle tip, or more if you pre arrange it.

[ChrisMerc]

Thanks Chuck and Matt, this is very helpful. Which brings up another question re Tier 2 clubs: On a Friday or Saturday night, are the Tier 2 club scenes as good as Tier 1 (XS / Marquee)? Secondly, how much cheaper is terms of table and bottle service in the Tier 2s? Just want to make sure the scene and crowd as good as can be.

If in your view, Tier 2s are almost as good on a Friday or Saturday night, what are the top 3 you would recommend? Are some better for a table 10-12 people?

Thanks again.

ChrisMerc

[cowboy2024]

From my experience the big difference between T1 and T2 clubs on the weekends are:
1) Generally a better looking, better dressed crowd at T1 clubs
2) Generally more well-known DJs (not always "better") at T1
3) Some T2 clubs might not always be filled to capacity every night - T1 clubs will be
4) Better girl:guy ration at T1 clubs

I'm not a male model or a high roller, so sometimes I prefer T2 clubs...especially if I'm not doing BS. Still plenty of girls and I can dance (badly) to about any music.

Bottle prices seem to be in the same range at most clubs....starting at $450 and going up from there. The big difference between T1 clubs and the rest are that at Marquee / XS / etc you'll encounter higher minimums in order to get a table - especially in prime locations. Marquee also has a 10% LET tax on top of everything else. You also might find some "get 1" deals at T2 clubs on the weekends.

[ChrisMerc]

Thanks for the additional details guys. Given that we will likely only be clubbing one night I am thinking I would really prefer to do a T1 club. Let's say we are 12 guys and want BS at Marquee or XS on a Friday or Saturday in early May, what can I get for the following:

- 4 bottles at $675 per after tax and tip (sales tax+20% service+10% LET). BTW are mixers included FOC or extra?
- Host tip $500

Any chance of getting an inside table at these T1 clubs? Our numbers may vary a little but I aiming for around $300 per person.

Any help is most appreciated.

ChrisMerc

[NoahRam]

Patio and it'd be a cabana. the extras are included.

[ChrisMerc]

Thanks Noah, what would it take to get us inside or is it even possible with this size of group? Maybe add a couple benjamins in host handshake? Would it be easier on a Friday night rather than Saturday?

I have read elsewhere on the forum that an outside spot is just not the same as being closer to the action inside. Gotta do this right or the guys will have my head...

ChrisMerc

[NoahRam]

3k minimum for inside, 3500+ for good spot.

[ChrisMerc]

Thanks again Noah, I really appreciate your posts throughout the forum. When you say 3k or 3.5 k + for a good spot, do I add taxes and services on top of that? If so what's my all in price?

I gather XS on Friday night will be the same?

I guess my group is getting pretty close to being priced out, what is the next best club for those who like EDM and great scene lady-wise on Friday night?

I would welcome any of your favorites or recommendations or experiences with hosts in these clubs.


ChrisMerc

[Jhaulotte]

Thanks for the additional details guys. Given that we will likely only be clubbing one night I am thinking I would really prefer to do a T1 club. Let's say we are 12 guys and want BS at Marquee or XS on a Friday or Saturday in early May, what can I get for the following:

- 4 bottles at $675 per after tax and tip (sales tax+20% service+10% LET). BTW are mixers included FOC or extra?
- Host tip $500

Any chance of getting an inside table at these T1 clubs? Our numbers may vary a little but I aiming for around $300 per person.

Any help is most appreciated.

ChrisMerc

Most mixers/juices are included. Lemons/limes/oranges too. You will have to pay for Red Bull/bottled water at nearly all places

[ccc]

Remember, you are coming in May, so a cabana outside on the patio isn't nearly as bad as it might sound. In fact, if you only have the money for one go for it table experience, I'd get a table at a dayclub instead. Drinks, food, and ladies in bikinis, plus you can probably swing a prime spot in your price range.

[Chuck]

Here's how I'd budget a $3500 minimum at Marquee...

Minimum = $3500
Sales Tax = $420
LET = $350
Server Tip = $700
Host Tip = $300
Runner Tip = $40
Security Tips = $60
TOTAL = $5,370

Everything but the Server Tip is up to you...that's how I'd do it though.

[ChrisMerc]

Thanks for the great responses guys. I like the dayclub idea, but the guys just don't "get" it.

Chuck, that is exactly the kind of breakdown I needed. Do you think it is worth dropping the extra coin to be inside or is a cabana be almost as much fun at Marquee?

Also, can you or anyone else provide a similar BS budget breakdown for 10-12 guys at XS, Tryst or other worthwhile T2 club playing EDM?

Over 5k is likely out of range.

ChrisMerc

[Chuck]

If you can afford the minimum, then absolutely it would be worth being inside. You can still have a blast outside though. Don't sell a kidney for the inside table but do it if you can. Personally, if being outside in a cabana meant I could do bottle service a second night I'd do that rather than blowing my budget on an inside table and not be able to swing another night.

The break down will be the same for XS, minus the LET. Here's how you do it....

Minimum = X
Tax = "X" x .12 (12%)
Server Tip = "X" x .20 (20%)
Host Tip = whatever you want (I try to be at leas 9% if minimum is over $1500)
Runner Tip = (start at $40, do more later in the night if you feel moved to do so)
Security = whatever you want ($20 to each when introduced, more later if you want)
TOTAL = Add it up

Minimums for "good" tables at a Tier2 will be around $1500-2000...dance floor tables at Tier2 clubs will start around $2500 with the exception of Hyde. Hyde is around $3500 for dance floor. Formula above can be used to calculate all in total for these as well.