Nightlife is supposed to be a source of fun.  Sure, it’s a business; and regardless of whether the venue is a megaclub, a more intimate lounge, or a rave in an apple orchard, someone is making money on something.  But as a club-goer, the primary objective is to have fun; and the role of the nightlife purveyor is to provide the atmosphere for that fun (and yes – to make money).

As someone who’s spent more time than most tripping the strobe-light fantastic (perhaps better described as tripping under the fantastic strobe-lights), what I look for in the venues I choose to frequent has changed.  For instance, the concept of going to any place where there’s even there merest scintilla of a chance that a flying Glo-Stick might hit me betwixt the eyes just doesn’t even register a blip on my radar (anymore).

Give me a room or two (or three) with comfortable seating, assigned security and ropes around our assigned area, a DJ who’s playing mostly open-format (with a nod toward classic House, funk, and/or rock), and great design.  Well, in the case of Hyde Bellagio, it seems like I’ve found exactly what I’ve been seeking.

So, when I found that Audra Hendley was having the après-diner portion of her Bachelorette Party at Hyde Bellagio, I was pretty psyched.  I’d only been once, but it had piqued my interest, and (as a former habitué of the original Hyde Lounge in Hollywood) I was curious to see what the joint was like on a Saturday night.

This should come as no surprise to anyone who’s spent more than 14 seconds with me, but if I had my druthers, I’d gravitate toward those places where I’m greeted by name.  Call me crazy (it’s okay – I am), but the personal touch goes a long way with me.  So, when Hyde’s Director of VIP Services, Greg Costello, welcomed me with an excited “Mr. Shulman!” and gave me the straight-guy-handshake-half-hug-back-pat, I was tickled, because I’ve known him since he was new to the industry, and it’s nice to see your friends succeed (and because he’s really cute).

We were led into the venue and to a prime corner banquette.  As we curled around the table, placed all of our accessories in the ample “purse drawers” under our seats, and struck various poses, a parade of servers, dancers, and other sexy sorts descended upon our group of ten, with lights, lasers, masks, and costumes, carrying bottles of Vintage 2000 Dom Pérignon Rosé (it was very “pour big or go home”).

The club is actually more of a lounge (to wit, it was formerly the Fontana Lounge, originally conceived as the Las Vegas home to Michael Feinstein), that was designed by Philippe Starck to take full advantage of the full-frontal Fountains of Bellagio vista, that encompasses the East side of Las Vegas Boulevard between Flamingo and Harmon (i.e., Bally’s/Paris and Planet Hollywood).  The color-scheme in the grand salon is warm, almost hearthy (there’s even a fireplace in front of the DJ Booth); while the terrace features a more resort-themed black-and-white palate, and the upper living room is hung with a collection of kooky art and mirrors.  It’s at once very Starck and very nouveau Vegas, and it works swimmingly.

The music was familiar and fun; nothing too new or avant-garde.  To the contrary, the crowd (myself included) was most delighted when the DJ would mix in songs like “Rock the Casbah” by The Clash, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns n’ Roses with the de rigueur jams by Rihanna, Lil’ Jon, and Beyoncé.

So, if you’re seeking a sexy setting for your next Strip-side sabbat, search no more.

Hyde Bellagio
Click HERE for info

Get into it!