The term "ultralounge" was etched upon our psyche in early 2003 with the opening of the MGM's Tabu. Tabu was, and remains, a rousing success. The club's emphasis on design and style over size opened up the market for a new breed of smaller, high-concept clubs. Soon, spots like Paris' Risque and TI's Tangerine followed Tabu's lead.
Regular lounges developed, too. Bellagio's Caramel works well as a companion to Light. Mist at TI balances out Tangerine. The Drop Bar at Green Valley Ranch is also quite keen. Better yet is The Whiskey at GVR, possibly the best deal in town.
The Rio has just got into the act, with the debut of its I-Bar Ultralounge.
With the exception of the too-brief Rise and Shine after-hours at the Voodoo Lounge, I haven't been a huge Rio fan. I've heard positive buzz about their upcoming women's entertainment complex, but I wasn't expecting much from I-Bar.
I was wrong.
I-Bar is stunning. The décor is fantastic, slightly minimalist, but in that groovy, futuristic sense. Its circular design offers a great flow, undisturbed even by the lounge's entrance.
I'd be irresponsible if I didn't mention the drop-dead-gorgeous cocktail staff and their ever-so revealing outfits. It was like going to a lounge on an island of Amazonian babes. And the service was great.
As much as liked I-Bar, I'd recommend some something to shield the view of the casino, and I'd lose the CD soundtrack in favor of a DJ. Still, I will absolutely make a return visit.
Friday is the debut of Krave, the Strip's first alternative lifestyle club. Gay, straight, whatever, all are welcome to the party. Their weekly Saturday night event is Everything You Desire. If there were truth in advertising, they'd give me an Aston Martin driven by Carrie Fisher wearing that Jedi slave girl outfit, with a three-picture deal from Dreamworks in one hand and a presidential decree legalizing marijuana in the other.
On Sunday at the Hard Rock, the greatest success of the summer, Rehab, comes to a close with a giant blowout. On the decks is none other than Bad Boy Bill with a sunset performance. Also performing are Rehab residents Dig Dug, Scotty Boy and Frank Richards. Then, at 10 p.m., the party moves over to Body English with tunes from DJ AM. Be sure to mosey over for one final hit before the cold months ahead.
E-mail Antonio Llapur at
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