I can only comment on the House of Blues as a concert venue. We've been here twice (both times to see Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers perform) and I will say that the venue itself is awesome! Very cool vibe - open and spacious, although it still gives you the feeling of being small. The decor and lighting makes you feel as though you are transported to a different city. For us - we prefer standing room for concerts - so you can move in closer and the setting is more intimate. It almost seems as you are at a private concert with just you and the band. The crowd really gets into it - and the bands feel the energy! Although our friends have told us that HOB Las Vegas can get shoulder to shoulder crowded for events, both times we've been there it has been perfect.
The bar area is elevated, with stairs or a ramp leading you down to the floor area. Even being 5 ft 2 I never felt like I had to struggle to see over the person in front of me. The sound quality is also awesome!
The only complaint I have, with that of any concert venue, is the bar and beer selection. Although it was super easy to get a beer (no lines) the prices were pretty ridiculous. $26 for two Coronas (okay - so they WERE king cans of Corona) but still - a little insane. But again that's expected when you're out to see a concert.
A definite plus is that being a Vegas venue - the band was able to play past midnight (almost 3 and a half hours), unlike a lot of places where they are cut off early! House of Blues in Vegas is one of our favorite concert venues!