Finally got myself to Hakkastairs!
But it really wasn't as bad as folks have said. Just go with comfortable shoes.
Anyways, I visited 2/1 for Oliver Heldens. Promoter wanted us in by midnight so we arrived at 11 and walked in main room by 1130. Being locals we parked across the street at the Trop (to save on walking). Entering that side puts you right next to the door however they have you walk all the way around Centrifuge Bar to get to the Guestlist line(s). While walking around we notice a huge crowd at the GA entrance...oh no.
Guest list is split in two next to the soon to be leaving Rainforest Cafe...staff list then general. This is where they have the mandatory coat check. While here they will check your ID stamp you, then come by with the list and give you your Comp ticket.
From here you walk into the actual structure of Hakkasan and into one of 4 ticketing lines...yeah, just like at Disneyland. Next you're down another hallway and into the elevators.
Overall the club is nice. They have used very rich materials. I like the use of stone especially. It does feel like a cave in spots but I feel like it was probably to make the open spaces feel even bigger.
My favorite place in the club is the mezzanine. Perfect view of the stage, not to mention video monitors so you can have an up close view of the talent. It got bonus points for no line at the bar and its own set of moving lights.
And I guess we lucked out because we didn't have to experience the exit stairwell. After experiencing that climb at Marquee...so glad.
Pros
- Very organized and fast moving guestlist experience
- multiple levels open to all guests. The upstairs bar had zero line. Not sure if they allow this all the time but even if getting table reservations Id recommend it more.
- Lighting and production is top notch. Surprised they were already shooting confetti before midnight.
- liked how it felt like there were areas to discover. The marriage between the old school clubs with lounge areas and the festival stage.
Cons
- I can see how on a night busier than it was it would be a cluster of a place to visit. Outside of the dance floor there are very few areas to chill and enjoy the scene that aren't a walkway.
- as with most Vegas club, the tables take up most of the space. As with restaurants I'm sure they've calculated how many they need to make a nice profit so it is what it is.
So after visiting, would I go back? I say, probably. But more likely if it is a DJ that isn't playing elsewhere. We have a few other clubs that I feel mesh the VIP and GA crowds in a way that doesn't piss one side off more than the other.