I am not a fan of casinos, although I tried not to make that an influence on rating Degree 270. I go to casinos in Vegas when I have to for business. I avoid them anywhere else, for their (often) well deserved reputation of being cheesy and tasteless.
I came here (to Talking Stick) to attend a good friend's birthday party and was actually more than a little impressed by the overall quality of the property as a whole. Obviously they are not failing because we walked what seemed to be a mile from a remote corner or the parking lot.
Degree 270 is not bad. It's on an upper floor and KUDOS, they have a couple of open air balconies so guests can either be romantic or get the heck away from the crowds. We arrived early and there was plenty of room to mingle and talk. Unfortunately you have to crowd into the bar because you have to go get your own drinks. A promotional girl came around a couple times offering samples of a particular brand vodka (although she seemed selective in who she actually offered the samples to).
The Nate Williams Band was playing during the early hours and was very entertaining. As the night moved on he was replaced by a DJ and very loud music. Of course by then the guests were drunk, drunker and drunkest and took over the dance floor enmasse. While I love to have fun, it just got too Scottsdale show-off-ey. Time to leave! On the way to the car a kindly golf cart shuttle driver offered us a ride. MUCH better than having to walk!
Degree 270 might have been a 3 or even a 4 except for their policy which is "Cover Charge: $10 for men and free to women, effective on Friday and Saturday". WTF? This is 2012 Talking Stick!! Either charge a fair and equal cover or don't charge one at all. Where do you get off so blatantly discriminating in today's world? THAT lost you at least a star.