I honestly get annoyed when I hear people comparing Hakkasan to other clubs such as XS. They're two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT concepts. Get that straight.
I love Hakkasan. They truly redefine the new meaning of luxury. Every execution of this club was well thought of from the design, to the dresses the cocktail servers wear, to the DJs they end up signing as their residents.
You do taste nothing short of chic and glamour once you step in. Yeah, it's dark with a lot of stairs but there are also elevators if you're not impatient to wait for it.
And yes. It can be packed. Sardine style. But what club isn't when you have people like Calvin Harris or Hardwell spinning all night? Quit complaining since there are people that weren't fortunate to even get in.
I'm still a firm believer that it's not the place, but the people that makes it fun. And if you had a horrible experience, reconsider going with different people that are willing to have a good time regardless of what the situation might be.