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| - One of the upsides of seeing a club/lounge at a preview is that you have the opportunity to see the space at it's best: Just furnished, that subtle nervousness in the air, even with an occasional comp'd open bar, and brand new staff. (We could smell the paint on the walls!) This is the perfect time to do a review of this latest in the chain of lounge/club properties of Hyde, a venue owned by the SBE group offers, what they claim, is the ultimate in "exclusive socializing." I'm not quite sure what that is but the crowd was a mixed group for the Preview Night on December 29th to select groups, VIPs, and then some.
First of all, Hyde Lounge isn't completely sure what it wants to be. The decor is a cream/black/chrome color scheme that works on a basic level. It's not dazzling, but it's simple and offers rows of books, artifacts, and glitzy jewelery in little alcoves, shelves, and small rooms. (I don't know if this is going to make way or is in fact a very simple boutique type thought put into the club, but it would work well with the concept they're working.) This is a -lounge- and I don't know if this was for the preview, (which I'm questioning as Paul Oakenfold is slated to be the New Year's Eve guest DJ) but it had a dance floor and was jamming like a -club.- While I could go on and on about how Vegas has very much killed the term "ultra-club" by adding chrome and mirrors and about twenty yards of sheer fabrics as well as 9x9 foot space that they purport to be a dance floor everywhere to signify this space, this is pretty much your standard fare of said term. While it was -nice-, it wasn't mindblowing or really anything new.
What IS to be applauded is the completely open-air, gorgeous windows to the fountain show and Lake Bellagio. If you are going to Hyde, PLEASE get there before midnight to catch the fountain show from the back. It's a gorgeous view and something that is truly special.
Also, having DJ88 is to be applauded, as well. Having a local, talented DJ who had some terrific jams going on, (Work it out girl!), is just awesome.
The "dance floor" is abstract, as once it thinned out a bit, it was manageable but it's hardly fit for the ratio of booths vs. space on the dance floor, etc.
The entrance/exit flow had a LOT of people confused. There needs to be more signage for individuals to figure out how to get out. Those in search of the egress were heading to the entrance to be pointed in the completely opposite direction. Not clear signage.
Watched a group of people at the door, who were PROMISED entry into the club by Bellagio President, Randy Morton, get told the club was at capacity and had ten minutes until closing to go away while they let the wreck of a "DJ" Pauly D waltz in with his equally garish entourage. Thanks, bouncers, you're an outstanding bunch. (Although I will say inside the club, one on one, staff was very friendly including security. No one hassled me for hanging out by the entrance, waiting for friends to get in.
While the crowd was very mixed (ranging from a guy in a zoot-suit, to guys in t-shirts/jeans, to a guy with his hair in Pippi Longstocking-esque braids), I'm curious as to if the lounge will keep it's doors open to such a wide range of styles or if it will go back to the standard fare of normal club fare. I'd be thrilled if it went for welcoming over-the top artisan styles, but we'll see.
The bottom line is that I'm a little sad because before this was the Fontana Club, which offered live bands on a stage, a beautiful patio to sit and drink while watching the fountains, and it was very classic Vegas. Ultra-lounges are a dime a dozen at a myriad of properties and frankly, this one offers nothing new: It is a desperate move to pull more money in and it's attracting a crowd that isn't very Bellagio nor what Wynn would have allowed on his property. But go ahead, MGM, continue to turn the Bellagio into another typical casino, one space at a time. The next space is a Light Group lounge, Bloom? Fantastic. Can't wait for the obnoxious bouncers, velvet ropes, booming music, and pretentious atmosphere.
Will this be here five years from now? Who knows. Clubs and lounges come and go in Vegas. Only the evolving and the strong stay.
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