Photo by Andrew Postell
If there is one man who knows how to run a successful restaurant, lounge or nightclub, it’s Victor Drai. You can simply call him ‘the King of nightlife,’ especially when it comes to Sin City. He has created some of the biggest clubs in Las Vegas, from XS to Tryst. In May, he launched his latest venture: Drai’s Beach Club – Nightclub – After Hours at The Cromwell. While recently visiting Vegas, I experienced Drai’s in all of its 65,000 square foot glory. And might I say, it was impressive.
While many nightclubs tend to be overwhelmed with crowds, to the point where there is no order at the entrance; Drai’s is the exception. Their security maintains a non-crazed atmosphere before entering the six express elevators which take you straight to the rooftop club. It was a Saturday night and 21+-30 somethings, from friends to couples and bachelorette parties filled the space. Throughout the night, you never felt as if it was cramped or too crowded; from the private tables to the bar and dance floor.
I immediately recognized Drai’s signature black and red interior decor; similar to his design from his previous club at the W Hollywood. The center dance floor is framed by high and narrow platform stages with poles, bordered by private crescent shaped lounge booths. Standing in the center of the ultra VIP space near the DJ set-up, people were dancing on two levels. Upstairs is a full balcony stretching from one side of the room to the other. Stepping through the open red curtains to the outside rooftop pool space is a magnificent panoramic view of the city. It’s perhaps the best place in town overlooking the Bellagio fountains. Drai kept to his white and red theme for the outdoor bungalows and poolside decor.
Inside, the music was pumping. Drai’s has become home to world-renowned Resident DJ’s. Playing a mash-up of EDM and current dance hits, the music practically gets everyone in the club moving. A handful of go-go dancers in sleek black costumes dance on a crescent stage bordering the DJ booth.
Drai’s Las Vegas is certainly a grand and well-done feat for Mr. Drai. In fact, the club owner said, “This is a dream for me — We have created the next frontier for Vegas nightlife and we did it on a roof that before now was wasted space. That’s what I love about Las Vegas – if you have a vision, the right team and partners, you really can make the impossible happen.” And that he did.
Day or night, the Beach and After Hours club is always popping. One of the best parts about Drai’s venue, is the luxury service catering to the best of the best. But, don’t worry. If the luxury packages are not in your budget, Drai’s cocktails are equally delicious. I recommend the famous Drai’s Lemonade made with vodka and strawberries. It has a real sweet kick to it.
Luxury Packages range from $5,000 to $15,000
- The Luminous of the Gods, a 16-bottle setup of Dom Perignon Luminous (perhaps the most club-ready of prestige Champagnes, with its glowing labels) for $15,000.
- $737,000 Package, which includes a private jet charter for you and anywhere in the U.S. from 8 to 50 of your closest friends, plus accommodations at The Cromwell, fireworks and 100 bottles of Ace of Spades Champagne.
So the next time you find yourself on the Las Vegas strip, do yourself a favor; put on a little black dress or a sleek black suit and make a reservation at Drai’s LV at night or grab your bathing suit for the Beach Club during the day.
Read LATF The Magazine’s interview with Victor Drai here.
