One of the world’s most glamorous nightlife experiences has finally come to Las Vegas. You can find other Hakkasan clubs sprinkled throughout the world in cities like London and New York, but this sprawling 80,000 square foot venue in the MGM Grand is uniquely Vegas, and has already been widely acclaimed for breathing new life in to Las Vegas nightlife. To celeberate its arrival earlier this year, Hakkasan threw a three-day long opening celebration in the last weekend of April.
One of the first things you’ll see on entry are multiple stairways surrounding the primary dance floor in front of the DJ booth. Stairwells on the side flock the main stage, leading to the club’s various levels that are begging to be explored. This place is DARK. So keep your eyes on the floor and watch out for stairs or be prepared to stumble your way throughout the venue. Security guards with flashlights are usually vigilant about highlighting all the mini sets of stairs for all revelers who pass by.
Although Hakkasan isn’t home to palm trees or beautiful pools like old Las Vegas favorite XS, the highlight of Hakkasan includes a free concert nightly by some of the world’s most well-known and well-respected Djs. Every weekend night expect a different world-famous DJ to assume the stage. Headliners include favorites like: Tiesto, Hardwell, Deadmau5 and Calvin Harris, just to name a few.
Hakkasan also has multiple levels and dance areas. Take time exploring oldies in the Hip Hop room or discover the many alcoves made for bottle service hidden throughout the club. Bottle service tables not in the first tier are decorated by Asian-inspired carved wooden screens, offering a bit of privacy for each section. Dancers in blue Asian brocade reminiscent of Cirque-du-soleil and a Las Vegas showgirl dance on podiums throughout the venue. If you’re up to some dancing yourself, feel free to dance on the back of the tables! Ladies only on the back of tables, of course.
A visit to Hakkasan will cost you a pretty penny. Most bottles on the weekends start at $5,000-$6,000 dollars, and premier tables next to the DJ can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 to $500,000 for platinum drink packages. For ballers on a budget, presales for men usually range from $80-$100/person and women go for about $40 on weekends. But don’t worry ladies, you can still get in free. But you may have to offer up your facebook photos (and a little bit of your dignity) to do it. Hakksan is currently enforcing a strict guestlist policy- no photos, no free entry. Ouch.
PROS:
Amazing DJ lineup
All main floor tables face the DJ
Venue is fitted with lasers throughout the main dance floor to give the true “EDM concert” experience
CONS:
Stairs, stairs and more stairs
DJs usually don’t start their set until 2AM
Confusing layout (I promise you’ll get lost and have to backtrack to center stage at least once!)
PRO TIP: After clubbing, head on over to the Stage Deli (open 24 hours on weekends!) and get yourself a piping hot bowl of Clam Chowder. It’s a delicious, albeit not diet-friendly post club snack.
Author: Jackie C. is the Manager of Outreach for a local Las Vegas Law Firm Koch & Brim. In her free time she loves to shop, write on her beauty blog and explore nightlife throughout Vegas and the West Coast.
