Ghostbar continually evolving but view from outdoor deck still prime

The Palms' ghostbar is notable for a lot of things.

The lowercase typography of its name. Its reputation as home away from home for documentaries, reality shows and awards programs, ranging from MTV's Video Music Awards to any number of travel programs.

And, of course, the view from the outdoor deck, which -- thanks to its sitting atop the Palms -- offers a panorama not obtainable from clubs elsewhere.

Ghostbar opened in 2001 as one of the city's pioneer nightclub/lounges. General Manger Sean Crowley admits he's gratified, if not totally surprised, that ghostbar continues to be such a strong player in the city's nightclub/lounge scene.

"In terms of competing in today's market, an 8-year-old venue, a lot of places don't last that long," he notes, adding that ghostbar continually evolves, not only in terms of programming but in freshening up its physical space.

One amenity that hasn't changed, and surely won't, is that view. Crowley says the view from the 55th floor of the Palms' tower is still one of the best views of the city and of the Strip.

Just about everybody who visits ghostbar "walks out almost immediately," he says, to "just take a peek outside. There are people who will come up just ... to see that, stay a few minutes and go."

And, thanks to its location -- on West Flamingo Road, just across Interstate 15 -- ghostbar offers a view of the Strip that Strip-based clubs can't, as well as a nearly 360-degree panorama of the rest of the valley.

"Absolutely, for our venue in particular, it's huge," he says, noting that ghostbar is a particularly coveted venue from which to watch fireworks along the Strip on New Year's Eve or throughout the valley on Independence Day.

Inside, ghostbar's decor emphasizes the view with 14-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows. The 8,000-square-foot room can accommodate about 350 people but is "not too big," Crowley says, which appeals to a wide range of guests.

Ghostbar opens at 8 p.m., a few hours earlier than the typical nightclub, Crowley says, and crowds earlier in the evening include older patrons stopping in for a drink after dinner. Then, as the night progresses, the crowd, the music and the vibe tend to skew younger.

"On an average weekend night, we can get anywhere from 1,000 to 1,700 through the doors, which is basically turning over the room five or six times," Crowley says.

Ghostbar is open seven days a week from 8 p.m. to closing, which, Crowley says, usually turns out to be somewhere between 3 and 5 a.m. Table reservations are recommended but not required, he says, and are particularly recommended on weekends.

On Sundays through Thursdays, a $20 cover -- $10 before 10 p.m. -- offers entrance to ghostbar, the Playboy Club and Moon. On Fridays and Saturdays, a $25 cover allows access to ghostbar alone, while a $40 pass allows entrance to the Playboy Club, Rain and Moon as well. For $60, patrons receive a VIP wristband that allows fast entrance to all of the clubs.

For more information about ghostbar, call the Palms at 942-7777.

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.