Going High-Profile

Ghostbar can consider itself unique for a lot of things, including the lowercase typography of its name and a reputation as MTV's home away from home with high-profile gigs on the channel's "The Real World" and Video Music Awards.

And, then, there's that killer view.

Ghostbar, situated atop the Palms, opened in 2001 as one of the city's pioneer nightclub/lounges.

"Back at the time, I believe there were only a few (such) places in town," says Sean Crowley, ghostbar's general manager. "But there wasn't too much, (and) certainly no mega-nightclubs or true lounges."

Chief among ghostbar's selling points then and now is the view it offers. Crowley says the view from the 55th floor of the Palms tower is "still the best view in the city, or almost any city, that I've ever seen."

And, thanks to its off-Strip 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.

Inside, ghostbar emphasizes that killer view via 14-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows and a popular outdoor patio area.

The 8,000-square-foot room can accommodate about 350 people but is "not too big," Crowley adds, which enhances its appeal to "a broad range of guests."

Ghostbar opens at 8 p.m., a few hours earlier than the typical nightclub, and Crowley says the client base evolves as the night moves on, beginning with older patrons who stop in for an early cocktail. Then the clientele, the music and the general vibe begin to skew younger as the night gets older.

But, view and amenities notwithstanding, "the way we get people to come back is through our staff and through customer service," Crowley says. "Our main goal is to make sure everyone who comes does have a good time and does enjoy themselves and does go back and tell other people."

Ghostbar is open daily from 8 p.m. to closing, which, Crowley says, usually is between 3 and 5 a.m. Table reservations are recommended.

On Sunday through Thursday, a $20 cover allows entrance to ghostbar, the Playboy Club and Moon. On Friday and Saturday, a $25 cover is good for ghostbar alone, although a $40 cover allows entrance to the Playboy Club, Rain and Moon, too. For more information, call the Palms at 942-7777.

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