Rope Tricks
The recession may have shortened lines at some of the Strip's hottest nightclubs. Still, that's not much comfort to the potential partyer one hour away from the red rope instead of two.
Even without possessing a movie deal or Criss Angel's cell number, it's possible to cut the line -- or at least to get in quicker once you're at the front.
For advice, we turned to some top rope-lifters: Fred Grimmel, door manager for Lavo at the Palazzo; Jason "JRoc" Craig, lead VIP host for Rain, ghostbar, the Playboy Club and Moon at the Palms; Robert Gamch, executive VIP host for the Bank at Bellagio; and Bob Shindelar, director of VIP services for Tao nightclub at The Venetian.
Incidentally, nobody recommended paying for VIP cards sold on the street and claiming discounts, line-cutting or other privileges. Some are legit, others aren't, and there's no way of telling.
TIP THE DOORMAN
A $100 bill is the going rate, said three of our four rope-lifters under condition of anonymity. (One wouldn't comment.) Less than a Benjamin may work, however, and more may not.
"If two guys don't want to stand in line for a half-hour, and if that door guy line-passes them," said Lavo's Grimmel, "that's their prerogative."
BOTTLE SERVICE
This guarantees you entry. But you'll pay about 25 times market value for your alcohol. At Lavo on a Saturday night, bottle service begins with Absolut vodka at $450 and doesn't stop until Armand de Brignac "Ace of Spades" Champagne at $47,000.
But if you're already considering Benjis for a tip, at least this will get you and your party your own table, waitress and alcohol you don't have to stand in another line for.
Of course, you're not guaranteed entry if you show up to some mob scene unable to catch the doorman's attention, so purchase bottle service beforehand.
CALL THE CLUB
Three of our four rope-lifters said they'll put anyone on the VIP guest list who calls early enough in the day -- "especially locals," said Craig of Rain, ghostbar, the Playboy Club and Moon. He recommends asking to speak to a VIP host.
Being VIP-listed means a shorter wait, but usually no admission discount. And cold-calling won't work everywhere. The Bank, for instance, never has an open VIP list. (Gamch recommends waiting in line like everyone else and then, once inside, accumulating business cards from hosts and managers.)
FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND MYSPACE 'FRIENDING'
All major Vegas clubs and promoters maintain easy-to-find social-networking Web sites. Sending messages via these is a lot easier, and less awkward, than trying to befriend total strangers in person or over the phone.
"To get to know one of our in-house promoters, for a local, is your golden key," Grimmel said.
BE EARLY
Three of our four rope-lifters said they begin admitting all guests as soon as their clubs open -- although the rope lifts more frequently on the VIP side.
In any case, arriving early is still good because club lines always increase as the midnight hour approaches.
Comfortable shoes are probably a good idea if this is the only tip you heed.
STAY POSITIVE
"Hey, we're still waiting over here!" will only work against you. However, if you look ready to party and don't attempt to command the doorman's attention without a legitimate reason to be line-passed, Gamch said, "we want you to come in and have a good time."
Once, Tao's Shindelar remembers, about a dozen guys approached his line dressed as Marvel superheroes. They were ushered immediately in.
"We decided they were going to liven up the crowd pretty quick," Shindelar said, adding that no crimes were committed by arch villains that night.
Before you hit the Halloween store, however, beware that Gamch said that Spider-Man still would not have gained entry to the Bank unless he wore a collared shirt, dress pants and shoes.
BE FEMALE
It's sexist, but it's true, according to all four of our rope-lifters.
Said Grimmel: "Three guys hoping to cut the line on a Saturday night are just going to have to wait, but I'll line-pass three ladies right in."
Before midnight, most Las Vegas clubs offer line-cutting incentives -- and some free admission -- to women.
"People don't want to buy tables in a club that's filled with a bunch of guys," Grimmel explained. "Guys are the primary bottle customers, so you need to match that up by getting the girls in."
Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0456.
