Terminology

[lalate]

This has been brought up before, but it's worth bringing up again. The terminology in Vegas nightlife, even for seasoned clubgoers, can get a bit confusing because terms often carry different meanings or weight in Vegas than they do in other markets.

A couple of terms to start with ...

"A comp card."

Can also be referred to as -

1. vip card

2. club pass

3. vip pass

Prevalent in some markets in the late 90s, these small little cards are making a huge comeback in Vegas in the last 18 months through online transactions that confuse even the sophisticated buyer into thinking they are something which they are not. While the name suggests "vip treatment", or a "pass" of the line, they are anything but that.

They do get you -

- free cover

- discounted cover

But they also get you

- no "vip" treatment

- no line "pass"

- no faster entry. In many cases, you are placed in a line as long as the general admission line.

- in some cases like for women, they get you the same free cover you would have otherwise gotten if you walked up to the door without the card.

"Guestlist"

In every market, the weight that follows from a guestlist can vary. In Vegas its no different.

In many markets today, promoters do not list the details of the guestlist (free for girls, not free for guys) publically because of litigation on the subject leaving the clubgoer unsure what the guestlist is about.

In Vegas, however, its always spelled out.

They do get you -

- free cover

- discounted cover

But they also get you

- no line pass

- no faster entry. In many cases, you are placed in a line as long as the general admission line.

- in some cases like for women, they get you the same free cover you would have otherwise gotten if you walked up to the door without the card.

"Line Pass"

Line Pass is like buying ocean front property. Unless the listing for the house for sale says the precise words "ocean front", its not on the ocean.

For something to be a line pass, it must say "line pass".

The difference spanning the industry on line passes currently is two fold

a) How do you effectuate the line pass

How much are you saving money wise (separate and apart from the wait time) with a line pass

a) A line pass is only as good as the ability to effectuate it. Imagine showing up to JFK arrivals desk at United with 3,000 people in line and thinking, "I got a line pass, I dont have to wait in this line" but next wondering "but who the hell do I turn to at that front desk of people to effectuate it".

Line Passes based upon who you are getting them from should save you money on cover as much as wait time.

They do get you -

- free cover

- discounted cover

- line pass = no waiting in line

"Bottle Service"

While this sounds obvious, and is covered so often, people still do not have a clear understanding of the budget involved with bottles.

Before you even discuss your host, or similar's fee, you need to understand that 11 people are not going to get in on 2 bottles.

Numbers - 1 bottle per 3 people generally (rounded up)

Price per bottle - approx $300 each + tax + tip

[djmasterweb]

Good post however guest list *does* also include line pass at some clubs.

[lalate]

Good post however guest list *does* also include line pass at some clubs.

Thanks. Yes when it indicates that it includes it.

[greenie]

For guest lists, it's hard to speak in absolutes; for example, a number of guest lists out there DO give faster entry in addition to no cover.

I think the key word that needs to be repeated is "guaranteed." For example, there are some lists out there that guarantee faster entry, but you still pay cover (either reduced or full).

As stated above, Vegas clubs are for the most part very, very good at specifying what is included with and required for guest lists. And if it's not spelled out after you're put on the list, ASK.

Other notes regarding guest lists:

Some clubs limit the number of people that can get in on a certain list... but will not limit the number of people that sign up for a list. For example, a list may be good "before 11pm OR until 300 people have entered on the list."

Most clubs carry multiple guest lists on any given night, usually designated by who put you on the list. One list might give you free cover only, another might give allow you to go through the VIP entrance. Be prepared to tell them whose list you're on. Even though the door might quickly find your name on the list, it's not uncommon to deny entry (i.e. not find your name) if you don't remember who put you on the list. Or worse, answer wrong.

Most guest lists will allow "plus one," meaning the name on the list is allowed to bring one person with them to get the same benefits. Other lists may allow more people -- for example, if you work with a host, you may simply be put on the list as your name "plus four." Bottom line is that any time you get put on a list, if you're not told how many others you can bring... ask.

While it is generally safe to assume that any time you're on a list you can bring one with you, if it's a huge night and you're on the list because friends-of-friends are putting you there, you may be marked down as you only (aka "plus none").

[lalate]

For guest lists, it's hard to speak in absolutes; for example, a number of guest lists out there DO give faster entry in addition to no cover.

I think the key word that needs to be repeated is "guaranteed." For example, there are some lists out there that guarantee faster entry, but you still pay cover (either reduced or full).

As stated above, Vegas clubs are for the most part very, very good at specifying what is included with and required for guest lists. And if it's not spelled out after you're put on the list, ASK.

Other notes regarding guest lists:

Some clubs limit the number of people that can get in on a certain list... but will not limit the number of people that sign up for a list. For example, a list may be good "before 11pm OR until 300 people have entered on the list."

Most clubs carry multiple guest lists on any given night, usually designated by who put you on the list. One list might give you free cover only, another might give allow you to go through the VIP entrance. Be prepared to tell them whose list you're on. Even though the door might quickly find your name on the list, it's not uncommon to deny entry (i.e. not find your name) if you don't remember who put you on the list. Or worse, answer wrong.

Most guest lists will allow "plus one," meaning the name on the list is allowed to bring one person with them to get the same benefits. Other lists may allow more people -- for example, if you work with a host, you may simply be put on the list as your name "plus four." Bottom line is that any time you get put on a list, if you're not told how many others you can bring... ask.

While it is generally safe to assume that any time you're on a list you can bring one with you, if it's a huge night and you're on the list because friends-of-friends are putting you there, you may be marked down as you only (aka "plus none").

Well said.