Guide to Las Vegas Nightclubs & Afterhours

When the sun goes down and darkness falls, the Las Vegas Strip starts heating up. Although the temperature outside may feel cooler, it is the action inside Las Vegas' many nightclubs that keeps things hot. Over the last few years, dozens of new nightspots have opened up in Las Vegas, both on and off the strip. Whether you want a drink after dinner, to dance a little, or to party all night, Las Vegas has a nightclub for you. Here are reviews of some of Las Vegas' hottest clubs and even suggestions on how to get free passes.

Although much of the action takes place after dark, one of the most happening parties goes on during the day. On Monday afternoons, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino hosts a pool party called Rehab. From noon until 8p.m., the pool at the Hard Rock transforms into an outdoor club with DJs, dancing, and relaxing under the sun. Instead of nightclub attire, partiers wear bathing suits. Outdoor grilling and massages are available and there are even swim-up blackjack tables. For more information, go to www.rehablv.com.

If you want variety, PURE may be the place for you. Located inside Caesars Palace, PURE offers three different rooms, each with its own type of music. One room is the Pussycat Dolls Lounge, which features performances by the Pussycat Dolls throughout the evening. PURE also has an enormous outdoor terrace, should you need some fresh air. Celebrity DJs and guests are frequently sighted partying at PURE, so be prepared to wait in line. Sometimes, employees will stand near the entrance to the casino and hand out free passes before the club opens. They seem to be targeting attractive women, but each pass is good for two people, so she can bring a date. Cover charges vary depending on the DJ or event for that evening. http://www.purethenightclub.com

The Ghostbar at the Palms may have the best view in all of Las Vegas. The Ghostbar is an indoor-outdoor lounge that offers amazing city views from its outdoor deck located on the 55th floor. In addition to the city view, there is also a see-through floor that overlooks the pool at the Palms. The Ghostbar is a hip ultra-lounge that features live music from a variety of DJs. For more information, check out www.ghostbar.com.

When most other nightclubs start closing down, the line outside of Drai's starts getting longer. A popular after-hours spot, located inside the Barbary Coast, Drai's keeps the music pumping until breakfast is served. Drai's is a gourmet restaurant until midnight, but then it converts into a hot nightspot for the late night crowd. http://www.drais.net

All of these clubs have a dress code and cover charge. In general, most clubs have a 'casual chic' dress code that prohibits sneakers, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, and athletic jerseys. If you wear shoes and try to look stylish, you should meet their entrance requirements. I have a few suggestions for trying to get free passes to nightclubs in Las Vegas. First, when you check into your hotel, ask the front desk clerk if they have any passes. Sometimes they will give you passes and some clubs are free to hotel guests. If they do not have any, ask again at the concierge desk. Generally, the concierge desk keeps a supply of passes handy, so if you ask nicely they may hook you up. Taxi drivers will sometimes have passes to give out, so ask your driver if you take a taxi. Even if you are not staying at a hotel, it does not hurt to ask the concierge at that hotel if they have any nightclub passes. The most they can do is say no. For more information on Las Vegas nightclubs, the Las Vegas Advisor has a thorough listing at www.lasvegasadvisor.com/referenceguide-nightspots.cfm.