How to Get into New York City Clubs

Getting into New York City's hottest nightclubs isn't always the easiest thing to do. Some of the more popular clubs like Lotus, Libation, Pacha and Marquee regularly have lines down the street and very exclusive VIP lounges. If you are visiting New York City and want to know how to get into some of the hottest clubs during your visit, or even if you live in NYC but hate waiting in lines, there are some things you can do to skip the line and get right in.

Here are a few tips that I have used to get into some of the hottest clubs in NYC quickly and without a problem.

Get on the Guest List

The very first thing you should do is visit the club's website, promoter's website or another event booking website to get yourself onto the guest list for the night. Most of the time guest list registration closes after early afternoon so be sure to plan ahead and register yourself and any guests you are expecting. Usually, I will add my name to a couple different nightclubs and then go wherever my plans allow.

Get the Promoter's Number

Even when I am in a new city and don't know anyone, I can easily get into the nightclub with the help of a club promoter. Club promoters try hard to get as many people as they can into the club, as that is how they make their money. At a nightclub with more than one club promoter working the door this plan works even better. Most promoters give out their name and number, so after you get yourself onto their list give them a call or quick text to say hi and let them know you are coming. Chances are good that they will ask you to let them know when you arrive at the club; when you get there send them another text and jump the line.

Book a Table in Advance

If you are going to be meeting up with a bunch of friends at the end of the night, or are traveling with a group and all plan on heading to the same nightclub, it is smart to make a table reservation. When you reserve a table you buy yourself a pass to jump to the front of the line, and depending on the club your chances of getting seated in the VIP section or lounge are good. Make sure you remember the name of the promoter or club host that you book your table with, so that you know what name to drop at the door.

Buy Table Service at the Door

If there is a long line at the club and you have not added yourself to a list or ordered table service in advance, do so at the door. This might get you ahead in the line, especially over those who are there just to dance and buy at the bar. Most of the time when you request table service at the door you will be introduced to a host who will request your credit card and usher you into the club and directly to any open seating area.

Speak With Your Concierge

If all else fails, but you are still determined to party at some of New York City's most exclusive nightclubs, talk to your hotel concierge.

This option requires money, sometimes a fair amount depending on the hotel you are staying at and the nightclub you want to get into. There are also several concierge services that are not directly employed by hotels, but are capable of handling several things for you while you are traveling or spending the night out in the big city. Do some research and make sure you book a reputable service; the really good ones will set you up with a representative who will whisk you into whatever club you wish.

The following are some of the nightclubs in NYC that are harder to get into, but worth the time and any wait in line.

Lotus

409 W 14th St
New York City, NY 10014

Bubble Lounge

228 W Broadway
New York, NY 10013

Fat Black Pussycat

130 West 3rd Street
New York, NY 10012

Marquee

289 10th Ave
New York, NY 10001

Libation

137 Ludlow Street
New York, NY 10002

Pacha

618 W 46th St
New York, NY 10036