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At many nightclubs around the Valley, VIP tables are growing dusty as club-goers cut back on nightlife niceties such as bottle service.
A scene once defined by flashy spending on exclusive seating and services, is now ruled by a cheap-is-chic mentality.
Instead of calls about bottle service, big nightclubs such as Scottsdale's Axis/Radius have been receiving inquiries about drink specials. Some clubs, such as Devil's Martini in Scottsdale, have eliminated the minimum price required to reserve a VIP cabana. And the massive Scottsdale dance club Myst has started opend up Friday nights to those 18 and older to attract bigger crowds.
The trend is true nationally. A recent New York Times article reported that revenues were down 20 to 40 percent at nightclubs in New York City and that once-swanky clubs were retooling to present a more pared-down image.
But one West Valley nightclub is bucking this national trend.
Hot cabanas: At Hurricane Bay, which recently remodeled and added six VIP cabanas, revenues have increased about 40 percent compared to this time last year. Since June 6, the club reports that it has grossed $45,000 from the cabanas, tables and other VIP services alone.
"It's such a reasonable price and we are offering the experience of an upscale nightclub at an affordable price without having to drive to Scottsdale," said owner Steffani Pratico "It's a new service on this side of town and people are just interested."
About 1,700 people so far have had the VIP treatment with about 100 regulars purchasing tables on a weekly or bimonthly basis.
Each cabana is draped with white organza, and star lanterns and fluorescent bubble lights illuminate the areas. Black leather couches are tucked against the walls and small bar tables sit in front, offering views of the dance floor. Burly bouncers man the velvet ropes in front of each occupied cabana while smiling cocktail waitresses slip in and out.
Price and privacy: “The most appealing thing about our VIP service is that they are private,” said Pratico. “At other clubs, half of the time you don't even get your own table and you end up sharing an area with other people. Here you have your privacy, your own server, and it's a totally different experience.”
The reserved cabanas start at $125 on Wednesday nights, and each additional bottle is $75. On Friday and Saturday nights, the cabanas start at $200 and $100 for each additional bottle. Guests can always work out deals with the managers and book the night of, if cabanas are available.
These prices are no outrageous deal, however. These days, bottle prices have plummeted and VIP service at other upscale places range from $125 at Glendale's Sangria Luxe Lounge, to $200 at Myst.
Special treatment: On a recent Saturday night, the club's busiest of the week, Alysha Rider celebrated her 21st birthday in a cabana with friends and family.
“We were only supposed to have only one cabana but the manager moved us so we could have two cabanas,” she said, her birthday tiara glistening. “I really feel like a princess.”
Rider's mother, Sue Rider-Rivera, said they spent about $400 on two cabanas and two bottles of Grey Goose vodka, and that it was worth it.
“Having the cabanas makes everything 110 percent better,” she said. “You have your own space and you are treated like you are special. They gave us more than we expected in the end.”
Across the bar, Steve Weiss, 22, and about 10 friends filled a larger, more private cabana.
“I moved over to the West Side because of work, and this is the closest club for me,” he said. “The cabana was reasonably priced, and I like coming here because people are friendly and more personable than other places.”
Nikki Lovato, 23, is a VIP cocktail waitress at the club, and said her cabana customers seem to change every weekend.
“Since the concept is still pretty new, people keep hearing about our cabanas from their friends or when they come in and see them here, they get curious,” she said.
Due to the success, Pratico said she hopes to open the club on Thursdays too when the economy starts to pick up.
“The idea is that everyone should be able to have a nicer, more intimate experience...and feel like a big shot,” she said.
What other people are saying...
lesreyhen from westside - August 10, 2009 at 7:01 PM
You say the cougars arent hot, how come you dont have a pic in your blog, could be you are not HOT either!!! Maybe the cougars arent after stuck u...
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Report This Commentnjosephg from Peoria - August 10, 2009 at 6:04 PM
Hurricane GAY, this place sucks. Its full of cougars, not hot cougars either!
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