"Strict" dress code in Las Vegas, and entertainment choices
 

Read in a Fodors newsletter that most clubs and entertainment in LV have a "strict" dress code. What is the suggested dress for men?

My DH and I, both seniors, are headed to Las Vegas with three senior friends at the end of September. Just read through a great Fodors newsletter about entertainment in LV. We have only two evenings in LV, and can't decide how best to spend our time. We are feeling a little overwhelmed by the number of choices. We are considering "Absinthe," adults only, at Caesars Palace, one of the 8 Cirque du Soleil shows, or a "Sip the Strip" walking tour of 5 clubs. Has anyone an opinion on any of these. What is the Absinthe show? We are all pretty broad minded, even if it is somewhat risque, but not sure what kind of show it is. We have seen and loved a couple of Cirque du Soleil shows, but not sure which is the most popular in LV. Is the "Sip the Strip" worth the $60.00 for pretty much just access to the clubs?

Anything else you think we should not miss?

Thanks for your help!

I am not aware of any dress codes in LV - except that for many women the less the better. Have seen people in uber casual everywhere except in the upscale restaurants - then business casual is fine.

(Yes, some people will be covered with glitter - but it is neither necessary nor tasteful.)

Dress in Las Vegas is very relaxed. Men will not require a coat and tie for any restaurant (although it's certainly OK to wear that if desired). During hotter weather, you will even see a few folks wearing shorts to some of the nicer restaurants.

The same is true for shows and casinos. If anything, dress is even more relaxed. Anything goes! I've seen people wearing pajamas in the casino.

The one exception is clubbing -- and by that, I refer to those very trendy dance clubs and ultra lounges frequented mostly by twenty somethings. Those tend to have a strict dress code, often called clubwear.

I forgot about the shows. I thought Absinthe was very funny. However, be warned that it's crude. Detailed discussions of genitalia, bodily functions and more are included in the act.

It seems that everybody has a different favorite when it comes to Cirque to Soleil. My favorite is KA, but it's polarizing: many people love it, and many people hate it. My second favorite is O, followed by Mystere and Love (however, many people love Love, which is based on Beatles music). I thought Le Reve was nearly as good as KA. Le Reve isn't a Cirque show, but it was created by the same person who was responsible for most of the original batch of Cirque shows.

Have fun!

I can't really explain Absinthe. Clearly it was devised by someone that does a lot of drugs. Some comedy. Some circus-ish acts. A lot of crude language and a couple of burlesque-style scenes, but very funny. I would recommend it.

We saw Le Reve as well and I thought it very good.

For the clubs... Most recommend "smart casual". For guys, maybe some good jeans - good fit, dark, not baggy - and a nice button-down (untucked) would meet the requirements. I'd avoid sneakers. No shorts. If you want to wear a t-shirt, you will likely need a blazer to top it off. I'd avoid polos. No ball caps. And remember that, ultimately, the bouncer can simply choose to exclude you because he feels like it.

<i><i>Men will not require a coat and tie for any restaurant</i>

Joel Robuchon "requires" a coat, but not a tie. Guy Savoy recommends a coat.

Everywhere else I can think of, a guy should be fine with a collared shirt and either jeans or pants.

Agree that for the trendy dance clubs - very trendy/expensive clothing is necessary - but it's also usually necessary to be 25 and gorgeous - and preferable for men to have a couple of models in tow.

I didn't think you were asking about that.

<i>Agree that for the trendy dance clubs - very trendy/expensive clothing is necessary - but it's also usually necessary to be 25 and gorgeous - and preferable for men to have a couple of models in tow.</i>

Save maybe for the hottest club that night (e.g. a major DJ) or for a holiday weekend, I'd think you could get into most of the clubs if you are willing to wait. A couple or mixed group would work better than a pack of dudes. You could also a) talk to your concierge, b) buy tickets ahead of time, or c) book a table.

Joel Robuchon NOT require a coat and tie. Request, yes; require, no. I've confirmed this in person more than once. In practice, about half the men there are coatless (perhaps more during the summer). The same is true for Guy Savoy and Twist.

Oops - "does" should have preceded "NOT".

Actually, dance clubs in LVIV do have very specific and strict dress codes. No sneakers, non-collated shirts for men, sunglasses, baggy jeans, etc. unless you are a rap star. Then everything goes. But more important, most seniors will not enjoy the atmosphere at most clubs except those that specialize in fancy drinks. These are very expensive ($20 or so per). But music s loud, and clubs are crowded. Having said that I do like Hyde at Zbellagio, and it has a great view of the fountains but is more of a bar. Also the bar at Sage at Aria. The actual clubs ... Not so much. I think you will like the shows more than the clubs, so I'd skip the club crawl.

I am one of those who didn't like Ka, which has no soul but is a spectacle, but I like all the others, with the exception of Zumanity, which I have not seen. I did like Le Reve quite a bit. It's most like O.

You guys are the Best! Great replies. Answered all my questions. Thank you, thank you.

<I>Having said that I do like Hyde at Zbellagio, and it has a great view of the fountains but is more of a bar. Also the bar at Sage at Aria.</I>

Probably worth noting, though, that the dress code for the better lounges like those above will be similar to that for a club.