Though it hardly needed it, the iconic Studio 54 -- reborn in Las Vegas in the late 1990s -- recently received a small face-lift, improving on a formula that has been winning over club goers for nearly a decade.
No need to fret, however: The execs at the MGM Grand have kept all of the club's signature items in place, including the gallery of black-and-white photos of celebrities taken at New York's original Studio 54 that inspire the same carefree, festive atmosphere at the club in Vegas.
Confetti cannons and balloon drops still contribute to the party vibe, and dozens of video screens still show music videos or live action from around the club. But now, a dramatic entry hall has been built, eliminating the bottleneck that would sometimes make entering the club a less-than-fun experience.
The new entrance -- 3,000 square feet with 22-foot-long sheer drapes running from floor to ceiling -- also doubles as a casual space for regrouping and impromptu planning, with couches, 7-foot high-back chairs, plants and fiber-optic chandeliers adding to the comfortable vibe.
As an added attraction in the foyer is an alcove housing Mr. Freeze, a past member of the legendary breakdancing and hip-hop group called the Rock Steady Crew. When Mr. Freeze isn't demonstrating his breaking and popping abilities, the framed space features a Pepper's Ghost projection.
Upon entering Studio 54, patrons will now see the entire length of the 25,000-square-foot club, a view that encompasses not only the large main dance floor, massive disco ball and legendary Studio 54 sign, but also the redesigned second-floor VIP area and the completely new "DJ Playhouse." Elevated three feet off of the dance floor, the playhouse is not just the DJ booth but also a private lounge for the DJ's crew, hangers-on and assorted groupies and select VIP's.
The music at Studio 54 always gets the crowd moving. Early in the evening, you'll hear plenty of disco and early '80s hip-hop and dance music. As the night progresses, expect to hear more techno and house tunes.
Go-go dancers perform on several platforms around the main dance floor and in cages suspended from the ceiling. This is one of the few clubs in town that also has male dancers. Expect to be entertained by acrobats suspended from the ceiling and by dancers on swings above the dance floor.
Studio 54 offers more plush reserved seating areas than before the remodel -- enough for 126 people -- and an exclusive VIP area on the second floor.
There are three bars to serve guests including the Steel Bar, the Hot Bar and the Voyeur Bar, where patrons can gather to watch the dancing below.
The club has a very welcoming vibe -- you'll see people of virtually all ages and in everything from casual to chic attire at Studio 54.
Studio 54 always fills up fast and there's a big line to get in, so get there early and enjoy this legendary club.
