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USA

New York

“Are you on the guest-list? Bottle-service only. It’s a private party.”
These are some of the usual doorman greetings at the entry of an exclusive New York venue.

First, lets review the facts: There are over 1,000 nightlife establishments in New York City, of which 80% are located in Manhattan. These are clubs, lounges and bars, squeezed in land area of just 305 square miles (790 km), which generate an estimated $1.3 billion in direct revenues, separate from the restaurant and hospitality businesses. With so many choices in nightlife, no wonder New Yorkers have no time to sleep!

Still, it turns out that less than 5% of these venues are considered “hot spots.” These places typically host many fashion and Hollywood parties and are routinely visited by A-listers and are covered in entertainment news. So what’s special about these types of venues? Small footprint, unique attributes, and beautiful decors are just to name a few. But most importantly, gaining entry into these handful of venues is extremely difficult and typically requires not just lots of money, but also knowing the right people.

New York

Hamptons

Since it was developed in the early 1500’s, the Hamptons has been one of the most prestigious year-round seaside resorts in the world, being the home of some of America’s most distinguished families, including the Kennedys and the Rockefellers. But In the 3-4 months of the summer season, which begins on Memorial Day through Labor Day, things are quite different. It’s during this season when the nightlife in the Hamptons elevates with outposts of the city’s hot spots. Aside from the club scene, which practically mimics Manhattan’s, there are also many posh house parties and upscale events during the day and night.

The locals do have a right to be angry with the “city people” for invading their town! After all, Hamptons is a beautiful beach side town, close enough to the city and perfect for the stressed out New Yorkers to go and relax or to blow off some steam!

Hamptons

Miami

This seaside oasis is known for its gorgeous beaches and the even more gorgeous things that populate them. More importantly, this is a place where people really cut loose. Maybe it’s the constant presence of the ocean, or the freely flowing champagne, or the need for very flimsy clothing, but either way the scene in Miami is unlike any other.

Dominated by the swank hotels and mega-clubs that can tend toward tacky, the South Beach scene can be hard to navigate. No matter the tastes, whether its skimpy dresses and hip hop beats or the casual elegance of a beachside pool bar, you’re bound to find whatever you’re in mood for, until very very late. Wherever you end up, you’re bound to see a bevy of bikinied beauties piling out of a Bentley and at least 2 or 3 famous faces.

Miami

Los Angeles

Like any major city, the nightlife in Los Angeles is full of its own quirks and rules. Most people who aren’t used to the tricks of the trade here get frustrated fairly quickly. Yes, the doors can be difficult, and yes there’s a “look” that most are seeking and that may not be you, but don’t despair. The best way in in LA is to look like you belong there and know the right name to drop at the door. Second best? Pre-ordering bottle service (especially if you’re rolling with more than 3 guys). Last resort: palming a few bills is always worth a shot.

The scene here, much like anywhere is constantly changing and evolving. The beauty part? None of the addresses ever change! Expecting AREA but found Industry? Just roll with it! Last week’s seedy gay bar is this week’s Kardashian hang out. That’s what makes LA worth all the trouble. Where else can you all but guarantee a sighting of at least four or five B-listers on any given night? If you’re definitely in the right place, then the sky’s the limit as to who you’ll be booty bumping with.

That’s the upside. The downside? Last call is usually at 1:30 am, if not earlier. Luckily the real estate in LA allows for the ultimate in after hours events: House Parties. So get chummy with a reality stars assistant/bodyguard/gay best friend/Chihuahua wrangler and figure out where they’re off to next. Your night is only what you make of it, and just think of the stories you’ll have the next morning!

Los Angeles