::::Copyright:
TradeShowCities.com::::
This article may not be reproduced, in
part or whole, without proper credit given to TradeShowCities.com
Intro
Design Map "Knotty"
Room Front Room "HoneyComb"
Room VIP Staff
KEY
INFO
Click Pics for Larger Image
Intro
Prepare your senses for an extraordinary experience with MGM’s new offering to the Las
Vegas scene, the ultra-chic Tabu.
The group that helped launch the whole “nightclub in a hotel” idea years ago
(Studio 54), are preparing to treat you with a fabulous palette of sensory
stimulation with their latest upscale club. At only 7000
square feet, this smaller venue, along with last year’s opening of Light (Bellagio),
are prototypes of the new style of venues 9dubbed "Ultra Lounges") catering to the elite, while giving
the rest of the public an added touch of class. When coupled with some of the most professional and
service-oriented staff, Tabu is sure to give a synergistic one-two punch.
I was fortunate enough to get a “sneak-peak” into the forbidden world of Tabu just 20 days prior to its public opening, which occured on Friday, February 28, 2003. Candace Carrell, Operations Manager of Tabu and former Ops Manager of sister club, Studio 54, gave me the insight into what has become the talk of the town (for a related article on Studio 54, click logo below)
Design
Artistically, Tabu will certainly rank in the elite, with designer Jeffrey
Beers of Rum Jungle fame, lending
his touches throughout the establishment. The blending of natural
textures and resources along with industrial tones and forms gives it a unique
Über-feel, which I dubbed "IndusTREEal".
Click for enlarged image of Map
Knotty Room
The entrance immediately leads you to the main room, which I nicknamed the “Knotty” Room (an obvious play on words, sounding oh so
naughty). The name is carved from its unique flooring, which is made up of small
square wood knots,
sanded and sealed below the surface giving a warm earthy feel to the room.
Located around the perimeter of the room are several plush sofas and four (4)
mobile steel tables, proving that this wood-metal contrast is intentional.
Blending into this “IndusTREEal” look will be some 2003 advanced technology
that even Bill Gates would approve, as interactive images are cast down onto the
table tops. For example, if you wave your hand across a woman’s face being
cast, you add lipstick to her (now, if only the cosmetic companies can figure
out how to do this for real).
Illuminating
the Knotty Room from above are 6-8 overhead square lights, each adding its own
neon-like color to the mix. Squares seem to dominate the room, as seen in the
flooring, tables and lighting, but another purposeful contrast seems to exist.
These squares seem to contradict the smooth lines of the main bar and the
curvaceous shape of the front room.
Front Room
Upon entry, if you veer left, the room sweeps around the corner along the walls which
are populated with booths. These booths are generally reserved for
bottle service only as they nestle their habitants in using curtains to give a
secluded feel. The backs of these booths actually face the casino floor and
blend eloquently with MGM’s new martini bar, Zuri, across the way.
The two new nightspots bring a new level of sophistication to the hotel and the
town. Behind the main bar lies one of the mysterious centerpieces of Tabu.
Rotating on columns of color, your eyes deceive you as bottles seem to disappear
right in front of you as they make their “rounds”.
HoneyComb Room
If you take two immediate rights as you enter, you will end up in a honey of a
private nook. The color and circular shape of the floor are combined with a
vaulted ceiling, sloping down from the center to give one a honeycomb feel. This
room provides a small, secluded, yet airy space to rent out for parties of 20-30
guests. As the walls and ceiling converge, candle-like lights provide a
visionary delight adding warmth to the room. A tiered display of vodka bottles
can be seen through a clear door, creating a waterfall effect. This room seems
to “bee” a great place to impress business or social acquaintances.
VIP Amenities
To the right of the Main (Knotty) Room lies the VIP room, with its own service and
VIP bar, or course. Mike Milner, Executive Director over Tabu and Studio 54,
seemed especially euphoric about their abilities to better cater to VIP
clientele with Tabu’s opening. He mentioned that the location of Studio 54 (SouthWest
corner of the hotel, near Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana Ave.) is prohibitive in
catering to VIP customers, such as the recent visit by rock band Fuel (who
actually walked in during my interview with Milner, but that’s another story).
Milner further explained that many of their VIP customers enjoy their privacy
and the location of the new Tabu will be able to better deliver this enhanced
service. “Tabu will have a backdoor entrance for important guests that is only
steps away from the VIP area. This lets VIPs pull up in their limos and enter
through this door, located strategically close to the secluded area”, Milner
explains. A VIP restroom also adds to their experience, giving stars control
over how much they want to interact with the public.
Finally,
located along the hallway in the back of Tabu are the public restrooms, which
definitely make their own statement, yet seem to also weave into the other décor.
The slate colored brick walls and slatted doors further enhance the
“IndusTREEal” feel. An intricate blown glass piece along the mirrors in both
restrooms gives the rooms a kitschy 60s/70s feel (you just have to see this for yourself).
Staff
Management at Tabu has dedicated themselves to finding the highest level of talent in the
area for their new venue. During my visit, the new staff was undergoing training
in preparation for the club’s public debut on February 28. Obviously, the
service remains to be seen, but if service can be indicated by its sister club
(Studio 54) and parent company (MGM), expect the best. For me, I was
able to return in March, and got to see the Tabu secrets revealed
first-hand.
Location:
MGM Hotel, located between
Main Door and Hollywood Theatre, across from Zuri Bar
Opening
Day: Friday, February 28, 2003
Days/Hours of Operation:
Daily/9pm-7am
Specialty:
Table Bottle Service, VIP Accommodations
Come
Expecting: Sensory Stimulation, Impeccable Service, Model Hosts
Dress Code:
Square Footage:
Capacity/Seating: 348/192
Website:
Other Contact Info: 702-891-7183
Managment:
Operations Manager: Candace Carrell; Executive Director: Mike
Milner
TradeShowCities.com
©2004-2008 All Rights
Reserved. All Trademarks are the property of the appropriate parties and are
used for promotional purposes only
::::Copyright:
TradeShowCities.com::::
This article may not be reproduced, in
part or whole, without proper credit given to TradeShowCities.com