Crown

He's the man who famously bought the Los Angeles “Viper Room” from actor Johnny Depp for an undisclosed sum. He's got the number of Playboy model Erica Chevellar as a speed dial on his cell. He made his acting debut in Todd Phillips' movie “School For Scoundrels” back in 2006 and is the man accredited with turning around one of Vegas' best loved concert venues. Entertainment guru Darin Feinstein has accomplished more than most thirty-somethings ever dream of, yet regards his hand in the revival of the Rio Hotel's former 3121 venue as his finest achievement yet.

The Crown Nightclub sits within the former 3121 Nightclub once owned by the artist Prince; a monster venue with a capacity for up to 900 people. It's here that the “Artist Formerly Known As” performed a string of hits every Friday and Saturday evening, drawing fans from as far afield as the U.K. Sadly, Prince gave up the venue back in 2008 to concentrate upon a career revival and tour planning, leaving the Rio with a gaping hole in it's variegated entertainment choice. It was a hole that only a man with the know-how could fill, and proved to be the perfect opportunity for Feinstein to bring his brand of rocking entertainment and celebrity glitz to a hotel renowned for it's superstar attractions.

Rio's completely renovated Crown Nightclub forms just one half of Darin Feinstein's ambitious entertainment vision. The second comes in the form of the Crown Theater, an 11,000 square foot venue destined for music concerts and comedy acts as a prelude to the night ahead. From around 7pm, the Theater opens it's doors to hordes of fans eager to see whichever top 40 act happens to be topping the bill – past guests whom have included Snoop Dogg, The Romantics and the resident “Platters, Coasters and Marvelettes” tribute.

Unlike most of the suave, purpose-built club venues along the Strip, The Crown Nightclub stays true to it's intention of being an all-night concert venue. The DJ booth commands a great presence amid the 50 foot stage, which when cleared serves the additional purpose of a look-at-me dance-floor. Pole and freestyle dancers decorate podiums throughout the concert venue space, providing thoughtful eye-candy for those who take a bit of wearing in prior to a night of full-on bopping. Music happens to be a strong point of The Crown – an eclectic mix of trance, funk, chart and hip-hop alternating throughout the evening, spun by legendary DJ's such as Dre Day of Hot 97.5 fame.

In terms of layout, The Crown has been masterfully designed to allow revelers the benefits of space and freedom away from the wall-flowers, with a dedicated dance-floor which also encompasses the immediate stage. Seating is laid out within a U-shaped area, providing uninterrupted views of the DJ or stage action. If you're fortunate enough to have found a spot along the lower tier before the club gets too crowded, it's a prime stakeout for celebrity spotting! Bag your seat quick if you intend on making a night of the revived and revolutionized Crown!