Gallery

Is it posh, or plush? Las Vegas clubs tend to fall into two categories – rarely seldom together, however Planet Hollywood's newest venture “The Gallery” weaves in a bit of both. The exclusivity comes in part from it's connection to the burlesque Pussycat Dolls Lounge - a corner-piece of Caesar's Palace casino revived in 2005, as a venue for burlesque entertainment. Now twinned with the lavish Gallery Nightclub, the Pussycat Dolls Lounge is enjoying newfound popularity as a premier celebrity haunt.

Situated within the sprawling entertainment mega-plex of Planet Hollywood, The Gallery enjoys a central location right in the heart of Vegas – convenient walking distance if you plan on testing the water at a number of venues. Entered via a 50 foot escalator from the main forum, Gallery immediately drops a hint regarding it's theme with a colossal Gothic chandelier cascading prisms of light across semi-studded jet black walls. Nothing can really prepare for the overwhelming continuation of the 19th Century theme, since walking into the confines of Gallery is almost akin to entering somewhere like the Sistine Chapel. Designer Amy Kim of AKDesignNETWORK is the creative genius behind the huge hand-painted wall murals, which emulate the interior of an archaic French palace. Attention to detail has been paid throughout; the stunningly realistic 'extensions' to the main room animated with cherubic ceilings and ornate furniture. The “real” space of the Gallery is kept chic and simple with continuous brown leather seating and small gold tables dotted throughout. Large LCD screens featuring black and white imagery of resident burlesque dancers bring some semblance of modernism to the Gothic interior, along with spiky sculptural light fittings and a sweeping great bar – which also forms the focal glass fireplace.

Gallery's resident burlesque girls are keenly matched with the sumptuous décor and lavishness of the club, parading nightly in high end lingerie collections and hand-sewn costumes for the viewing pleasure of voyeurs. Cirque de Soleil set the trend for limber aerial gymnastics in Vegas – an art-form now considered the norm regardless of the venue. Scantily clad beauties provide a welcome alternative view from their gyrating go-go dancer colleagues, although it's said they've been responsible for more than a few cricked necks. Amid the cavorting and sensuality, the DJ somehow remains completely focused throughout the entire night, playing a myriad of modern hits and genres that range from hip hop to hot house beats. Celebrity guests are lined up weekly for one-of-a-kind shows, having already included Cee Lo Green, Calvin Harris and Akon among the live artists. World-class DJ's are also alleged to be hankering for a gig at Gallery.

Sensuality and mystery might be the obvious allure of Gallery, however the club would doubtless be as popular were it not for it's exotic cocktail menu. In keeping with the themes of burlesque and suggestion, offerings range from Blue Martinis to those of blush-inducing proportions. Of course, if you truly want to party like the rest, bottle service is a must!