bottle service cost benefit analysis

The issue of whether or not bottle service is worth it is one we’ve been pondering for close to a year. After our jaw dropping experiences in Las Vegas however (albeit with comped bottle service), I think I’ve finally recognized that the benefits far outweigh the costs; both financially and otherwise.

Let’s look at the financial aspect first.

We’ll make a few assumptions:

1) 4 people in your party
2) ‘Bottle service’ features 1 Litre bottles (some clubs offer 750ml bottles, which would naturally raise the cost slightly)
3) Only one bottle is being purchased.
4) The number of ‘drinks’ in the bottle service equation figures 22.5 shots in the bottle, with some drinks being poured stronger than others (hence rounding down to ‘20 drinks’).
5) Having bottle service exempts your party from paying a cover charge (true in most clubs)

We’ll look at Denver (probably an ‘average’ city as far as bottle service prices go) and Las Vegas (definitely on the higher end of prices) to figure out true costs involved.

I’ll use Stoli Vanil as our hypothetical bottle (since it was our real bottle @ Tangerine). I’ll also assume that each paying person enjoys 4 drinks. In the bottle service equation, this allows for a few drinks to be ’shared’ with hot new friends you’ll no doubt make in the VIP section.

The final figures are telling.

Bottle service only costs each person an extra $5.50 in the Denver example, and an extra $26 in the Las Vegas example.

This only accounts for the money though. Let’s look at the fringe benefits of having bottle service in Denver and Las Vegas.

Denver & Las Vegas Both:

Having a table to comfortably relax with your friends for the entire night (in most cases, this is true even if only one bottle is purchased). The impact of this CANNOT be over-emphasized, ESPECIALLY in Las Vegas. Every club there is designed to insure no chance of sitting down if you don’t have a table reserved. Take heed.

Personalized service from your own cocktail waitress.

No fighting for drinks / the attention of the bartender.

Sitting in a private area away from the chaos of the club.

Getting a “variety” of drinks for the same price (i.e. mixers which typically include Red Bull, club soda, tonic, juices, etc. If you order a Red Bull drink, vs say a club soda drink at the bar you are typically paying more for it.)

No (or very little) waiting to get into the club. (In Las Vegas, this can literally save THREE HOURS of your night otherwise spent staring at the back of someone’s head as you painfully make a slow advance toward the door).

Las Vegas Only:

One of the most pimp aspects of bottle service in Las Vegas is what can only be called “The Velvet Rope of Dreams”. Surrounding every club’s VIP bottle service section is a rope meant to keep the area private and free of non paying guests. What it ends up being is a wall of incredibly gorgeous women, all vying for the attention of the men (aka YOU) at the tables.

See someone you like?

Get the VIP bouncer’s attention and he will escort your new (delighted, ready to chat.. or more) table-mate to your area. Until you’ve done this a few times, you have no idea how surreal the experience is.

Conclusion:

There are definitely some downsides to bottle service;

First, there may be additional costs than are figured above. In Vegas especially, you could be looking at another $100 tip (or more) to the host/hostess, which would bring the total increased cost due to bottle service to around $50. Think about it though; that’s 5 hands of blackjack, tops.

Next; some people complain about the caliber of people ‘infesting’ bottle service areas these days as well. In their view it’s become a haven for “boring 9-5′ers” with extra moolah to spend. Regardless of whatever chodes may be in the next booth, I’d still rather have a table to sit down at and regroup with my friends. Having a place to bring a girl whom I’ve met on the dance floor is another plus certainly.

Another thing to consider; bottle service probably isn’t best if you plan on hopping from bar to bar. It’s more of an all night experience in my opinion.

After weighing all the pros and cons however, I’d still suggest everyone give bottle service a go at least once. In my opinion it’s definitely worth it; Urban Monarch approved.