Las Vegas nightlife isn’t exactly known for being inexpensive.
Cover charges can exceed $100, cocktails often cost $25-$35 each, and VIP table reservations can quickly climb into the thousands. That’s why two recently promoted nightlife offers have generated attention among visitors looking for a more affordable way to experience Las Vegas clubs.
On one side is Drai’s After Hours, which recently introduced what it describes as Las Vegas’ first “all-inclusive nightclub experience” as part of its rebrand following the transition of The Cromwell into the Vanderpump Hotel.
On the other is Tao Group Hospitality’s long-running VIP Bar Card program, available at many of the company’s most popular venues including:
- OMNIA
- Hakkasan
- Marquee
- TAO
- Jewel
- Palm Tree Beach Club
- OMNIA Dayclub
- Marquee Dayclub
- Liquid Pool Lounge
- TAO Beach
Both packages include expedited entry and drinks, but they work very differently.
So which one offers the better value?
Drai’s After Hours: The New All-Inclusive Nightclub Experience
Drai’s After Hours recently launched a $99 All-Inclusive Package that includes:
- Complimentary VIP entry
- Expedited admission
- Open bar access
- Well spirits and cocktails
- Unlimited drinks from 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM
Unlike traditional nightclub packages, guests are not receiving drink credits. Instead, they receive access to a two-hour open bar experience.
The package is part of a larger refresh at Drai’s After Hours, which recently completed a $250,000 renovation that included upgraded seating, guest area improvements, and a new sound system. The venue has also introduced new offerings such as a late-night dessert menu, expanded hookah service, and the new Cotton Candy & Caviar package inspired by the Vanderpump Hotel brand.
For guests who plan to consume multiple drinks during the two-hour window, the value proposition is straightforward.
The more you drink, the more value you receive.
Tao Group’s VIP Bar Card
Tao Group takes a different approach.
Instead of offering unlimited drinks, the company’s VIP Bar Card package includes:
- Dedicated VIP entry
- Complimentary venue admission
- VIP Bar Card with $100 credit
- Access to participating Tao Group venues
The package is available at many of the most popular nightlife destinations in Las Vegas, including OMNIA Nightclub, Hakkasan Nightclub, Marquee Nightclub, TAO Nightclub, Jewel Nightclub, Palm Tree Beach Club, OMNIA Dayclub, Marquee Dayclub, Liquid Pool Lounge, and TAO Beach.
Unlike Drai’s package, the $100 credit functions like a gift card. Guests can use the credit toward drinks at the venue and only pay additional charges if they exceed the card balance.
For many visitors, this effectively turns their cover charge into drink money.
What Are People Saying About the VIP Bar Card?
The Tao Group VIP Bar Card has been discussed frequently in our message board, and the feedback is generally mixed—but informative.
Many users point out that if you’re already planning to buy drinks inside the club, the package can be a good value because nightclub cocktails are expensive. Several users noted that $100 typically covers roughly three to four drinks, depending on what you order.
Others highlighted the dedicated VIP entry as a major benefit, particularly at venues like OMNIA where general admission lines can become extremely long on busy nights. Some visitors reported waiting over an hour in general admission lines while experiencing only a few minutes of wait time with VIP entry.
One additional advantage frequently mentioned is that the card functions like a gift card. If you don’t spend the entire balance during one visit, the remaining credit can typically be used at a future Tao Group venue.
However, not everyone believes it’s worth it.
Some of our forum users argue that if you already have free guest list access or complimentary admission through a hotel partnership, the bar card may provide less value because you’re essentially prepaying for drinks you were already planning to buy.
Which Package Offers Better Value?
The answer depends entirely on the type of nightlife experience you’re looking for.
Drai’s After Hours Is Better For:
- Heavy drinkers
- Visitors looking for an open-bar experience
- Guests planning to stay from 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM
- Travelers who want a simple all-inclusive option
- People who don’t want to worry about individual drink prices
If you’re planning to have several drinks during the two-hour window, Drai’s package may offer significantly more value than paying per drink.
Tao Group VIP Bar Card Is Better For:
- Guests visiting major Las Vegas nightclubs
- People who want expedited entry
- Visitors who already plan to purchase drinks
- Travelers attending OMNIA, Hakkasan, Marquee, TAO, or TAO Beach
- Guests who may want to save unused credit for a future visit
The VIP Bar Card also offers significantly more venue flexibility since it can be used across multiple Tao Group properties.
Need Help Choosing the Right Option?
With so many nightlife options available in Las Vegas, the best package often depends on the venue, the event, and the type of experience you’re looking for.
Some guests may benefit more from Drai’s all-inclusive open bar experience, while others may find greater value in a Tao Group VIP Bar Card at venues such as OMNIA, Hakkasan, Marquee, TAO, TAO Beach, Palm Tree Beach Club, or OMNIA Dayclub.
If you’re unsure which option is right for your group, LasVegasNightclubs.com can connect you directly with a verified VIP host through our VIP Host Directory. You can also sign up for the guest list at participating venues to explore available admission options before purchasing tickets or VIP packages.
A knowledgeable VIP host can help answer questions about admission, drink packages, VIP Bar Cards, guest list eligibility, bottle service reservations, and special event pricing so you can choose the option that best fits your budget and nightlife plans.