BEST-LOOKING CROWD: Blush at Wynn
THE SCENE: Past the velvet ropes patrolled by gorgeous, list-wielding fashion police is a Vegas anomaly: a small club that doesn't overwhelm with blaring music and pushy crowds. The centerpiece is a one-of-a-kind lantern light sculpture that streams a constantly changing flow of color around the room and onto the onyx dance floor. Too much visual stimulation? Head to the outdoor patio for a breather.
WHO YOU'LL SEE: A trendy crowd wearing the latest couture.
HOW TO DRESS: Black Gucci mini-dress and stilettos for women; slacks and jacket or suit for men.
THE WITCHING HOUR: Thursdays are less crowded, and DJ Revise spins an eclectic mix. But the 4,500-square-foot Blush never feels mobbed.
HOUSE SPECIALTY: Fruit-flavored vodka infusions made by the lovely and friendly bartender, Tavia.
LUST FACTOR: Moderate (702-770-3633; wynnlasvegas.com; cover, $30).

BEST VIEWS: Ghostbar at the Palms
THE SCENE: On the fifty-fifth floor of the Palms Casino, this green, gray, and white space stays true to its name, specializing in green-tinted ghostinis (plastic ghost mixer included) and an eerie but inviting atmosphere. Check out the 360-degree panorama of the Strip on the large outdoor terrazzothe perfect way to start your night.
WHO YOU'LL SEE: A well-dressed 20s-through-50s crowd.
HOW TO DRESS: Casual cocktail party.
THE WITCHING HOUR: Arrive before midnight to avoid lines; the capacity is just 300 people.
HOUSE SPECIALTY: The glass inset in the far right corner of the terrace reveals a view 55 stories below. LUST FACTOR: Moderate. The open space leaves little room for privacy (702-942-6832; n9negroup.com; cover, $20$25).

BEST POST-GAMBLING WIND-DOWN: Rouge at MGM Grand
THE SCENE: Unlike many casino bars, Rouge is completely enclosed, so your ears get a break from the slot machine cacophony. Though the servers wear Tadashi Shoji and the red-and-black color scheme is rather chic, Rouge is actually unpretentious. Order a mojito with flavored ice cubes, sit back on one of the inviting red leather couches (no bottle service necessary) and de-stress from that rough patch at the tables.
WHO YOU'LL SEE: MGM guests happy to have discovered a friendly, cover-free nightspot.
HOW TO DRESS: Supercasual. No velvet rope means no need to primp.
THE WITCHING HOUR: Late afternoon is a great time to escape from the casino-floor frenzy. But a capacity of 150 assures you can always get the waitress's attention.
HOUSE SPECIALTY: The projection wall behind the bar designed by Adam Tihany.
LUST FACTOR: Moderate to high. The sexy atmosphere makes for a great beginning, or end, to the night (702-891-7777; mgmgrand.com; no cover).

HOTTEST ATMOSPHERE: Tryst at Wynn
THE SCENE: If there ever was a place that encouraged hooking up, Tryst is it. From its all-red decor, to the plush couches next to busy stripper poles, to the bustier-clad waitresses, the entire 12,000-square-foot club is unabashedly engaged in one pursuit: sex appeal. And why not? This is Vegas, after all.
WHO YOU'LL SEE: Young, well-behaved partyers grooving to mainstream hits.
HOW TO DRESS: To impress. Competition is stiff, so break out your best.
THE WITCHING HOUR: By midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, the line at the door is formidable. Arriving by 11 will decrease your wait time considerably.
HOUSE SPECIALTY: The centerpiece of the club is a 90-foot waterfall that tumbles into an indoor lagoon.
LUST FACTOR: High. Good thing the waterfall and lagoon are there in case you need to cool off (702-770-3375; wynnlasvegas.com; cover, $30).