LAX nightclub at Luxor among top spots to celebrity watch

Every Las Vegas nightclub prides itself on the celebrities it attracts. But, even in this glittery universe, LAX at Luxor ranks as one of the most potent celebrity magnets in town.

During the past few months alone, the roster of celebs who have chosen to spend some of their precious partying time at LAX has included Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom, hosting several of their Los Angeles Lakers teammates, reality TV personality Kristin Cavallari, and even Emmanuel Lewis, star of the '80s sitcom "Webster," hosting a retro "Way Back Wednesday" event.

The 26,000-square-foot LAX, located at Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South, celebrated its second birthday on Labor Day weekend. And while the club holds about 1,500 people, its design prevents LAX from feeling too big or too cavernous.

"The great thing about LAX is that it's a large venue, but it's not a box and it's not claustrophobic," says Michael Gilmartin of Pure Management Group.

The room offers a variety of rich textures with a mostly red-and-black color scheme. Amenities include leather seats, wrought-iron railings, 50-foot-tall curtains, a state of the art lighting system and 70 tables sturdy enough for dancing on.

Celebs wishing for privacy can find it in VIP booths, while celebs wishing to mingle -- and, Gilmartin says, many do -- can take advantage of the open surroundings.

But, whether celeb or average Joe, Gilmartin adds, "anyone can have that great VIP experience."

The music, spun by resident and visiting DJs, includes Top 40, rock 'n' roll and hip-hop although, Gilmartin says, "we've been skewing a little more to hip-hop lately. But it depends on the crowd."

For those wishing to retire for a bit of relative quiet, there's the adjoining Noir Bar, a low-key, romantic speakeasy with exposed brick wall and chandeliers, staffed by, Gilmartin says, some of the best mixologists in town.

LAX is open from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (Noir Bar remains open on Thursdays). Cover is $30 for men and $20 for women. For more information, call 262-4529.

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.