VooDoo Lounge

Review

Voodoo doesn't sound like something you want to mess with, but no matter what you see or hear about it you're always mildly interested in it.

Seriously, how much fun would it be to have a voodoo doll of your boss? You don't get that raise you think you deserve? Oh, your boss suddenly gets a broken leg. Annoyed by your boss's smiley face coffee cup? Somehow your boss just spilled scalding hot coffee on himself.

Yeah, a voodoo doll could be fun. And what about head shrinking?

OK, so VooDoo Lounge isn't necessarily about dolls and head shrinking, but let your curiosity take you inside and somehow Voodoo will make you want more.

Perhaps it's that VooDoo is located 51 stories up at the Rio hotel, which lends itself to some of the best Strip views in Vegas. Then there's also the enormous 40,000-pound staircase that had to be air-lifted to the top of the hotel, which gives you two floors of party action.

And with half of the party outside and the other inside, there are two distinct vibes.

Inside oftentimes can feel like those house parties you went to in college. There is no defined dance floor so that makes pretty much everything fair game. Dance on the tables, booths, chairs and the little bit of a walkway if you wish -- it all adds to the fun.

Inside can get pretty packed so if you're feeling confined, step onto the balcony on the 51st floor. Usually there's another DJ playing a different genre of music out here, which can change the vibe up completely and pack crowds in as well.

If the Vegas climate suits you, you can escape the crowd by heading down the stairs and onto the 50th floor. There is a VIP area set to one side of the balcony, and on extremely popular nights like New Year's Eve you can reserve the entire balcony for yourself.

Best of all, VooDoo is a one-stop shop for your night's activities. Pad your stomach with a succulent steak or Creole-inspired dish at VooDoo Steak then begin the pregame festivities at the lounge.

When the nightclub opens later in the night you've already ensured that you're not partying on an empty stomach and that you've done the responsible thing by consuming a few drinks before you make your Scarlett O'Hara-inspired entrance.

Like the magic, VooDoo Lounge will creep up on you and before you know it you're hooked. We don't know if it's the view, the ice-cold drinks or the music, but we do know is a cool place to hang out at on those warm Vegas nights sure beats a shrunken head.

-- Review by Justin Lawson