Nice bar/lounge with a view?

Hey gang,

I'll be hitting the land of excess in just under two weeks with my kid sis and bro-in-law!

The three of us were chatting today and they mentioned that they wanted to hit a bar/lounge-type place that had a "cool view". I had a few ideas (Mandarin, Voodoo, Hyde, etc.). But despite three dozen trips, this isn't exactly my area of Vegas expertise. So, I'm hoping you guys can give me some ideas and insight.

What I'm looking for:
Nice ambiance
Cool view
Tasty cocktails
A volume level that can accommodate conversation
The ability to sit comfortably and be waited on

What I'm NOT looking for:
Bottle service
Hooking up
Dancing
Oontz...oontz...oontz
A cover charge (negotiable if the cover isn't ridiculous)

We'll be staying on the strip. But downtown or slightly off strip is acceptable as well. Also, we'll probably not be going really late. So the places that become "club-like" after a certain time are probably fair game.

I'd love to here some ideas and your experiences with such places. Let me know what YOU like.

Many thanks!

 

These four in order of what I believe you are looking for (relax, reasonable drinks, background music which allows conversation, no ***** scene):

We enjoy having a few drinks at The Mix lounge. They usually do not charge cover before 10 (at least they haven't in the past). it's a good place to relax with a couple of drinks and take advantage of a great view and music at reasonable levels.

The Stratosphere has a decent bar on top of the tower as well, and you won't run into the typical club scene. You'll have to pay to ride the elevator to the top.

Two additional options would be downtown - The Vue Bar @ The D gives you views over Fremont and the Downtown Lounge is a nice place to relax and talk with music played in the background / not overwhelming, but has no view.

 

Voodoo is a good choice, if you go early. You can go out on the rooftop patio and see a view of the strip. We went right when they opened and had the whole place to ourselves for a while. Mix and Level 107 are also good, from opposing ends of the strip.

 

Bar in Mandarin Oriental I think would be perfect. They have a menu online as well if you want to go through their drinks. I wouldn't say it is the perfect view, but it still is very very good. I try to get here every trip.

I've never been to Voodoo just due to being at Rio. If I was down at Mandalay Bay I would try out Mix. I've heard going around sunset is amazing. The one thing I would avoid at both of these is anything past ~10pm. Mandarin Oriental has had been a quite lounge everytime we have gone.


The only thing that makes me want to try out Mix is that their view of sunset should be much better and their cocktails are slightly cheaper. If you are only having one, this issue is pretty small. If you want to be there for mulitple hours, the $4-$5 extra for each drink will add up.

 

I would suggest MIX as well. Nothing annoying about that place, get there early and watch the sunset!

 

Is there a reason nobody said Foundation Room?

ps- the oontz...oontz....oontz gave me a laugh!!

 

Foundation room at Mandalay bay or Mix at The Hotel are both good choices. Foundation room will probably be quieter.

You should be able to get in for free before 10, otherwise you can usually find a guy with free passes walking around near the entrance or even in the casino.

 

I think the cover charge issue would rule out the Foundation Room. Also, last time I was there they would not even let you sit down anywhere inside unless you were buying a bottle. And this was at like 8pm when the place was very slow.

I prefer MIX, much more laid back vibe and more reasonable drink prices.

 

I enjoy both Foundation Room and mIX. FR definitely meets the op's criteria except for the possible cover charges. The FR bartenders are awesome, and you can't beat the view of the Strip.

Enjoy!