Drai’s Nightclub returns to underground roots as Cromwell transforms into Vanderpump Hotel
After a decade of dominating the Las Vegas Strip skyline, Drai’s Nightclub announced Monday it will relocate from The Cromwell Hotel’s rooftop to its original basement venue, marking the end of an era for the hip-hop hotspot while ushering in a new chapter for the property’s transformation into Vanderpump Hotel.
Full circle for Vegas nightlife pioneer
The move represents a homecoming for the brand that first opened nearly 30 years ago in the basement of what was then the Barbary Coast. Victor Drai, who helped pioneer bottle service culture in Las Vegas and created notable venues like Tryst and XS at Wynn Las Vegas, launched the original Drai’s as a restaurant in 1997 before transforming it into an after-hours lounge that would influence the entire Vegas nightlife industry.
“The past ten years on the rooftop have been nothing short of legendary,” Victor Drai said in a statement. “This is not only the end of an era, but also the end of something that will never be able to be recreated.”
The rooftop venue, which opened Memorial Day weekend 2014, has welcomed more than four million guests over its decade-long run, hosting residencies from hip-hop superstars including The Weeknd, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, 50 Cent, Travis Scott, and Future.
Generational shift in leadership
The relocation coincides with a changing of the guard, as Dustin Drai takes leadership from his legendary father. The younger Drai emphasized a return to intimacy over spectacle, reflecting broader shifts in nightlife preferences.
“We’re going to what nightlife used to be 20 years ago, before the trend of quote-unquote mega-clubs,” Dustin Drai explained. “We’re talking about when it was really about who you’re with, and not so much just going to one big, mega room with a superstar DJ or superstar artists.”
The new basement venue will operate five nights a week, featuring multiple music genres across different rooms. Whether seeking hip-hop, house, or genre-blending late-night vibes, the club aims to offer something for everyone in a more curated, intimate environment.
Halloween farewell to rooftop era
The final weekend of rooftop operations will take place over Halloween, with celebrations running Friday, October 31, through Sunday, November 2. The Sunday night event will serve as an industry closing party, bringing together Vegas nightlife professionals to toast a decade of memories.
Following the closure, the 60,000-square-foot rooftop space won’t go dark. Caesars Entertainment plans to transform it into a luxury resort-style pool and private event venue, similar to Go Pool at Flamingo, scheduled to reopen summer 2026 under new management.
Vanderpump Hotel transformation
The timing aligns with The Cromwell’s broader transformation into Vanderpump Hotel, though Dustin Drai insists the rebrand had “zero effect” on their decision to relocate. The property renovation, led by reality TV star and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, is expected to be complete by early 2026.
“We are excited about the Vanderpump change,” Dustin Drai noted. “The hotel is 10 years old and needs a bit of a refresh. Her name is big, and it’s going to be a great synergy between what Drai’s has to offer as a boutique nightclub.”
Sean McBurney, Caesars Entertainment Regional President, praised the longstanding partnership: “Victor’s vision for what nightlife can be has always been on the cutting edge, and we’re thrilled that he and Dustin will have an opportunity to once again reshape the nightclub experience.”
Looking ahead
As Las Vegas nightlife continues evolving in response to changing consumer preferences and economic pressures, Drai’s basement relocation represents both a nostalgic return and strategic pivot. The move from sprawling rooftop mega-club to intimate underground venue mirrors broader industry trends favoring connection over spectacle.
For the Drai family, who’ve shaped Vegas nightlife for three decades, the basement homecoming offers an opportunity to prove that in the entertainment capital, sometimes the best way forward is going back to where it all began.
Category: Nightlife
Subcategory: Entertainment
Date: 09/2/2025
