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5 Tips For Getting Into Clubs On Sunset Strip

The Famous Sunset Strip in Los Angeles
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The Sunset Strip is home to some of the best nightclubs in America. They are beautiful, exotic and popular. Everybody wants to get past the long line. Unfortunately, it is not that easy. If you want to get in with the in-crowd try this on for success. Here are the top five tips that will help you get behind the velvet rope.

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A Smile Goes A Long Way

Door men have a tough job -- keeping the excited crowds calm, maintaining the guest list and making decisions on who gets in and who stays out. This can take its toll on a man hour after hour. A bright smile will often not only attract their attention but also be a pleasing sight and welcoming break from dealing with frustrated guests that might end up in angry confrontations. Be a breath of fresh air, flash those pearly whites and if at first they do not notice you, give it a minute and just keep on smiling.

The Viper Room credit Genie Sanchez
(credit: Genie Sanchez)

Be Polite Not Pushy

You will attract more bees with honey. In this scenario, you are the honey, the door men the bees. Some people think that pushing to the front of the line and getting the door man's attention with a loud gesture or distasteful body language might be the way to get in. But, I have seen these pushy types be pushed back to the end of the line time and time again. Nobody likes to be told what to do, even if you "know the owner" so stand back (a little bit) and be patient. When you get the opportunity let the doorman know you are there and then just wait. Believe me, it will be worth it.

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Dress To Impress

Every club has its own style. Sunset Strip clubs are the top of the club chain so they want to attract the best looking clientele. Dress it up people. Men, take a walk down Melrose and invest in an expensive button down and designer jeans. Ladies, you know what to do -- dress to the nines, or the tens, since you are now on Sunset Boulevard. Put your face on and pretty up your hair. Club owners want to fill their space with people -- lots of people. They want a long line out the door. Who wants to go into a club that is not happening? Nobody. So, the door men fill the place with beautiful, sexy ladies. If the women look good, the men will follow. Drinks for everyone. The owners and promoters are now making money at the door and on the floor.

The men have plenty to look at and the ladies can get free cocktails. This is a win-win situation. If you want to make it to the front of the line and in the door, dress to impress.

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Buy A Table

The easiest way to get into a club is to make a reservation for bottle service. This is also the most expensive way, but at least now you are guaranteed a seat, and a comfortable one at that. Attractive servers wait on you hand and foot, making sure you receive the VIP service you paid big bucks for. You are now behind the red velvet rope and you did not have to wait in line for a single minute to be a part of this exclusive club. Your money is good here. Depending on where you are, bottles start at around $200 and there is usually a two-bottle minimum. If you are staying at a hotel I recommend you ask the concierge to book your table and if you have a Black Amex or even platinum you can also use their guest services to hook you up. Personally, if I do not know the owner or promoter, this is my favorite way to cut the line.

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Old School

Door men do not make much of an hourly rate. They make their money off of tips. Now, if you are new at this, you are going to have to learn how to be discreet. The door man will not respond to a hysterical club goer, waving a Benjamin in the air. Accepting a tip like that would make them look bad. If you want to try to get in by greasing their palm, remain calm. It does not have to be $100 bill but the highest tipper will win the prize.

This is how you do it: make your way to the front of the line, introduce yourself, extend your hand to shake his. If you are a guy, give him a firm shake; if you are a lady, dainty is better. Slip him the tip and ask very nicely and quietly if there is any way to get past this line. It is a bit of a gamble but I have never seen this not work. He will most likely ask you and your group to stand to the side and then will let you in at his discretion. Your fate is in the hand of the door man and at this point, so is your money. Once you are inside, find the owner or promoter, introduce yourself once again, tell them how much you love the club, get yourself on "the list," and get their contact information. It is a bit of work in the beginning, but if you really do like the club and plan on coming back, then making yourself known and likeable will make it that much easier the next time round. Lines are not fun, especially in Christian Louboutins. Most of the time men go old school with slip-and-tip and the ladies just bat their eyes. But remember, either way, the old saying still prevails: "money talks."

Sharla can be found out on the town livin' it up LA Style! Her party all the time website is clubbinproductions.com and she can also be found on Facebook.

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