VegasChatter

First Impression

Hated it. Hang with us because, luckily, Hyde had additional chances to make a good first impression. But, our first thoughts were of disappointment. Approaching from the casino floor, not just gone but completely erased was the open inviting atmosphere of the Fontana. In its place, was a large unassuming wall with the letters H-Y-D-E that felt more like Pure, hinting at an oversized super club on the other side rather than a 720-person lounge. Through the entrance, a long hallway tunnels guests inside a space designed as a lost villa within the Bellagio.

To the right is the main bar decorated with leather couches, funky lamps, mirrors, Stephen King books among others, artwork and knicknacks to give off the feeling of living quarters. The center of the room (sorry, our cameras weren't allowed there) houses a small dance floor and state-of-the-art DJ booth. To the left is patio seating and a bar with prime views of the Bellagio fountains. We liked the funk and feel of the overall room aside from the plastic Phantom chair that we're guessing will die a quick death one way or another. But, we didn't really buy into the villa theme and backstory while imagining the room filled with over 700 people.

The Clubs

An artsy divider splits the room by day to define Hyde's "emerging market" day club concept before transforming into a nightclub by rising into the ceiling and opening the upper part of the room and main bar. The day club operates daily 5-10 p.m. while the nightclub is initially open three times a week, Tuesday, Fridays, and Saturdays. SBE will be drawing the latest, newest talent to fill the DJ booth, advertised as hot and fresh, but mostly a chance at showcasing the next deadmau5 before he's deadmau5.

Fresh and hot or not, what sold us on the Hyde were those million dollar views of the Bellagio fountains. The patio opens right onto the iconic attraction putting you so close we could breathe in the water's mist. For those allergic to water, there is seating that provides relief behind glass without impairing the view. The fountains' soundtrack can be piped through Hyde's sound system putting guests even further at the center of the show. If, like one of our inquisitive readers, you wonder if the new open lounge will distract from the outside street view, we took a gander outside and don't see it being an issue. Take a look for yourself:

Food and Drinks

Hyde's day clubbers will be able to munch on a selection of small plates. Will one VegasChatter member's excitement be tempered, however once he learns those small plates aren't Hyde-crafted but imported from Circo's kitchen? Dishes include potato crisps with truffle fonduta dip ($9), artisanal cheeses and salumi with local honey and grilled bread ($16), kumamoto oysters with caviar ($20), and flatbread with smoked Scottish salmon, caviar, and chive cream ($18).

A Bellini cart will roam the floors offering both Harry's classic cocktail and seasonal variations. A liquid nitrogen cart will also brew cocktail potions with a bit of a show. Hyde's cocktails focus on low sugar content in order to feel light and healthy. We were able to sample some of the signature cocktails to see if they were just what the doctor ordered.

· Liquid Nitrogen Cable Car ($20): A cold, refreshing cocktail that wasn't hard to picture cooling off a hot Vegas summer
· The Love Unit ($18): Stoli Elit vodka, vanilla vodka, thai basil, freshly pressed lime, grapefruit, red bell pepper juice, and topped with a red bell pepper. Not at all heavy, a bit like drinking a salad but without worrying about getting leafy teeth. A surprisingly tasty cocktail although not one we'd be likely to throw down several times over the course of the night.
· Celery Superstar ($18): Serrano chili, Grey Goose, freshly pressed lime, and celery juices. This one starts off smooth and then has a solid kick from the chili without overpowering the taste buds. A fine drink to slowly enjoy, for sure, and one we will order again.

Overall

Our first impressions were quickly forgotten after spending just a little time inside Hyde Bellagio. With the famous fountains as its backdrop, the decent-sized lounge manages to keep an intimate feel and is easily destined to become a Vegas hotspot both by day and by night. We certainly envisioned enjoying the day club's cable cars, oysters, and killer views. We just hope that we can afford all the comforts of the room. Tables in the day club will come with a $50 minimum per person, easily attainable after a couple drinks and tastes. But, nightclub tables demand a $500 min. per dude, a move aimed at replacing sexy shadows with loads of real lady parts.

Check out our full gallery and let us know: is Hyde Bellagio now the spot to spy the fountains? Or will the Bellagio's neighbors still have the best rooms with a view?