Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub at The Cromwell has taken its success to the top—literally and figuratively. This summer marks the venue’s 10-year anniversary, and the club sits pretty on the rooftop of the hotel, offering an open-air experience with to-die-for views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Dustin Drai, the president of Drai’s Management Group, recently reflected on the success of the past decade in an exclusive interview with Las Vegas Magazine.

“It’s a testament to the staff; many are day one,” he said. “It’s a testament to us constantly changing and adapting to the market; never being complacent. I think the biggest thing is every day not being happy with the results, always looking to be better, to constantly look at our business differently. Because of the adapting we’re able to do, it equals longevity.”

Photo by: Courtesy

Longevity is something the Drai’s brand has a lock on. Dustin’s father, Victor, is a pioneer is Las Vegas nightlife, opening the city’s first after-hours club, Drai’s After Hours (in the basement of The Cromwell) nearly three decades ago. Dustin has followed in his father’s footsteps, sharing the anecdote that his parents would bring him in his baby carrier to the after-hours club. “My mom would put my carrier on top of the bar,” he said, laughing. “I like to say that I’ve been in the nightlife industry for 30 years because from the moment I could open my eyes I was around it. I fell in love with it. It was just a natural instinct, and I really took the reins. I wanted to prove to everybody that I’m not just Victor Drai’s son but I’m actually worthy and good enough to do the job. I put pressure on myself to exceed (expectations). … I slowly grew through the company and understood the business and how to run it properly.”

To say he succeeded is a serious understatement. Dustin and the Drai’s team have successfully shifted the nightlife scene in Las Vegas. Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub became the first venue to offer its guests full-blown concert performances by top artists in hip-hop and R&B.

“We wanted to be unique,” Dustin said. “And part of that was, let’s do live performances but let’s not just do two or three songs, let’s do full, 45-minute concerts, and that’s really what started setting us apart from everyone else Over the years we’ve perfected that model and still today we’re one of the only clubs, if not the only club, that does the 45-minute to hour set concerts.”

Photo by: Courtesy

Past performances have included everyone from The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar and Cardi B to G-Eazy, Rick Ross and Wiz Khalifa. And, of course, R&B superstar Chris Brown, whose shows have been some of Dustin’s favorite at Drai’s. “Chris Brown, his show is to die for,” he said. “When he puts on a show at Drai’s, it’s one of a kind.”

Whether its day or night, Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub offers guests live entertainment that one simply can’t find at other party venues.

“At the dayclub, you’re going to experience live performances just like they would at the nightclub,” Dustin said. “They’re going to experience amazing hospitality. Plus, 20-foot-tall palm trees and an open-air rooftop. The nightclub, you’re going to experience a once-in-a-lifetime live performance in a venue that has been designed for live performances with LED screens all around, completely engulfing you in the experience. You’re going to be so close to the artist you can touch them. … Whatever you’re celebrating or whatever reason you’re in Vegas, I encourage anybody to come experience Drai’s. When you come feel it, there’s such a special feeling. I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

The Cromwell. 702.777.3800. draisgroup.com

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