Luxor’s CatHouse tips hat to house of ill repute

Modeled after a 1940s bordello, CatHouse at the Luxor aims to attract the club crowd in search of something different.

Despite the references to a house of prostitution, CatHouse is a tongue-in-cheek, tip-o-the-hat to houses of ill repute. And you get a sense of that as you walk down the hallway decorated with framed photographs of real prostitutes.

If the name or the photos don't clue you in to the theme, the main room certainly will. Red drapes, sexy lighting and several individual stages set the atmosphere, says Nick Landazuri, managing partner.

The club's target demographic is the 21- to 40-year-olds who don't want the megaclub experience, Landazuri says.

Many guests come for dinner in the restaurant portion of CatHouse, where Kerry Simon is executive chef. They end up staying for the nightlife, when CatHouse turns into a club.

Early in the evening, women perform choreographed routines on the ministages, but they're meant to be performance pieces, Landazuri says, so the audience is encouraged to participate.

The bedroom theme runs throughout the room and the service staff; uniforms have a "heavy lingerie element to them," Landazuri says. "The girls are very sexy, and they know how to flaunt it."

Oh, they have a very attractive male staff, too, he adds.

Four different DJs set the musical tone during the week, with DJ Ikon spinning house music on Saturdays and Mondays. On Fridays, DJ Audio Mo's style blends everything from soul and funk to rock and hip-hop, but in a way that keeps everyone dancing, Landazuri says. DJ Relapse plays house music on Wednesdays after-hours and Sundays. On Thursdays, DJ Supra spins indie electro music for what Landazuri calls the "trendsetter crowd."

Sunday is for the gay alternative crowd, while Wednesdays after-hours start at 1 a.m. and attracts the high fashion industry types.

Bottle service starts at $375 and serves one bottle to every four people, but that changes depending on evening. The average cocktail price is $11. Cover charge is $30 for men and $20 for women on Fridays and Saturdays; if there's enough space, locals with an ID often get in free. Monday cover is $20 for men, $10 for women while locals are free. The rest of the week, "we're just trying to throw a good party," Landazuri says.

Hours are from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesdays and 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursdays through Mondays.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@ reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.