The Shag Room at Virgin Hotels is pure '60s/'70s lounge nostalgia—velvet, retro glam, and the kind of vibe that makes you want to order a martini and pretend you're in a Tarantino film. This is Virgin's answer to the classic Vegas lounge, except with better lighting, better cocktails, and an aesthetic that's self-aware enough to be fun without feeling like a costume party. If you've ever wanted to drink in an Austin Powers set, this is your moment.

The Retro Lounge Aesthetic

The Shag Room commits hard to the mid-century modern/retro glam look: expect shag carpet (obviously), velvet seating, mood lighting, and decor that screams "swinger party but make it classy." The colors are probably burnt orange, avocado green, and lots of wood paneling. It's campy in the best way—intentional, curated, and fully embracing the vibe instead of half-assing it. You walk in and immediately want to light a cigarette you don't even smoke.

Cocktails That Match the Era

The drink menu leans into classic cocktails and retro-inspired creations: martinis, old fashioneds, maybe some tiki drinks with elaborate garnishes. The bartenders aren't just slinging vodka sodas—they're crafting drinks that honor the era while keeping the quality modern. Expect vintage glassware, proper dilution, and garnishes that actually matter. If you've been to too many bars with "mixology" in the name and mediocre execution, The Shag Room feels refreshingly competent.

The Lounge Experience

This isn't a high-energy nightclub or a sports bar—it's a lounge in the truest sense. The vibe's intimate, the music's curated (probably some funk, soul, and vintage grooves), and the lighting's dim enough that everyone looks good. It's designed for conversation, cocktails, and maybe some light flirting with strangers in velvet blazers. The crowd tends to be a bit older, a bit more sophisticated, and definitely there to vibe rather than rage.

When The Shag Room Hits Different

The Shag Room works best late evening/early night when you want a transitional space between dinner and whatever comes next. It's perfect for pre-gaming before a show or club, winding down after dinner, or just posting up for the night if you're not in a rush. The energy's low-key but not boring—just the right amount of stimulation without overstimulation. If Virgin Hotels has live music or DJs here on weekends, even better.

Virgin Hotels' Secret Weapon

Virgin Hotels needed spaces with personality to compete with the big Strip resorts, and The Shag Room delivers that in spades. It's specific, it's fun, and it gives people a reason to hang out on property instead of wandering off to Cosmo or Park MGM. The retro lounge concept isn't revolutionary, but the execution's solid, and sometimes that's all you need.

The Shag Room is Vegas leaning into its lounge heritage with a modern polish and a wink. It's not trying to be the coolest bar in the city—it's just being a really good version of exactly what it is. Velvet, cocktails, and the kind of vibe that makes you want to stay for one more drink. Mission accomplished.