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Unlike most exclusive clubs teeming with celebrities, Villa doesn?t have a velvet rope. Instead it has a big, heavy door, and unless the owner or an investor has personally invited you, you won't get in?not even if you name-drop. In fact, the valet won?t even park your car until the discerning doorman has given the thumbs-up.
Those lucky enough to gain entrance to this 140-capacity-club are whisked into a space that feels like a Hollywood Hills mansion, complete with a library of old books. Most of the patrons?power players, trust-fund kids?seem to already know each other, and if they don?t, they?ve certainly seen their movies (Jamie Foxx), watched them on TV (Kevin Connolly) or read about them in the rags (Paris Hilton, Avril Lavigne). Together they sip classic cocktails and expensive champagne before hitting the small dance floor, where Top 40 and hip-hop inspire heartbeats to rise.
Of course, the girls look hot in their Louboutins, but the staff here is just as stunning as the crowd. The cocktail waitresses, dressed in vintage-style riding jackets and short shorts, have tongues wagging, and the vest-clad bartenders keep a steady crowd around the bar.
Far from minimalist, the club is full of unique details. Huge buffalo and bear busts are mounted above the bar; a human-size birdcage is set into the wall; and an installation of white ropes hangs from the ceiling, giving the impression of a chandelier. In keeping with the rich décor, on the second floor there are white couches and even a "bed" which can be pushed out like a stage and suspended over the dance floor. The best part: a white-tailed deer butt mounted above a doorframe. Cheeky, no?
The history: Villa is located in the space that used to house Monroe's, but the bar itself is rumored to have been a speakeasy during Prohibition.
The pedigree: Owner Reza Roohi was the visionary behind SBE?s most high-profile projects like Katsuya before leaving to start his own nightlife enterprise. He brought with him celeb wranglers Chuck Pacheco and Vincent Laresca (best known as "Chuck & Vinny"), Stephan Fernandez and Skyler Reeves.
Breaking the rules: You know how most clubs won't let anyone inside until there's enough of a scene outside to intrigue people passing by? At Villa, you won't find such a line snaking around the building, as to preserve its hideaway vibe. As Heidi Klum would say: "You?re either in, or you're out."
A review
Villa is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
By stacy82 from West Hollywood, December 5, 2007
Overall rating:
5
All I can say is, WOW!
I was invited to go to Villa last Friday night by my good friend, and I honestly want to tell you that its an amazing place once you get inside (not very big at all though - think Hyde). I would say that if you are not on the guest list keep driving, because the valets won't even park your car unless your name is on the list. Didn't really see any celebs, but everyone inside looked as if they had stepped out of GQ, or Vanity Fair magazine.
My only problem is (just like Hyde) these smaller places REALLY hit you in the pocket as far as drink prices are concerned.
Overall, I would say that you must visit this venue at least once.
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