Our group of 3 couples booked the $100 VIP Coco Bongo package for Sunday, 11/06/11 through TTR. We loved the regular VIP that TTR took us on a few years ago, and this package sounded like the ultimate experience to show C.B. off to our friends. We were picked up for transport to the club around 10:30 and on our way. When we arrived, we bypassed the line (yay!), got our wristbands, and were hustled on up to our seats. From what I understood, our seats would be like box seats- excellent view, in the middle of everything, stepping back to a private bar, top shelf liquor, our own waitstaff, bathroom, etc. and sounded amazing. Up we went, until we reached an upper side area, already full of other people. We were taken to the very top back section, where we did have a view of the stage, but almost no view of anything else in the club. It was as if we were banished to a corner. No streamers, no air cannon, no inclusion in the party- Arial acts were nearly impossible to see from where we were seated, with a huge pole blocking the view. Upon our arrival, I asked immediately if we could be moved down to any table on the floor, as we would have gladly given up the VIP aspect in order to actually have the Coco Bongo party experience. No can do. I asked why our VIP was in the very back and was told that it was first come, first served for the VIP section, and boy, that would've been nice to know about.... (To top it off, it was also extremely cold in the top area with the staff finally bringing out some tablecloths for folks to wrap up in. ) All in all, it just seemed such a shame that we paid so much money for such an inferior experience at the amazing Coco Bongo, all of which could have been avoided with the right info from TTR. We had an outstanding time at TTR in every other way, artytime:artytime:but just felt the need to give others a heads up on this whole super VIP package. Total BUST. MoFun (getting the cheap-o VIP next time...).
That's really disappointing. We had been told by our TTR rep that it was 1st come first served for the Gold member section (lucky for us). We made our own way to the club so that we could be first in line, and as a result we got the best seats in the house. Totally worth our $100. Our waiter was fantastic and we NEVER had to wait for a drink. AMAZING view of the show from the stools along the rails. I didn't understand why the TTR group was transported to the club so late! The best seats were taken by then, and they missed the PRE SHOW party! Definately would be a good suggestion for TTR!! Having said that...Even though we LOVED our seats, we would also pay the cheaper next time just to experience it from the lower section!! An amazing show from any location I am sure!! Can't wait to do it again!
We have gone to Coco Bongo and used the bottle service...you definately get what you pay for....for 4 of us a bottle of grey goose/20 beer...private table....dedicated waiter...was around $550...and it was one of the best nights we ever had...we booked this at Coco Bongo...not through TTR...we had been 6 times prior with the hotel...but bottle service was the best...almost like we had never been before...
That sucks, $100 pp is a lot of money to drop on something that turns out not to be as promised. I have to wonder if it's because the current TTR Ents staff are not as established in terms of their relationships with the decision makers there as previous staff used to be. Who you know goes a long way in situations like this. And if the decision makers know someone "more", the one's they know "less" will take second place. It does seem that at Coco Bongo almost everyone goes "VIP". I honestly think very few people are promised non VIP service. When that happens not everyone can be given true VIP. We don't go there very often these days, but when we do we always arrive early (at the club by 10:30pm at the latest) - this is the most important aspect - getting there early. We pay the regular non VIP price (well actually the locals regular price which is quite a bit lower than they charge tourists), then our first priority is to find a "Captain". Captains are like Team Leaders, there are about 6 Captains who each manage 6 - 8 waiters in an area, they wear a different colored shirt (and a headset) - they are the ones in control of who sits where, and are in touch with the other Captains. We tip the Captain $20 or so up front and providing we are early enough (before other people do the same) he'll give us some of the best seats in the house. Then we are usually introduced to our waiter by the Captain and tip the waiter $20 up front. Drinks flow all night, sometimes too quickly with shots too. We tip the waiter each round.. not $20 but maybe a $5 for a round for say 4 or 6 people and he keeps coming back all night. "Playing the clubs" is not easy for the first time visitor, but I hope this local perspective might be some help for those that want the best experience
Thanks for all of the info! I really appreciate the information shared here, very helpful! I love these boards , already making me anxious to plan another trip. :sunny: MoFun