Nightlife

SCENE
One of the trendiest places to see and be seen undoubtedly is the W Scottsdale, an utterly opulent destination catering to a well-heeled crowd, or anyone else who can gain access through the purple velvet ropes guarding the front door of the hotel. Within this palace of pampering are three different lounges rocking unique environments. Next to the lobby, The Living Room is the ultimate retro-style den containing an elegantly mismatched mix of mid-century furnishings and glass bookshelves stocked with thick art and travel tomes. Around the second-floor pool is Sunset Beach, a swatch of white sand populated by breezy cabanas and daybeds; and Shade, an indoor/outdoor bar decked out in a white-and-brown color scheme. 7277 E. Camelback Rd., 480-970-2100, www.starwoodhotels.com

An ultra-upscale hotspot with a line out the front door, the Jackrabbit Lounge hosts an alluring mix of burlesque dancers, jazz musicians, and talented turntablists every Thursday through Saturday. Shiny-shirted scenesters and $30K millionaires frequent the joint, making time with the opposite sex and lapping up chic décor dominated by a huge black-and-white photograph of the Chicago skyline behind the main bar. Have fun trying to get inside after midnight. 4280 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-429-4494, www.jackrabbitaz.com

If you're a people-watcher who's into spotting celebrities and other glitterati, the Mondrian Scottsdale offers some serious stargazing. In addition to the beautiful types who flock to the boutique hotel for its tony ambiance, a number of A-listers have spent the night here, including Al Gore and Jamie Foxx. Sample a number of top-shelf liquor selections amidst the crimson-drenched swankiness of the on-premises Red Bar. DJs spin house and ambient music during weekend sessions. 7353 E. Indian School Rd., 480-444-0549, www.mondrianscottsdale.com

DANCE
The elemental forces of nature serve as a stunning backdrop for the dope danceteria e⁴. Fluids percolate through the blue walls of the always-packed Liquid Room, while warm tones and funky furnishings highlight the Earth Lounge, and an inferno of red-hot fun takes place in the VIP-only Fire Room upstairs. Outside, the Air Patio gives plenty of space to kick back between songs. 4282 N. Drinkwater Blvd., 480-970-3325, www.e4-az.com

If a nightspot is judged by the quality of its VIP areas, then Myst is definitely king of the Scottsdale scene. A plethora of private skyboxes and exclusive areas are available on three floors, with the upper level sporting red walls and erotic paintings. Clubgoers can also bump their humps on an expansive dance floor to a lineup of superstar house DJs (Paul Oakenfold and Armin van Buuren are regular visitors) who stop by on weekends. There's also a poolroom with black leather couches and other luxuries, as well as a huge patio with glowing red tables. 7340 E. Shoeman Lane, 480-970-5000, www.mystaz.com

Experience twice the dance floor action at Axis/Radius, as the massive nightlife complex offers two separate clubs connected by a glass-and-steel catwalk. Radius dishes house music and other high-energy tracks amid a rainbow glow of colored light displays, while Top 40 and R&B jams pump out of the megawatt sound system inside Axis, where videos play across a gigantic video wall. 7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480-970-1112, www.axis-radius.com

LOUNGE
Swarming with the skinny and the stylish, Pussycat Lounge is where hotties come to shake their designer-clad booties and get kinda dirty and debaucherous in a candlelit setting. The model-quality bartending staff can also pour a pretty mean martini, and an illuminated wall of liquor is stocked with an intimidating amount of other alcoholic selections. 4426 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale, 480-481-3100, www.pclaz.com

A plush playground with neon ambiance and gym-toned clientele, SIX Lounge has a reputation for sophistication, as evidenced by an expansive menu of champagnes and designer drinks. (It's also known for its unisex restroom, so don't forget to lock the door.) World-class DJs drop house, hip-hop, and Top 40 beats during spin sessions throughout the week. 7316 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale, 480-663-6620, www.6az.com

Located somewhat off the beaten path, just south of Camelback Road, Lyte Lounge & Bistro is an oasis of cool that rewards its visitors with a plush and darkened atmosphere. Spend an evening chillaxing on soft chairs and couches, while imbibing a vast selection of spirits and noshing on gourmet eats. 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480-423-2027, www.lytelounge.com

PARTY
Popular with 20-somethings and the college-age crowd, Dos Gringos is a two-story hacienda for the hangover-prone that features multiple bars, colorful graffiti lining the walls, and a south-of-the-border beach-bum vibe. Corona, Pacifico, Dos Equis, and other Mexican beers are usually on special, and there's a boffo patio party that goes down every Sunday. 4209 N. Craftsman Ct., Scottsdale, 480-423-3800, www.dosgringosaz.com

Standing out from its more highfalutin neighbors, Mulligan's is a raucous pub-like tavern that provides a staggering variety of beers and booze to its patrons with very little attitude. Boasting old-timey digs and movies playing on its various TVs during the weekends, it's the place to down a few pints without worrying if you're wearing haute couture. 7318 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale, 480-947-8188, www.mulligansaz.com