Sapphire Las Vegas’ Senior Vice President dives into the club’s recent $10 million renovation and explains the thought process behind the venue’s most significant upgrades.
C alling Sapphire Las Vegas just another adult nightclub is like saying the Titanic had a minor navigation issue. Spanning more than 70,000 square feet and staffed by over 200 employees with 400 entertainers across three main stages, Sapphire isn’t simply a strip club; it’s an empire of indulgence. A glittering, high-volume, higher-limit playground that caters to the decadent whim of tourists and locals alike, it stands as one of Sin City’s most iconic, unapologetically hedonistic destinations.
For Marcus Bately, the man now steering the ship, running Sapphire is less about nightly entertainment and more like managing a self-contained city of spectacle. Bately’s rise through the ranks is a classic Vegas story, equal parts grit, charm and hustle. Originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, by way of Chicago, he started nearly two decades ago as the club’s limo driver, working his way up through sheer determination and sharp instinct.
As of this year, the 52-year-old now holds the title of Senior Vice President, following the retirement of original owner, Peter Feinstein. Under Bately’s leadership, Sapphire recently underwent a $10 million transformation. Inside, the venue now features cutting-edge audiovisual enhancements: a massive 20-by-40-foot LED wall, advanced sound and lighting systems, synchronized lasers and atmospheric haze, each contributing to an unmistakably Vegas ambiance that rivals the mainstream locations down the Strip, like XS inside Encore or Omnia over at Caesars.
Their VIP experience was also re-imagined with the addition of the Continental Lounge, the Continental Terrace and the exclusive Rockstar Booth, an ultra-private space for up to 30 guests featuring private DJs, one-way windows, panoramic views and premium bottle service. And through it all, while every inch of his empire was meticulously brought alive? The venue never closed its doors. That’s not management; that’s playing 3D chess … with strippers involved.
“Because of Sapphire, my lifestyle has changed quite a lot,” Bately reflects, his steady tone still carrying traces of his native accent. “I used to work nights — 10, sometimes 12 hours. Now it’s still 10-hour days, but at least I’m working in the daylight. It’s a change when the sun is actually out.”
In this edition of EXOTIC DANCER’s “In Conversation” series, we sit down with Bately to discuss the pressure of expectations, what it takes to modernize a Las Vegas landmark and how his club sets a new benchmark for hospitality in adult nightclubs.
ED: Renovation is a necessity for any club over its lifespan. Some clubs go big all at once, others make updates over time. But what’s really interesting about the Sapphire renovation is that your team essentially decided to start from the rivets up, so to speak. That seems like a daunting task so early in your tenure.
BATELY: It was a massive undertaking. Of course, it started with the club’s owners and their vision — along with my input. We all recognize where the industry is heading. We wanted our club to be as modern as possible to attract every kind of guest that walks through our doors.
ED: Sapphire opened in 2002, so the existing club wasn’t old by any means. But in a city like Vegas, a venue can start to feel dated if left unchanged. What did you feel the club was lacking?
“You’ve got to understand what the younger generation wants, how they’re spending their money.” — Marcus Bately
BATELY: We’re located in the entertainment capital of the world. We’re not just competing with other gentlemen’s clubs — we’re competing with nightclubs, Top Golf, concerts, you name it. Everyone’s mghting for the same small slice of the entertainment pie. You have to have a vision mrst and foremost. You’ve got to understand what the younger generation wants, how they’re spending their money. That means you’ve got to focus on experiences. It can’t just be the old-fashioned gentlemen’s club your dad or grandfather used to go to. It has to evolve, because people want instant gratimcation now — lights, music, spectacle. We weren’t lacking in spectacle, but it all needed to be refreshed.
ED: I assume the goal is to cater to everyone who walks through the doors — but in Vegas, that’s twice as hard. People expect the best experience possible, better than anything they’d get back in their hometown.
BATELY: Exactly. I’m 52, and I don’t necessarily want to be on the main floor with lights flashing and music blasting. I want a place where I can sit at the bar, have a conversation with an entertainer, and then maybe go to VIP. Then I look at my younger friends—and some of my older ones too they want that nightclub vibe and want to be on the main floor. So, our goal was to cater to everyone. The main floor now has stadium-style seating and a very club-like atmosphere. Then we have the Continental Lounge, which offers a higher-end, more relaxed vibe. The music is different there. It’s all about offering multiple experiences under one roof.
ED: That seems to be the challenge a lot of clubs are facing now. They’re either catering to men in their 50s who don’t visit as often, or trying to attract 20-somethings who don’t find the traditional model as cool or alluring as before. It’s a tough needle to thread, right?
BATELY: That’s the beauty of what we’ve created. We now have spaces where anyone can come in and feel comfortable. For example, the Continental Lounge is ideal for those looking for a quieter environment while still enjoying attention and entertainment. What we’re seeing now is that guests start on the main floor, take a girl into VIP, then head to the Lounge to continue their conversation. It not only enriches their experience—it lengthens their stay.
ED: Having a more intimate space like the Continental Lounge seems especially smart in a club this size. Some people might find the scale of Sapphire overwhelming. What’s the actual square footage?
BATELY: It’s officially 72,000 square feet.
ED: Is that still a bragging right? In a city where everything is over-the-top, does being “the biggest” still matter to customers?
BATELY: I think it definitely helps. Take me — I’m from a small town in Scotland. When I was younger, we had maybe one little gentlemen’s club—it was a hole in the wall. Then I came to America and heard about the world’s largest strip club. Of course, I was curious. So yes, it still matters.
ED: One aspect I found impressive was that you stayed open during renovations. That seems incredibly challenging. How did you manage that?
BATELY: We closed off the main floor first but kept operating through the showroom, which is adjacent and can hold a large crowd. Construction happened mostly during the day, with some work done at night. Noise was kept minimal, and guests weren’t disturbed.We did really well during that period, from October 2024 to May 2025. The main floor reopened by January. We strategically timed most of the work for December, which is traditionally the slowest month in Las Vegas.
“What we’re seeing now is that guests start on the main Ōoor, take a girl into VIP, then head to the Lounge to continue their conversation. It not only enriches their experience—it lengthens their stay.” — Marcus Bately
ED: What was the most challenging part of the renovation?
BATELY: New ideas that emerge after you think you’re done. We’d get something built and then say, “Let’s change that.” The challenge was sticking to the original vision while also being flexible. You can always tweak and improve, but at some point you have to say, “This is great,” and move forward.
ED: It looks like every inch of Sapphire was touched during this renovation. Is there a space you’re most proud of or surprised by?
BATELY: The main floor, absolutely. It served us well for years, but it was basically just one big open space. From an operational standpoint, we had to work hard to section it off and make it feel full. Now, with the redesign, it feels full even on slower nights, but it still accommodates large crowds when needed.
ED: What’s the thinking behind that design?
BATELY: It’s all about guest service. How do you guide a guest from walking in to going VIP? We designed the layout to create a smooth flow, where guests feel comfortable, can get drinks quickly and aren’t left waiting. From where the service wells are located to how entertainers interact with guests, every detail is meant to improve the experience. The main floor and Continental Lounge both support that. Everything in Vegas now has to be over-the-top. Sapphire needs to offer something guests can’t find anywhere else.
ED: The Continental Lounge feels like a club within a club. Tell us more.
BATELY: It’s located at the back of the main floor. Before, it was just a back bar. Now, it’s its own premium space with high-end drinks and a lounge vibe. We installed a new sound system and lights, creating a totally separate atmosphere. We also launched a program called “Pour Decisions,” where we bring in local DJs who spin sets distinct from the music on the main floor.
ED: Much like mainstream clubs with rotating DJs.
BATELY: Absolutely. We had experimented with it in the past, like on Thursday nights, but the setup wasn’t right. Now the room is properly equipped, and the response has been fantastic.
ED: And the VIP rooms?
BATELY: All the VIP rooms have been renovated. In fact, we now have 32 rooms, up from the 16 we had before.
ED: Offering food can also extend guest stays. What’s your food program like, and does it bring in revenue?
BATELY: Having food is essential. It keeps guests in their seats longer. While no one comes to a strip club just for the food, it’s a valuable add-on. Burgers, pizza, finger foods. Basic stuff. They help round out the experience. And yes, it does bring in a little revenue, but more importantly, it enhances guest satisfaction.
“The Continental Lounge is a higher-end, more relaxed vibe. The music is different there. It’s all about about multiple experiences under one roof.” — Marcus Bately
ED: Sapphire has over 200 staff and 400 entertainers during peak season. How do you keep everyone trained and aligned with the brand?
BATELY: We hold shift meetings every night to keep the team informed about club news and city happenings. We constantly reinforce our service steps and provide knowledge. The goal is to keep everyone on the same page and committed to quality service.
ED: What does today’s typical Sapphire guest look like?
BATELY: We get a lot of tourists — it’s Las Vegas, after all — but also a healthy number of locals. Our brand is strong throughout town, so we benefit from that consistent visibility and longstanding relationships.
ED: With a venue this large, how do your staff and entertainers maintain personal connections? What brings guests back?
BATELY: It’s about being personal. Guest retention is a major focus. Staff introduce themselves, ask where guests are from, what they’re in town for — simple icebreakers that create a memorable experience. Even at the door, security will check IDs and refer to guests by their mrst names. That kind of simple acknowledgment sets the tone right away. Guests feel seen, and they’re ready to have a great time.
ED: Before guests even walk through the door, you have to attract them. Social media is a big part of that, of course. But how is Sapphire reaching the younger generation in particular?
BATELY: Social media is huge. You have to show the party, show the fun. But we don’t stop there. We’ve got billboard campaigns, digital outreach and a variety of partnerships throughout town. Our marketing has to be broad and dynamic. Vegas is saturated with entertainment options, so our campaigns have to stand out. We value all our guests, but we target the younger generation most, and our remodel is a reflection of that commitment.
For more information, visit sapphirelasvegas.com.
