The Abbey brings gay nightlife from LA to the Vdara pool

By Deanna Rilling

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010 | 3:35 p.m.

Nobody put the gays in the corner. Not in Eduardo Cordova’s book, anyways. Though he started the first LGBT pool party on the Vegas Strip last summer, lately he’s been looking for a new venue where a daytime event could take center stage and not be pushed to a side pool. Enter the Abbey Beach party at Vdara.

Teaming up with the “best gay bar in the world” as chosen by MTV’s Logo, Vdara and the Abbey are celebrating the West Hollywood hot spot’s 20th anniversary by making it a Sunday destination in Vegas. Though it just kicked off on August 22, the six-week run (through September 26, with the party switched to Monday this week for the holiday) will look to reinvigorate the scene.

“The folks who go to parties may want to try something different that’s fresh and new later in the summer,” says Vdara General Manager Mary Giuliano. “This is one of the first big events that we’ve done and good for those who appreciate more luxurious and high-end experiences.” It’s also good for those who want to enjoy elements of the Abbey without leaving town, such as dance music from the roster of resident DJs or the signature Watermelon Martini, Abbey Beach Mojito and Abbey Old-Fashioned Lemonade. Every other week, the Abbey’s president and owner, David Cooley, and guests will take a party bus from LA to the Strip for a day trip and some ogling of the Abbey Boys.

Though the rooftop pool reflects the property’s sophistication, prices won’t break the bank—there’s even free admission for locals from noon to 1 p.m. Cabanas start at $300 and include a bottle of premium vodka and—wait for it—hot cabana boys! Thank you, Abbey Beach.