Out of all the options for accommodations during EDC Las Vegas, from camping to staying on the Strip, One N Only (ONO) offered a unique, all-inclusive experience.
Their hotel takeover at the boutique Hotel Serene provided a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere, complete with shuttle services, pool parties, and kickoff events, all curated with the raver’s needs in mind. From the moment I arrived until I dragged myself to the airport for a ten-hour flight to Amsterdam on Tuesday afternoon, ONO’s attentive staff and thoughtful amenities ensured a one-of-a-kind EDC adventure.
Getting There & Shuttles
Hotel Serene, the home base for ONO’s EDC Las Vegas hotel takeover, was conveniently situated about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the Strip/Harry Reid International airport. The resort provided complimentary shuttles to and from the festival each day, making transportation not only easy but safe.
The complimentary shuttles were a standout feature of ONO’s hotel takeover. While the lack of ice and limited drink options (vodka and sparkling water) were minor drawbacks, the staff’s responsiveness, and willingness to improve were commendable. By Sunday, they had procured ice, and suggestions for a cooler on future shuttles were well-received. The shuttle rides to EDC were energetic and fostered new friendships, while the return trips allowed for much-needed rest after a night of raving.
The ONO staff ensured a seamless experience, guiding attendees onto the shuttles and providing water for the journey. The energy on the way to EDC was electric, with ravers singing together (that Friday shuttle we sang a lot of Bon Jovi!) and creating a tunnel of bubbles as you walked through to hop on the shuttle were two moments I’ll never forget.
At the end of each day of EDC seeing one of the ONO representatives with their totem was a beacon of hope after a very long night and day. To know I would safely be able to get home was so important to me after doing this for 16 years, I’ve had my fair share of scary rides home or even worse getting stranded somewhere. Knowing that each day I would have reliable transportation made me feel at ease.
The Resort
Hotel Serene exuded a boutique resort vibe, providing a tranquil oasis amidst the EDC madness. Each morning, ONO offered grab-and-go breakfast, perfect for refueling after a night of raving. The staff’s attentiveness was exemplary, with one kitchen staff member even remembering to prepare a lactose-free baked potato for me. It’s those small things that make ONO stand out, those small details make all the difference.
The resort’s courtyard and pool area served as the central hub for the hotel takeover’s activities. Walking around the resort during EDC weekend was synonymous with walking down a college dorm hallway, seeing familiar faces and making new friends along the way.
Kick-Off Party
The festivities kicked off on Thursday with ONO’s takeover of two clubs, We All Scream and Disco Pussy. Despite a minor shuttle mishap (a shuttle got rear ended), ONO’s prompt problem-solving and customer service shone through, allowing attendees to take ride-shares at the company’s expense.
We All Scream offered a rooftop setting with string lights overlooking the illuminated Fremont Street, while Disco Pussy catered to bass music enthusiasts in a cavernous setting. The diverse musical offerings, from house to drum and bass, ensured something for everyone. A few times I was planning on leaving to get some sleep and then got pulled back in! My favorite moment from the night was when J Handel played an OG dubstep set, my 2010 heart leapt joy!
Following the end of the night I reached out to one of the ONO representatives to accompany me home as I was alone and felt unsafe taking a ride share app in the middle of the night in Vegas (safety first!) and they made sure I got back to the hotel safe.
Pool Parties
Each day at noon, the courtyard at Hotel Serene transformed into a vibrant pool party scene. DJs, a beauty bar (offering services like hair braiding and face gems), a harm reduction stand, merchandise and cannabis vendors, snow cones, and a bar created a lively, all-encompassing experience. Attendees could enjoy the party from their balconies or immerse themselves in the action poolside.
Each day I would first watch the pool party from my balcony with a cup of coffee and then head downstairs to enjoy the beauty bar (my braids looked amazing) and to stock up on essentials for the day such as sunscreen (which I completely forgot to pack!). At the pool party, ravers could pick up their goodie bag which came with a comfy kimono (I even wore mine to interview DJs at EDC!), sunglasses, earplugs, stickers, and ChapStick.
ONO’s commitment to safety throughout the weekend not only through their transportation services but also with their harm reduction stand was impeccable. At the harm reduction stand, attendees could receive free safety information, test strips, Narcan, condoms, etc. Safety at every level was taken extremely seriously, which as a rave mom I very much appreciated.
Overall Impressions
ONO’s EDC Las Vegas hotel takeover was a resounding success, providing a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience. The staff’s exceptional customer service, from accompanying me on Thursday night after the kickoff party back to assisting me when my room key wasn’t working, were just two examples of next level service. The seamless integration of shuttles, pool parties, kickoff events, and amenities created a raver’s paradise.
Despite minor hiccups (like traffic delays), ONO’s problem-solving abilities and commitment to customer satisfaction shone through. I am now so spoiled by ONO that I except this level of organization and fun at every festival I attend. The inclusive, high-energy vibe made the ONO hotel takeover a must-experience for EDC attendees, whether solo or with a rave fam.
See you in 2025!
Discounted pre-sale tickets are on sale, get yours now before it’s too late: https://onenonlyedm.com/vegas/
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