WITH THE tech industry sputtering in the midst of the country's financial crisis, Silicon Valley needs a good party right now. Not to be outdone by the glitz and glam of their Hollywood counterparts, the South Bay's ultralounges are set to throw exactly that.

Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge's 2009 NYE Party aims to go strides above the usual suave amenities required for high-end New Year's entertainment. After forking over the admission cost ($150 at the door, or RSVP earlier for discounted price), celebrants will be treated to an open bar, as well as hors d'oeuvres stations piled high with delicious goodies like grilled steak satays, honey chile chicken, tuna tartare and basil bruschetta. The snacks can be washed down with a glass of champagne–or five. There will be a rotating cast of DJ talent, including DJs Adam Cova, Atomic and Enrico, plus the DJ duo the Senate Project. Fahrenheit figures to uphold its reputation as a top night spot with an ultralavish party.

Vivid Ultralounge's Sparkle is a party that will undoubtedly shine, as resident DJ Jose Melendez spins his famously danceable tunes for all to enjoy. Party favors, a midnight toast and a balloon drop help usher in the New Year with a bang. Advance tickets ($35) will save the trouble of dealing with sell-out crowds on the big night.

With its multiple dance floors and upscale décor, the Vault Ultralounge represents the industry standards: extravagant but not gaudy. DJs Nasty Nick and David Q take charge of the dance arenas, spinning Top 40, hip-hop, rock, mashups and anything else you might want to hear as you say goodbye to 2008.

San Jose's newest ultralounge, Wet (which opened in October), has quickly built itself status among nightclubs, attracting hordes of eager clubgoers on a weekly basis. With events featuring the likes of Kim Kardashian and rapper Lil' John already in the books, it's no wonder Wet will be a top-draw come New Year's Eve. "The Greatest Show on Earth" features Phoenix, AZ's DJ Fashen on the turntables spinning his well-reputed mix of electro, hip-hop and rock. Not to be overlooked as one of the South Bay's most popular ultralounges is B4Twelve Lounge, which will host its own NYE bash called, simply, "The Countdown." A cast of four hostesses welcome the peninsula's finest, as DJs Howhigh and Sequence spin hip-hop and R&B while Federico Zabala and FM take care of the soul and electro house. B4Twelve also does a nice job accommodating guests who plan on sipping one too many, offering a special packaged deal with the Four Seasons Hotel along with complimentary car service at night's end.

Palo Alto's newest club Melt is throwing its "Decadent New Year's Eve Bash" with DJs and dancing, as well as dining options that include everything, right down to the chocolate-covered strawberries.

Motif Restaurant and Club offers a variety of packaged deals that include bottle service, hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Hosted by S. Bradley, Hitch, TJ and Rachael, the Motif NYE party is a sure bet for responsible New Year's mayhem.

For those inclined to hit the hotel parties, may we suggest Mosaic NYE 2009 at Hotel Montgomery. Billed as the "Ultimate New Year's Eve Party," Mosaic will feature two rooms with music, outdoor bocce ball courts, free champagne at midnight and a slew of top-drawer DJs like Young J, Kleen, Teddy Rockspin and KDON's Johnny Ramos.

 

Of course, there's nothing wrong with going old school and celebrating the New Year in the traditional inebriation of an Irish pub, which is why we recommend heading to Stephen's Green in downtown Mountain View for a few pints of Guinness on the big night out. Get in free before 10:30pm and groove to the sounds of DJ Shambo. Speaking of traditional, there are a few hotel events that we should mention, like the Four Seasons Celebration, and Hotel Valencia's party, styled, not surprisingly, in the Valencia tradition.

So there you have it–the classiest parties New Year's Eve has to offer, right here in the South Bay. Just remember: this year on New Year's, elegance is only an ultralounge away.

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