This review will be based on the hotel takeover in Clinton, NJ for NYE 2021, but will apply in general to any given IPG event as the format is pretty standard and one that works at this venue. These are two day full hotel takeovers, so no worry of running into random vanillas. They have security on hand keeping tabs on banded attendees and watching the doors to ensure that only people who are registered to be there are there. Maddy and Joe are the owners/hosts of the group and have honed these events over the years to give guests an exceptional experience of what a swing lifestyle hotel takeover should be.
FULL DISCLOSURE: We do host a themed party room when we attend, however are not compensated or paid by the event hosts. We do so on our as an enhancement to the party floor.
The Good
Pricing - Event tickets are reasonable for what's provided
The structure to the events is solid. There is always something to do at an IPG event be it on the party floor, the lounge, the main ballroom, the pool, etc. You won't be bored here looking for something to do.
The crowd is diverse and varied
Size of the venue - Five floors allows for large attendance
The large pool which can accommodate a good crowd and is one consistent depth (versus having a deep end where people wouldn't be able to mull around). There is also a large area around the pool for mingling.
On site dining room, so you don't have to leave the venue for food
Rooms all have fridges & microwaves
The Bad
Hotel requires two night stay (This is not an IPG requirement, but a hotel property requirement)
Hotel Room Cost - This is a separate expense apart from the ticket and for what the rooms are, it's on the high side as they seem to be performing minimal maintenance.
Drink cost in hotel venue areas is high - $11 for mixed drinks (It is BYOB above the ground floor though)
New Hotel owners don't seem to be as lifestyle friendly or accommodating
The Ugly
No housekeeping for the entire stay. We understand why they don't want staff on the closed floors during an event, but with that known the hotel should be prepping the rooms for the two day stays THEY are requiring. Instead, you are on your own which means going down to the front desk for towels, toilet tissue, toiletries, bedding, or anything else. At almost $450 for the two nights they should be leaving enough basics to get you by. We had two towels in our suite and half a roll of toilet paper. This also ties into the new ownership as maintenance seems minimal with the same issues being present each time we stay (we have the same room each party). IE: The bathroom sink is still leaking.
Now, we understand how difficult it is to secure a venue for a lifestyle event so that is taken into account and we can't really fault IPG for things that are strictly the hotels responsibility. By no means are the negatives deal breakers for us, but we always try to point out what we view as pluses & minuses.
Full Review
Upon arrival you'll check in at the main entrance (usually with Maddy) where she'll cover the basics with you, issue your event wristbands, give you a packet with door signs, rules, schedule, etc. In some cases, they'll be a table with gift bags and then you'll head to the front desk to check in and get your room assignment. In our case we arrive early so we can head up and start room setup for the evening and nighttime festivities like the pre-party.
The first night is usually quieter than the main party night which serves as a great way to meet & mingle with other couples or connect with old friends. There typically isn't a fixed schedule for the first night. Expect a pre-party in the lounge with DJ and dancing followed by an ongoing after party on the 3rd floor with various themed party rooms open at any given time. You'll have a BDSM room, Athena's by Ola for all your sex toy/lingerie needs, rope tying room, sex machine room, a drink bar room & our pole room for example. There is generally a food spread at any given time as well as most host couples put out snacks, drinks, and apps. The pool is also an ongoing party area with certain times being scheduled as designed pool parties where the DJ will be spinning tunes with the light show going.
The second day was the main event with the NYE party jumping off after the evening festivities. This is where the crowd can really shine dressing up the theme for the Black Tie Gala theme. Leading up to the event are various workshops and classes like a BDSM demo & Speed dating then a short break and before the Comedy Show in the main Ballroom. It's akin to a house style comedy show with varying acts ranging from hilarious to cringe worthy at times. A light buffet is provided and drinks are available via a cash bar (no outside drinks allowed in).
After the show, things move into the bar/lounge for a dance party until the ball drop at midnight. While this is ongoing there are still various mini parties going on throughout the hotel be it on the party floor or in any given room on any given floor!
The crowd generally takes the themes seriously so you'll see most people dressed to the 9's and likely doing multiple outfit changes. Yes, there are the few who kind of just phone it in, but there's always a few at any event. You'll find a wide range of lifestyle & kinksters at an IPG event from newbie to seasoned veterans at all stages of comfort levels. IPG offers preference bands as well to help identify tame, soft, full, and bi play levels. Everyone is generally well mannered and respectful of standard lifestyle protocols and etiquette. On occasion you'll have to remind or fill someone in, but everyone is open minded and we've not seen any issues. Some of this also stems from IPG staff staying on top of any potential issues by minding the party and setting in place guidelines for couples and singles. Things like requiring couples to stay together or singles to be sponsored. NOTE: when referencing singles, we mean females as these event are not open to single males. These policies help mitigate the issues like singles coupling up to use each other as "tickets" to get into the party which can lead to problems. We can say we always feel comfortable knowing that IPG staff/security are making sure only people who belong at the party are actually there.
All in all, we can say that IPG parties and events are "SiLK Approved" which is why we continue to go and host theme rooms as well as recommend them to others. We actually brought a friend along to this event, which was her first and I think she'd echo what a great time it was and how well run things were. We like some of the little touches like providing door signs for attendees to fill out with their profile name, websites, pics, etc. so others can leave a note and contact info on other's signs to connect with after the event. It's a great idea and makes hall crawling that much more fun. What is "Hall Crawling" you ask? It's when you or some friends roam the corridors and see what's happening by stopping by open rooms and knocking on chocked doors to meet and mingle. So, having signs on closed doors allows peeps to leave messages while exploring!
In closing, we say if you haven't been to an IPG Event, you should check one out! We think you'll have a great time be it newbie or experienced.