Things that make you ask why, No. 714: Why isn't Lotus Soundbar considered one of this city's premiere nightspots?

Sure, it's in Waikiki, but you can get over that — especially when you take into account that there's plenty of parking within a short distance from the club. And isn't parking the one factor that will make us choose the Mai Tai Bar over Bar 35 or Eastside Grill over Side Street Inn?

So why not choose Lotus? As far as clubs go, Lotus is on the top of my list for a few reasons:

1. It's easy to get to.

2. It's ambient enough with its sleek decor and candlelit bars to make you feel like you didn't bust out your good club duds for no reason, but it's comfortable enough to make you feel like you could show up on a bad-hair day and not be glared at by a pack of almost-supermodels.

3. It's sufficiently air-conditioned. Besides making it more comfortable for the dancing, drinking masses, the cold air makes the place feel clean.

There's nothing worse than walking into a warm room that smells like the dancing, drinking masses. Gross! A/C fixes that problem, and the folks at Lotus have theirs turned way up.

4. The best thing about Lotus is its sound system. It's incredible. If you only go for the music, you won't be disappointed.

Of course, like anywhere else, there are drawbacks. The bathroom is about the size of my handbag (one of the bigger ones), the drinks are 100 percent Waikiki (meaning they're expensive; a gin and tonic is $7) and the club is split into different rooms, none of them very large.

But those factors have never stopped clubgoers before, so why the hesitation, people?

Veteran DJ G-Spot takes over Lotus every Saturday night with his beat-driven party, "Empire," and Biggie Smalls has never sounded so good.

EMPIRE

Where: Lotus Soundbar, 2301 Kuhio Ave.

When: Every Saturday from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Getting in: $10 at the door; 21 and older

What you'll hear: DJs G-Spot, Quiksilva, IKON, Revise, Technique, D.Box, Nitelite, Marlon, Reed and others spinning hip-hop, house, soul, funk, '80s and drum-n-bass.

On a recent Saturday, the playlist went something like this: Fat Joe/Ja Rule/Ashanti's "What's Love" followed by Sean Paul's "When You Gonna Give it Up to Me?" followed by Shaggy and Janet Jackson's "Luv Me, Luv Me" followed by 112's "Only You" followed by Chris Brown's "Run It" followed by Notorious B.I.G.'s "Mo Money Mo Problems" followed by ... well, you get the idea.

What are they wearing? This is camisole and Lucky jeans country. I could count the number of hipsters in the room on two fingers.

Women are well-coiffed and in heels and minis; men are well-coiffed and in designer jeans and graphic Ts.

Except for the guy in sweats and a wife-beater (all the better to dance, dance, dance in). And I know I spotted a pair of denim shorts and at least two fanny packs. But all that means is that everyone is welcome here and that's better than any dress code could promise.

However, club promoters do state on all of their fliers that "proper dress is requested."

Say, is that Michael Jackson I hear? Yes! So why are you still sitting down?

The peculiar thing about the few nights I visited Lotus is that no matter how booty-moving the music was, the majority of the people chose to sit back and take in the belly-vibrating bassline like it was a jazz guitar. Maybe that's how some people like their hip-hop, but how can you NOT dance to "Billie Jean"?!

Even this self-conscious, rhythmically challenged klutz of a girl had to attempt movement.

So, you don't think you can dance? Never mind. Neither can anyone else. Unless you count the step-tap (that's the move you and your girls did at the prom: step ... tap) as dancing.

And who cares, right? It's easier to let go and shake that thing when everyone around you is less than super coordinated.

Because I wouldn't be caught dead dancing in the same room with Honolulu's Best Dance Crew, but I will do a little something-something if step-tap girl is my partner.

Parking: There's plenty of nighttime parking in various garages along Kuhio Avenue, but your best bet is to park in the Miramar Waikiki hotel at 2345 Kuhio Ave. It's a flat rate of $7.50 for the whole night.