by Ted Sherman

Created on: February 18, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

This is an actual review, not a description of the Riviera. We travel to Vegas frequently, and have stayed at the Riviera several times. Not voluntarily, but as participants in trade shows. Frankly, we'd never stay there on a vacation visit. Maybe 30 years ago, but not now.

First, and not the hotel's fault, it is in a somewhat undesirable area, neither downtown nor on the glitzier area of the Strip. In the past 20 years, the higher-quality Vegas resorts have been built away from the older hotels. While the Riviera was in its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, today it is just the somewhat tattered ghost of its former glory.

As for the quality of the Riviera, it is showing its age. While the staff is efficient and keeps the place clean and pleasant, you can't help noticing that both the casino and guest rooms are worn and shabby. Rumors abound that the hotel is for sale, and while a possible deal is pending, most likely there's no incentive for the current owners to upgrade anything in the hotel. It is still adequate, and better than some of the downtown hotels, and OK if you're on a strict budget and can get a low-priced deal there.

The restaurants, wait staff and casino employees are cordial and cooperative enough, but the feeling of gloom seems to be infectious and all-pervading. There are a couple of upscale restaurants, but also a rather seedy 24-hour cafe and a food court with pretty bad selections. All they do is cheapen the former glory of the hotel, what little still survives.

My general advice, for what it's worth, is to shop prices of other hotels before you book your next Vegas visit at the Riviera. For the same price, or if you're willing to part with a few bucks more, you'd be much happier in one of the newer resorts in the more desirable part of the Strip.

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