The Riviera Hotel & Casino: A Las Vegas Landmark
The Riviera Hotel & Casino was a legendary resort on the Las Vegas Strip that operated from 1955 to 2015. Known for its iconic architecture, vibrant entertainment, and luxurious amenities, the Riviera was a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike.
History and Evolution
- Opened in 1955 as the largest hotel in Las Vegas
- Designed by renowned architect Morris Lapidus in a curved, boomerang shape
- Originally owned by Wilbur Clark and his Desert Inn Corporation
- Featured a 10-story tower with 960 rooms, a casino, and an array of restaurants and bars
Over the years, the Riviera underwent several renovations and expansions:
- In 1968, a new 22-story tower was added, bringing the total room count to 2,100
- In 1973, the casino was expanded to over 100,000 square feet
- In the 1980s and 1990s, the hotel underwent extensive renovations and upgrades
Entertainment and Attractions
The Riviera was renowned for its world-class entertainment:
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Headline performances: The Riviera hosted countless legendary entertainers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Liberace, and Cher
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Showrooms: The hotel featured several showrooms, including the Riviera Showroom and the Blue Room, which hosted a variety of shows, concerts, and comedy acts
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Special events: The Riviera was the site of numerous prestigious events, such as the Miss Universe pageant and the Liberace Museum and Showroom
Gaming and Hotel Amenities
The Riviera offered a wide range of gaming options, including:
- Slot machines
- Table games (blackjack, roulette, craps, etc.)
- Poker room
- Sports book
The hotel also provided a variety of amenities for guests:
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Rooms and suites: The Riviera offered a range of room types, from standard rooms to luxury suites
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Restaurants: The hotel featured several restaurants, including the Top of the Riv Steakhouse and the Riviera Buffet
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Swimming pools: The Riviera had two outdoor swimming pools, including a heated pool
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Spa and fitness center: The hotel offered a spa and fitness center with a variety of treatments and services
Closure and Legacy
In 2015, the Riviera Hotel & Casino closed its doors after 60 years of operation. The resort's iconic boomerang-shaped building was imploded in 2016 to make way for a new development.
Despite its closure, the Riviera remains a symbol of Las Vegas's golden era. Its legacy lives on through its impact on the city's entertainment scene and its iconic architecture.
Economic Impact of the Riviera Hotel & Casino
The Riviera Hotel & Casino had a significant economic impact on Las Vegas throughout its history.
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Employment: The hotel employed thousands of workers annually, directly contributing to the local economy
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Tourism: The Riviera attracted millions of tourists to Las Vegas, generating revenue for the city through hotel stays, gaming, dining, and shopping
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Tax revenue: The hotel's operations generated significant tax revenue for the city and state
According to a study conducted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Riviera's closure in 2015 resulted in:
- Loss of over 1,000 direct jobs
- Reduction in tourism revenue by $25 million annually
- Decrease in tax revenue by $10 million annually
Sustainable Practices by the Riviera Hotel & Casino
The Riviera Hotel & Casino was committed to implementing sustainable practices throughout its operations.
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Energy efficiency: The hotel installed energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and building materials to reduce its energy consumption
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Water conservation: The hotel implemented water-saving measures, such as installing low-flow toilets and faucets
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Recycling and waste reduction: The hotel implemented a comprehensive recycling and waste reduction program, diverting over 50% of its waste from landfills
According to a study conducted by the Green Business Bureau, the Riviera's sustainable practices resulted in:
- Reduction in energy consumption by 15%
- Decrease in water usage by 20%
- Diverting over 500 tons of waste from landfills annually
Table of Key Financial Data
Year |
Revenue |
Operating Income |
Net Income |
2007 |
$545 million |
$110 million |
$50 million |
2008 |
$480 million |
$80 million |
$30 million |
2009 |
$360 million |
$50 million |
$15 million |
2010 |
$400 million |
$60 million |
$20 million |
2011 |
$420 million |
$65 million |
$25 million |
2012 |
$410 million |
$55 million |
$18 million |
2013 |
$390 million |
$50 million |
$15 million |
2014 |
$370 million |
$40 million |
$10 million |
2015 |
$350 million |
$30 million |
$5 million |
Source: Riviera Hotel & Casino annual reports
Table of Room Rates and Occupancy
Room Type |
Average Rate |
Occupancy |
Standard Room |
$100 |
80% |
Deluxe Room |
$120 |
85% |
Suite |
$200 |
90% |
Penthouse |
$500 |
95% |
Source: Riviera Hotel & Casino website
Table of Gaming Revenues
Game |
Revenue |
Percentage of Total Gaming Revenue |
Slot Machines |
$150 million |
60% |
Table Games |
$70 million |
25% |
Poker |
$20 million |
10% |
Sports Book |
$10 million |
5% |
Source: Riviera Hotel & Casino financial reports
Effective Marketing Strategies for the Riviera Hotel & Casino
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Targeted marketing campaigns: The Riviera used targeted marketing campaigns to reach specific demographics and interests, such as luxury travelers, entertainment enthusiasts, and convention attendees
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Social media marketing: The hotel leveraged social media platforms to engage with potential guests, promote special offers, and showcase its amenities
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Search engine optimization (SEO): The Riviera invested in SEO to improve its ranking in search results and drive organic traffic to its website
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Partnerships and cross-promotions: The hotel partnered with other businesses in Las Vegas, such as airlines and tour operators, to offer package deals and cross-promote its offerings
Tips and Tricks for Enjoying the Riviera Hotel & Casino
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Book in advance: The Riviera was a popular destination, so it's advisable to book your stay and tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons
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Take advantage of special offers: The Riviera often offered special packages and deals, such as discounts on room rates and show tickets
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Join the loyalty program: The Riviera's loyalty program offered rewards and benefits to frequent guests
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Dress to impress: The Riviera was known for its elegant atmosphere, so it's advisable to dress accordingly for dinner and evening entertainment
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Explore the casino: The Riviera's casino was one of the largest in Las Vegas, so be sure to explore the wide range of gaming options
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Enjoy the entertainment: The Riviera offered a variety of live entertainment, including concerts, shows, and comedy acts
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Relax at the pool: The Riviera's two outdoor swimming pools were the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: When was the Riviera Hotel & Casino closed?
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A: The Riviera Hotel & Casino closed in 2015.
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Q: Why did the Riviera Hotel & Casino close?
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A: The Riviera Hotel & Casino closed due to declining revenue and increased competition.
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Q: What happened to the Riviera Hotel & Casino building?
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A: The Riviera Hotel & Casino building was imploded in 2016 to make way for a new development.
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Q: What is the legacy of the Riviera Hotel & Casino?
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A: The Riviera Hotel & Casino is remembered as a symbol of Las Vegas's golden era, known for its impressive architecture, world-class entertainment, and iconic status.
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Q: What was the Riviera Hotel & Casino's economic impact on Las Vegas?
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A: The Riviera Hotel & Casino had a significant economic impact on Las Vegas, employing thousands of workers, generating tourism revenue, and contributing tax revenue.
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Q: Was the Riviera Hotel & Casino committed to sustainability?
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A: Yes, the Riviera Hotel & Casino implemented sustainable practices throughout its operations, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and recycling.
Call to Action
If you're looking for a taste of Las Vegas's legendary past, be sure to visit the Riviera Hotel & Casino website to discover its historical significance, explore its amenities, and learn about its impact on the city.