Riviera Hotel & Casino: A Jewel on the Las Vegas Strip

The Riviera Hotel & Casino, once a legendary landmark on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, has left an enduring legacy in the entertainment and hospitality industry. Its rich history and groundbreaking achievements have cemented its place as a symbol of extravagance, innovation, and the allure of Las Vegas.

A Historical Perspective

The Riviera Hotel & Casino opened its doors in 1955, just as the city of Las Vegas was beginning to emerge as a major tourism destination. Owned by the prominent Summa Corporation, the hotel was designed by world-renowned architect Morris Lapidus, who envisioned it as an oasis of luxury and glamour.

With its distinctive "zigzag" design and towering neon sign, the Riviera quickly became a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It housed over 2,000 rooms, a massive casino floor with thousands of slot machines and table games, and a state-of-the-art entertainment complex that featured renowned performers such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Liberace.

Groundbreaking Innovations

The Riviera Hotel & Casino was not just a luxurious resort; it was also a pioneering force in the casino industry. In 1974, it became the first hotel in Las Vegas to offer gaming on the casino floor, allowing guests to play without leaving the hotel.

The casino also introduced innovative slot machines and table games, including the "Wheel of Fortune" slot machine, which became one of the most popular games in the world. The Riviera's "Keno Lounge" was another popular attraction, offering a unique gambling experience that combined keno with live entertainment.

Star-Studded Glamour

Throughout its history, the Riviera Hotel & Casino hosted some of the biggest stars in show business. The Blue Room, its renowned entertainment venue, played host to legendary performances by icons such as Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, and Liza Minnelli.

The Riviera's "Copa Room" was another famous entertainment spot, known for its lavish production shows and live entertainment. It was at the Copa Room that Sonny & Cher made their Las Vegas debut in 1964.

Industry Recognition

The Riviera Hotel & Casino has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including:

• AAA Four Diamond Award for excellence in hospitality
• Travel + Leisure "World's Best Awards" for best casino hotel
• Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award for exceptional service

Legacy and Impact

The Riviera Hotel & Casino closed its doors in 2015 after six decades of operation. However, its legacy lives on in the history books of Las Vegas. It was one of the first hotels to introduce modern casino gaming, and it played a significant role in the city's transformation into a global entertainment capital.

Today, the former site of the Riviera Hotel & Casino is being redeveloped into a modern resort complex known as the "Las Vegas Global Business District." The new development is expected to honor the legacy of the Riviera while creating a new chapter in the history of the Las Vegas Strip.

Financial Success

The Riviera Hotel & Casino was a financial success throughout most of its operating history. According to published reports, the hotel generated over $1 billion in revenue in the early 1990s. The casino floor also performed well, with table games accounting for over 50% of the property's revenue.

Positive Economic Impact

The Riviera Hotel & Casino had a significant positive economic impact on the Las Vegas community. It employed over 2,500 people and generated millions of dollars in tax revenue. The hotel's entertainment venues also attracted visitors from around the world, contributing to the city's tourism industry.

Unique Features

In addition to its luxurious accommodations and casino floor, the Riviera Hotel & Casino offered a number of unique features that set it apart from other resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. These included:

• A 10,000-square-foot indoor water park called "Splash"
• A 50-lane bowling alley called "Sahara Lanes"
• A rooftop pool complex with stunning views of the Strip

Challenges and Closures

Despite its early success, the Riviera Hotel & Casino faced financial challenges in its later years. Competition from newer and larger resorts, as well as the economic downturn in 2008, negatively impacted the property's revenue.

In 2015, the Riviera Hotel & Casino closed its doors after 60 years of operation. The closure marked the end of an era for Las Vegas, as the Riviera was one of the last remaining "old-school" casinos on the Strip.

The Future of the Riviera Hotel & Casino

The future of the Riviera Hotel & Casino site is still being determined. However, it is expected that the site will be redeveloped into a modern resort complex that will pay homage to the Riviera's legacy while creating a new chapter in the history of the Las Vegas Strip.

Stories and Lessons

The story of the Riviera Hotel & Casino is a fascinating tale of innovation, glamour, and the transformative power of the Las Vegas Strip. Here are three stories that highlight the lessons we can learn from the Riviera's history:

1. Embrace Innovation

The Riviera Hotel & Casino was a pioneer in the casino industry, introducing new games and amenities that transformed the guest experience. By embracing innovation, the Riviera established itself as a leader and set the standard for other casinos on the Strip.

2. Focus on Customer Experience

The Riviera Hotel & Casino always put the customer first. From the moment guests arrived at the front door, they were treated to exceptional service and attention to detail. This focus on customer experience helped the Riviera build a loyal following and maintain its popularity over the years.

3. Create a Lasting Legacy

The Riviera Hotel & Casino may have closed its doors, but its legacy lives on. The property's iconic design and groundbreaking innovations have left a lasting impact on the Las Vegas Strip. By creating a memorable experience for its guests, the Riviera ensured that it would always be remembered as one of the most legendary casinos in the city's history.

Step-by-Step Approach to Visiting the Riviera Hotel & Casino

If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, here is a step-by-step approach to visiting the Riviera Hotel & Casino:

1. Book your hotel: The Riviera Hotel & Casino is no longer in operation, but there are many other hotels to choose from on the Las Vegas Strip.
2. Purchase show tickets: If you are interested in seeing a show at the Blue Room or the Copa Room, be sure to purchase tickets in advance.
3. Plan your gambling: The Riviera Hotel & Casino had a large casino floor with a variety of table games and slot machines. If you plan on gambling, be sure to set a budget and stick to it.
4. Enjoy the entertainment: The Riviera Hotel & Casino was known for its star-studded entertainment. Be sure to check the entertainment schedule before you visit to see what shows are playing.
5. Explore the resort: The Riviera Hotel & Casino had a lot to offer beyond its casino floor. Be sure to explore the resort's other amenities, such as the pool, the spa, and the restaurants.

Benefits of Visiting the Riviera Hotel & Casino

There are many benefits to visiting the Riviera Hotel & Casino:

• Historical significance: The Riviera Hotel & Casino is a landmark on the Las Vegas Strip and one of the most iconic casinos in the city's history.
• Variety of entertainment: The Riviera Hotel & Casino offers a wide range of entertainment options, including live shows, concerts, and casino gaming.
• Resort amenities: The Riviera Hotel & Casino has a variety of resort amenities, such as a pool, a spa, and restaurants.
• Excellent location: The Riviera Hotel & Casino is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, making it easy to explore the city's other attractions.

Compare and Contrast: Riviera Hotel & Casino vs. Other Resorts

The Riviera Hotel & Casino was one of many resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. Here is a comparison of the Riviera to some of the other major resorts in the city:

As you can see, the Riviera Hotel & Casino was a mid-sized resort compared to some of the other resorts on the Las Vegas Strip