The Riviera Hotel and Casino: A Las Vegas Landmark with a storied past

Once a glittering beacon on the Las Vegas Strip, the Riviera Hotel and Casino has witnessed the rise and fall of countless fortunes, played host to legendary performers, and left an indelible mark on the history of Sin City.

A Brief History of the Riviera Hotel and Casino

The Riviera Hotel and Casino opened its doors on April 20, 1955, with a grand opening ceremony that featured a star-studded lineup of celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Marilyn Monroe. Designed by renowned architect Martin Stern Jr., the Riviera was one of the first high-rise hotels on the Strip, boasting 10 stories and 1,035 rooms.

In its early years, the Riviera quickly became a destination for high rollers and celebrities alike, with its luxurious casino, elegant restaurants, and world-class entertainment. The hotel's Rat Pack Lounge was a popular haunt for Frank Sinatra and his entourage, and the Riviera Theater hosted legendary performers such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.

However, the Riviera's fortunes began to decline in the 1980s as competition from newer and more modern casinos intensified. The hotel was sold several times over the years, and its condition deteriorated. In 2015, the Riviera closed its doors for good, and the property was sold to a Chinese investment group for $182.5 million.

The Riviera's Legacy

Despite its closure, the Riviera Hotel and Casino remains an iconic symbol of Las Vegas' golden age. Its distinctive ziggurat-shaped facade and twinkling lights were once synonymous with the city's glitz and glamour. The hotel played a significant role in shaping Las Vegas' entertainment landscape and welcomed countless guests over its 60-year history.

Table 1: Key Dates in the Riviera Hotel and Casino's History

Why the Riviera Hotel and Casino Matters

The Riviera Hotel and Casino has played a pivotal role in the development of Las Vegas as a global entertainment destination. It was one of the first luxury hotels on the Strip and helped to establish the city's reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. The hotel also played a role in the growth of the Rat Pack and the Las Vegas entertainment industry. Its legacy continues to inspire new generations of hoteliers and casino operators.

Benefits of Visiting the Riviera Hotel and Casino

While the Riviera Hotel and Casino is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on. Visitors to Las Vegas can still appreciate the hotel's historical significance and architectural beauty. The property has been designated as a historic landmark, and its distinctive facade remains a recognizable symbol of the city's past.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of the Riviera Hotel and Casino

Pros:

• Iconic architecture: The Riviera's ziggurat-shaped facade and twinkling lights were once synonymous with Las Vegas' glitz and glamour.
• Historical significance: The hotel played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas as a global entertainment destination.
• Celebrity connections: The Riviera was a popular haunt for Frank Sinatra and his entourage, and the Riviera Theater hosted legendary performers such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.

Cons:

• Closed: The Riviera closed its doors permanently in 2015.
• Deteriorating condition: The hotel's condition had deteriorated in its later years, and it was eventually demolished in 2016.
• No longer a gaming destination: Visitors can no longer gamble at the Riviera, as the casino is now closed.

FAQs

1. When did the Riviera Hotel and Casino open?
Answer: April 20, 1955

2. Who designed the Riviera Hotel and Casino?
Answer: Martin Stern Jr.

3. How many rooms did the Riviera Hotel and Casino have?
Answer: 1,035

4. What was the Riviera Hotel and Casino's signature entertainment venue?
Answer: The Riviera Theater

5. When did the Riviera Hotel and Casino close?
Answer: 2015

6. What is the current status of the Riviera Hotel and Casino property?
Answer: The property was sold to a Chinese investment group in 2015 and is currently under redevelopment.

7. Is the Riviera Hotel and Casino still open for business?
Answer: No, the hotel closed permanently in 2015.

8. Can visitors still gamble at the Riviera Hotel and Casino?
Answer: No, the casino is now closed.