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:

• Headline performances: The Riviera hosted countless legendary entertainers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Liberace, and Cher
• Showrooms: The hotel featured several showrooms, including the Riviera Showroom and the Blue Room, which hosted a variety of shows, concerts, and comedy acts
• 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:

• Rooms and suites: The Riviera offered a range of room types, from standard rooms to luxury suites
• Restaurants: The hotel featured several restaurants, including the Top of the Riv Steakhouse and the Riviera Buffet
• Swimming pools: The Riviera had two outdoor swimming pools, including a heated pool
• 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.

• Employment: The hotel employed thousands of workers annually, directly contributing to the local economy
• Tourism: The Riviera attracted millions of tourists to Las Vegas, generating revenue for the city through hotel stays, gaming, dining, and shopping
• 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.

• Energy efficiency: The hotel installed energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and building materials to reduce its energy consumption
• Water conservation: The hotel implemented water-saving measures, such as installing low-flow toilets and faucets
• 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

Source: Riviera Hotel & Casino annual reports

Table of Room Rates and Occupancy

Source: Riviera Hotel & Casino website

Table of Gaming Revenues

Source: Riviera Hotel & Casino financial reports

Effective Marketing Strategies for the Riviera Hotel & Casino

• Targeted marketing campaigns: The Riviera used targeted marketing campaigns to reach specific demographics and interests, such as luxury travelers, entertainment enthusiasts, and convention attendees
• Social media marketing: The hotel leveraged social media platforms to engage with potential guests, promote special offers, and showcase its amenities
• Search engine optimization (SEO): The Riviera invested in SEO to improve its ranking in search results and drive organic traffic to its website
• 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

• 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
• Take advantage of special offers: The Riviera often offered special packages and deals, such as discounts on room rates and show tickets
• Join the loyalty program: The Riviera's loyalty program offered rewards and benefits to frequent guests
• Dress to impress: The Riviera was known for its elegant atmosphere, so it's advisable to dress accordingly for dinner and evening entertainment
• 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
• Enjoy the entertainment: The Riviera offered a variety of live entertainment, including concerts, shows, and comedy acts
• 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

• Q: When was the Riviera Hotel & Casino closed?

• A: The Riviera Hotel & Casino closed in 2015.

• Q: Why did the Riviera Hotel & Casino close?

• A: The Riviera Hotel & Casino closed due to declining revenue and increased competition.

• Q: What happened to the Riviera Hotel & Casino building?

• A: The Riviera Hotel & Casino building was imploded in 2016 to make way for a new development.

• Q: What is the legacy of the Riviera Hotel & Casino?

• 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.

• Q: What was the Riviera Hotel & Casino's economic impact on Las Vegas?

• A: The Riviera Hotel & Casino had a significant economic impact on Las Vegas, employing thousands of workers, generating tourism revenue, and contributing tax revenue.

• Q: Was the Riviera Hotel & Casino committed to sustainability?

• 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.