Riviera

The Riviera is unmistakable from the Boulevard, as it has an all glass façade, highlighted with stars. It is at the north end, acting as a transition between downtown and the big mid-strip resorts further south. The Riviera is one of the oldest and most classic Las Vegas hotels, specializing in show entertainment. A $17 million renovation of guest rooms and suites is nearly complete, which will result in a complete redecoration of the 2,071 rooms with new furniture, art, tile and marble fixtures, walls, drapes carpeting and lighting.

The Riviera provides visitors with over 100,000 square feet of very busy gambling atmosphere. The casino provides craps, blackjack, roulette, mini-baccarat and other table games as well as modern and traditional slots machine games of all kinds. The poker room is a seven table affair in the middle of the casino. The race and sports book provides all the ex-pected wagering options, with seating for 20 in sports and 15 for race. There are 11 TVs. Leroy's is the odds maker.

A game arcade (not part of the casino) can be found near the food court for non-gamblers. It offers video games, a couple of redemption games as in carnivals, and some old-time pinball machines

Kristofer's is steakhouse in the classic Las Vegas tradition, offering steaks, seafood, all the sides, etc. from a prix fixe menu. In addition to the beef items, the dinner can order mahi mahi, salmon, lobster tail, lamb chops and a Cajun-style chicken. The Ristorante Italiano purveys specialties from Tuscan and Milanese cuisine, in a Venetian décor. Pasta, veal, salmon, chicken and lobster are all options that can be prepared according to traditional recipes and then accompanied by any one of a large selection of wines. The Riviera also provides the usual café, buffet and fast food alternatives for vacationers on the run.

The Riviera has several entertainment options. Crazy Girls is a topless show of the Las Vegas classic tradition, with elaborate yet removable costumes and dancing poles. Direct from Russia is, not surprisingly, an ice skating spectacle from Russia, choreographed with speed, color, costumes and lively music. The cast of 42 skaters perform maneuvers on skates that always amaze the audience. The Riviera also has a 350-seat Comedy Club (formerly known as the Improv), which books well-known and also up-and-coming comedians. La Cage is a tribute to the cabaret, with a cast of deceptive female impersonators. Frank Marino emcees the show in the convincing persona of Joan Rivers. The individual parts of the show include appearances by the La Cage versions of the likes of Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Cher, Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Judy Garland, Reba McIntire, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Dolly Parton. The Bistro Theatre is yet another venue at the Riviera. Playing is Jay White, who incredibly becomes a credible Neil Diamond in what is called a "tribute performer" act. Jay has been praised (and approved) by Neil Diamond himself and Diamond´s mother, Rose. This theater has booked many different shows and acts, including American Storm (described as a "hot, all-male revue"), Dr. Scott Lewis Outrageous Comedy Hypnotist, and Barbra & Frank: The Concert That Never Was.

The Riviera's Spa offers services for both genders, as well as a complete fitness center. Personal training is available. Massages include deep tissue and hot rock therapy. Body wraps and facials are also provided. Facilities include saunas, treatment rooms, whirlpools and changing rooms. Spa treatment packages are available.

The Riviera Hotel & Casino plans to have up to 150,000 square feet of facilities for meetings, exhibitions and conferences. The ballrooms can handle 5,000 persons each, with parking, a tech booth, a portable stage and other conveniences and necessaries. There will be 23 break-out session rooms, 12 skybox/meeting rooms, a greeting or registration area of 15,000 square feet.

The Riviera's pool strives for a mellow ambiance. Lots of landscaping make the spot seem cooler in the hot weather. It offers lap lanes and a deep end.

The Riviera's shopping area includes the spa and beauty salon, as well as shops and boutiques selling jewelry, apparel, shoes, luggage and accessories, kids' items, sweets, coins for collectors and magic tricks.

Wedding coordinators can help plan a wedding at the Riviera in its wedding chapel or elsewhere, and to help resolve all the issues of license, ceremony, officiant, music, flowers, transportation and catering for the reception. The resort likes to offer the "Petite Suite" to the wedding couple, which is not only a great honeymoon location, but a place that can accommodate parties and receptions of up to 20 persons.