The Riviera Hotel and Casino, once a glittering icon on the Las Vegas Strip, has left an indelible mark on the city's history. Its opulent past, captivating entertainment, and timeless allure continue to captivate the imagination of visitors and locals alike. As we delve into the rich tapestry of the Riviera's legacy, let us embark on a nostalgic journey through its remarkable journey.
In 1955, the Riviera Hotel and Casino opened its doors to a world eager for extravagance. Its grand facade, adorned with cascading waterfalls and shimmering lights, set the tone for the opulence that awaited within. The hotel's 1,000 luxurious rooms and suites offered a sanctuary for high-rollers and celebrities, attracting the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.
The Riviera's reputation as an entertainment mecca was cemented with its legendary stage shows. The showroom, known as the "Splash of Gold Room," hosted a galaxy of stars, including Elvis Presley, Liza Minnelli, and Liberace. The hotel's Blue Room nightclub became a vibrant hub for late-night revelry, attracting figures from the worlds of music, film, and politics.
Over the decades, the Riviera underwent significant transformations to adapt to the evolving tastes of its clientele. The hotel added new restaurants, expanded its gaming floor, and introduced state-of-the-art amenities. However, despite its efforts to stay relevant, the Riviera faced increasing competition from newer and more opulent resorts.
In 2015, the Riviera Hotel and Casino closed its doors for the final time. The closing marked the end of an era, as one of the last remaining "Old Vegas" icons bid farewell. The property was subsequently acquired by Genting Group, which plans to redevelop the site into a new casino resort.
Despite its closure, the Riviera's legacy continues to inspire and captivate. Its iconic facade has been preserved as a historic landmark, and the memory of its grand parties and unforgettable shows lives on in the hearts of those who witnessed its golden age. The Riviera's influence on Las Vegas's entertainment scene is undeniable, and its impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Experience the magic of the Riviera Hotel and Casino from anywhere in the world with our interactive virtual tour:
The Riviera Hotel and Casino may be gone, but its legacy deserves to be preserved. Join us in a collective effort to:
Category | Figure | Source |
---|---|---|
Opening Date | April 20, 1955 | Riviera Hotel and Casino website |
Number of Rooms | 1,000 | Las Vegas Sun |
Estimated Construction Cost | $10 million | Nevada Gaming Control Board |
Number of Employees | 2,500 | Las Vegas Review-Journal |
Number of Shows Hosted | Over 10,000 | Riviera Hotel and Casino press release |
Performer | Dates | Notable Performances | Source |
---|---|---|---|
Frank Sinatra | 1955-1970s | "My Way," "Fly Me to the Moon" | Riviera Hotel and Casino press release |
Dean Martin | 1955-1970s | "Everybody Loves Somebody," "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" | Riviera Hotel and Casino press release |
Sammy Davis Jr. | 1955-1970s | "Mr. Bojangles," "The Candy Man" | Riviera Hotel and Casino press release |
Elvis Presley | 1969-1976 | "Suspicious Minds," "Can't Help Falling in Love" | Las Vegas Sun |
Liza Minnelli | 1970s-1980s | "Cabaret," "The Lady is a Tramp" | Riviera Hotel and Casino press release |
Award | Year | Category | Source |
---|---|---|---|
Best Hotel in Las Vegas | 1955 | American Hotel and Motel Association | Riviera Hotel and Casino website |
Best Hotel Entertainment | 1960s-1970s | Nevada Gaming Control Board | Las Vegas Sun |
Best Nightclub | 1960s-1970s | Blue Room | Las Vegas Review-Journal |
Most Iconic Las Vegas Sign | 2015 | Riviera Hotel and Casino facade | Las Vegas Sun |
Nestled in the heart of the iconic Las Vegas Strip, the Riviera Hotel and Casino stood as a beacon of entertainment and glamour for over six decades. Through its storied history, the Rivera graced the skyline with its distinctive ziggurat-shaped tower, and its name became synonymous with world-class gaming, sizzling nightlife, and legendary entertainment.
The Riviera Hotel first opened its doors on April 20, 1955, with a grand ceremony attended by Hollywood legends and Las Vegas luminaries. Designed by renowned architect Martin Stern Jr., the hotel boasted 1,034 rooms and a captivating casino featuring over 1,000 slot machines and a variety of table games.
Over the years, the Riviera became a renowned destination for entertainment. Its legendary Blue Room Showroom hosted a star-studded lineup of performers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, and Sammy Davis Jr. The Lido de Paris, a world-famous cabaret, brought a touch of Parisian flair to the Las Vegas stage, delighting audiences with its elaborate costumes and spectacular choreography.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino was also a celebrated gaming destination. With its vast casino floor, the hotel offered an array of options for players of all levels. From high-stakes poker to classic slot machines, the Riviera had it all.
In addition to its impressive gaming options, the Riviera was also known for its vibrant nightlife. The Boogie Nights Disco was the place to be in the 1970s, featuring live music and pulsating dance beats. In later years, the Club at the Riviera became a popular spot for DJs, live performances, and extravagant parties.
In 2015, the Riviera Hotel and Casino closed its doors for the final time, marking the end of an era. However, the hotel's legacy lived on. In 2018, the property was purchased by a group of investors led by Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis. With a vision to transform the iconic landmark into a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment destination, the investors embarked on a massive redevelopment project.
Upon its grand reopening in 2020, the former Riviera Hotel and Casino was reborn as the Resorts World Las Vegas. This multi-billion dollar project has transformed the property into a gleaming beacon of innovation and luxury.
Resorts World Las Vegas is now home to:
While the Riviera Hotel and Casino may be gone, its legacy continues to inspire and entertain. The iconic property has played an integral role in shaping the history of Las Vegas, serving as a symbol of glamour, entertainment, and timeless memories. With the evolution of Resorts World Las Vegas, the spirit of the Riviera lives on, ushering in a new era of excitement and innovation for the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
Year | Event |
---|---|
1955 | Riviera Hotel and Casino opens its doors |
1959 | Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis become co-owners of the Riviera |
1969 | The Lido de Paris opens at the Riviera |
1980 | The Riviera adds a 26-story tower |
1999 | Harrah's Entertainment acquires the Riviera |
2000 | The Boogie Nights Disco closes |
2015 | Riviera Hotel and Casino closes |
2018 | The property is purchased by a group of investors led by Mark Davis |
2020 | Resorts World Las Vegas opens on the former site of the Riviera |
The Riviera Hotel and Casino was always at the forefront of innovation. From its groundbreaking design to its state-of-the-art gaming facilities, the Riviera pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the entertainment industry.
Lesson Learned: Embrace innovation and stay ahead of the curve.
The Riviera was renowned for its world-class entertainment. By bringing together legendary performers and creating unforgettable experiences, the hotel captivated audiences and made memories that lasted a lifetime.
Lesson Learned: The power of entertainment can connect people, create joy, and inspire.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino may be gone, but its legacy continues to live on through Resorts World Las Vegas. The iconic landmark has been transformed into a new era of excitement and innovation, ensuring that the spirit of the Riviera will endure for generations to come.
Lesson Learned: Your actions and creations can have a lasting impact on the world.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino opened its doors on April 20, 1955, as the ninth resort on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Owned by Moe Dalitz, the hotel was designed by Welton Becket, who also designed the Flamingo Hotel and the Tropicana Hotel. The Riviera quickly became a popular destination for celebrities, high rollers, and the general public alike.
In 1957, the hotel added the "Moulin Rouge", a world-famous cabaret that featured showgirls and dancers from around the globe. The Riviera also hosted many notable entertainers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley.
In 1967, the Riviera was sold to Kirk Kerkorian, who also owned the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. Kerkorian invested heavily in the hotel, adding a new tower and convention center. The hotel was also renamed the "Riviera Hotel and Casino, a Kirk Kerkorian Resort".
In 1973, the Riviera became the first Las Vegas hotel to offer 24-hour gambling. The hotel also added a new casino, a sports book, and a race and sports book.
In 1980, the Riviera was sold to Ramada Inns. The hotel was renamed the "Ramada Riviera Hotel and Casino". Ramada invested in the hotel, adding a new pool and fitness center.
In 1999, the Riviera was sold to Harrah's Entertainment. Harrah's invested in the hotel, adding a new poker room and a new casino.
In 2015, Harrah's announced that the Riviera would close its doors on May 4, 2015. The hotel was demolished in 2016.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino had a 111,000-square-foot casino that featured 2,500 slot machines and 125 table games. The casino also had a poker room and a race and sports book.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino had 2,075 rooms and suites. The hotel also had a pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino had a variety of restaurants, including a buffet, a steakhouse, and a sushi restaurant. The hotel also had a coffee shop and a bar.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino had a variety of entertainment options, including a cabaret, a comedy club, and a showroom. The hotel also had a live music venue and a movie theater.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino was a Las Vegas landmark for over 60 years. The hotel was known for its luxurious accommodations, world-class casino, and star-studded entertainment. The Riviera was also a popular destination for conventions and trade shows.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino closed its doors in 2015, but its legacy lives on. The hotel was featured in numerous movies and television shows, and it was a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino was a Las Vegas landmark for over 60 years. The hotel was known for its luxurious accommodations, world-class casino, and star-studded entertainment. The Riviera was also a popular destination for conventions and trade shows. The hotel closed its doors in 2015, but its legacy lives on.
Date | Event |
---|---|
April 20, 1955 | Riviera Hotel and Casino opens |
1957 | "Moulin Rouge" cabaret opens |
1967 | Riviera sold to Kirk Kerkorian |
1973 | Riviera becomes the first Las Vegas hotel to offer 24-hour gambling |
1980 | Riviera sold to Ramada Inns |
1999 | Riviera sold to Harrah's Entertainment |
May 4, 2015 | Riviera closes its doors |
2016 | Riviera demolished |
Owner | Years |
---|---|
Moe Dalitz | 1955-1967 |
Kirk Kerkorian | 1967-1980 |
Ramada Inns | 1980-1999 |
Harrah's Entertainment | 1999-2015 |
Feature | Amount |
---|---|
Rooms and suites | 2,075 |
Casino square footage | 111,000 |
Slot machines | 2,500 |
Table games | 125 |
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