Riviera hotel to be demolished
Poll
 | 30 votes (51.72%) | ||
| | 4 votes (6.89%) | ||
| | 1 vote (1.72%) | ||
| | 18 votes (31.03%) | ||
| No votes (0%) | |||
| | 2 votes (3.44%) | ||
| | 3 votes (5.17%) |
58 members have voted
Personally, I thought the Riv was a decent place to stay on the Strip on a low budget. It was often compared to Circus Circus, across the street. Between the two, I would go with the Riv. Overall, I thought the Riv was a decent place for the money. I don't think anybody worked there under the age of 50. The cocktail waitresses looked like the grandmothers of those at the Cosmopolitan. However, they treated players well. It hardly took any play at all to get the attention of a host and pretty generous offers. For those who like classic Vegas, I think the Riv is about as close to it as you can still get. I think a lot of old timers will be sorry to see it go.
As I mentioned in another thread, this time I'm not going to miss the implosion. That article said they are schedule to close in August. That probably means an implosion about a couple months later. Who is up to joining me?
The question for the poll is what are your feelings on the news?
So goeth Vegas.
Quote: Gabes22The only outpost of the old Vegas left on the strip might be the Flamingo
In name only. Unless "old Vegas" was about standing in long lines for everything, resort fees, and cutting corners right and left on the amenities.
The last time I set foot in the Riviera was when I was working a booth at CES in 2006. My company was on a tight budget so we stayed at the Sahara. It was my first time in Vegas and we foolishly ate at an overprice Italian place in the back of the Riviera. It looked cool and old-school but the food was pretty ho-hum and high priced. Still better than the Sahara food, though. I remember checking out of the Sahara and the clerk asked us how we liked our stay. My response: "this is a decent place to stay, but don't eat here."
First, my first thought was, "What happens to the Pinball Hall Of Fame Annex?" (aka "those pinball machines that were next to the food court"), but I am under the impression that those may have already been removed. (The thought of moving them across the street into the Circus Circus arcade, or midway, is the stuff that nightmares are made of.)
Second, I represent what appears to be a not particularly insignificant number of people whose first thoughts were, "Never mind the Riviera - but make sure nothing happens to the Peppermill!" Their fears seem to be for nothing; the restaurant's Facebook site says that they have a long-term lease and have no plans of leaving. (Besides, unless the convention center wants to add a food court, you would think that it would want to keep the Peppermill right where it is.)
Mrs. Q: Where are you ?
Mr. Q: I'm across the street at Slots of Fun with my brother.
Mrs. Q: Well I'm going to go to the coffee shop to get some breakfast. Do you want to come back over and eat with Julie and me ?
Mr. Q: Thanks, but I already ate. Call me when you're done.
Mrs. Q: What do you mean you already ate, what did you have ?
Mr. Q: A Heineken and a Chili Dog.
Mrs. Q: Oh for crying out loud. Click.
Well, maybe not quite up to the level of a Mickey Crimm story, but.....
I will miss it and that whole side of the street has changed since I moved here. Sahara gone, Riv going, Desert In gone, El Rancho gone. I liked going to all of those.
Quote: JohnnyQWe stayed there a few years back. A friend of ours came along, and my brother met us out there too. I'm sure we got a good rate, and besides I like staying at places I haven't stayed at before. Mrs. Q called on the cell phone when she got up and going. The conversation went something like this:
Mrs. Q: Where are you ?
Mr. Q: I'm across the street at Slots of Fun with my brother.
Mrs. Q: Well I'm going to go to the coffee shop to get some breakfast. Do you want to come back over and eat with Julie and me ?
Mr. Q: Thanks, but I already ate. Call me when you're done.
Mrs. Q: What do you mean you already ate, what did you have ?
Mr. Q: A Heineken and a Chili Dog.
Mrs. Q: Oh for crying out loud. Click.
Well, maybe not quite up to the level of a Mickey Crimm story, but.....
Been there many times while waiting just inside for the bus. The best part is when the bus gets there and you've just started your second heineken and have to guzzle it.
Like many others here, my first interaction with the Riviera was from the rebate. I hated the place at first because of the location. Now, I think I'll slightly miss the place and its aging waitresses. I will also miss the forced introduction from all the employees there no matter how quick and trivial the transaction. They always look at you like "they make us do that."
Personally, I have very little connection to the place. I was there a grand total of twice, for maybe a total of 30 minutes. I didn't play either time.
The first time was in September 2009. I was in Vegas for a Wedding Professionals conference at the LV Convention Center. I was staying at the Sahara. On the second night, a bunch of us got together to go to the Stratosphere for dinner at the Top Of The World. First we went to the Riv so one member could get his wife. We took a cab there, and I later realized we were long hauled.
The second time was in May 2011. I was in Vegas for the ShuffleMaster Game Day for my first demo of Poker For Roulette. The night before the show, Roger Snow invited all the attendees out to dinner at the steakhouse at Circus Circus. I got there early in the afternoon to play in a poker tournament. I think it was cancelled and there weren't seats at the cash game so I walked to the Riv to check out the poker there. One full table with one person waiting, so I walked around a little bit then went back to Circus Circus.
And that's may entire Riviera experience...
Quote: WizardI don't think anybody worked there under the age of 50.
Just 10 years ago, the Riv had pit people that had
been there since the 70's, they had the Old Vegas
attitude. On the one hand they treated you great,
and on the other they put up with no crap at all.
Real professionals.
Quote: JohnnyQWe stayed there a few years back. A friend of ours came along, and my brother met us out there too. I'm sure we got a good rate, and besides I like staying at places I haven't stayed at before. Mrs. Q called on the cell phone when she got up and going. The conversation went something like this:
Mrs. Q: Where are you ?
Mr. Q: I'm across the street at Slots of Fun with my brother.
Mrs. Q: Well I'm going to go to the coffee shop to get some breakfast. Do you want to come back over and eat with Julie and me ?
Mr. Q: Thanks, but I already ate. Call me when you're done.
Mrs. Q: What do you mean you already ate, what did you have ?
Mr. Q: A Heineken and a Chili Dog.
Mrs. Q: Oh for crying out loud. Click.
Well, maybe not quite up to the level of a Mickey Crimm story, but.....
Hehe... You forgot to mention that you gave the cashier $3 and told her to "Keep the Change"
Quote: Gabes22The only outpost of the old Vegas left on the strip might be the Flamingo
Let's not forget the Trop. After Frank Costello was shot in the head in 1957, a note was found in his pocket recording the Tropicana's skim. Doesn't get any more Old Vegas than that.
1957, what a year. Apalachin New York mafia conference. Albert Anastasia shot dead while at a midtown Manhattan barbershop. Playing Blackjack to Win by Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Cantey, Herbert Maisel, and James McDermott is published. Tropicana opens.
Quote: GreasyjohnLet's not forget the Trop. After Frank Costello was shot in the head in 1957, a note was found in his pocket recording the Tropicana's skim. Doesn't get any more Old Vegas than that.
I have nothing against the Trop. Props for not selling out to MGM or Caesars. However, it has been remodeled recently and doesn't feel old or classic.
Quote: WizardI have nothing against the Trop. Props for not selling out to MGM or Caesars. However, it has been remodeled recently and doesn't feel old or classic.
That's what I like about the El Cortez. The vintage rooms are still there and the exterior of the original building has had its architecture preserved--the oldest, continuously operating casino in Vegas.
I wonder which room Fat Irish Green lived in?
Quote: WizardI have nothing against the Trop. Props for not selling out to MGM or Caesars. However, it has been remodeled recently and doesn't feel old or classic.
I was there just before the remodel. Low ceilings,
smoky as hell, worn carpet, old roulette wheels,
ancient pit managers. Just like the old Vegas.
Heck, they have a $600K drawing of some type on tap.
I'll miss their comedy club, but otherwise: meh.
The comp included a Luau dinner for 2 in one of their convention halls. There were about 9 large circular tables for guests with plastic pitchers of mai tais and other Polynisian drinks. The food was served buffet style. The whole thing was fun. The acrobats were second rate and the Elvis impersonator the same. Campy, slightly tacky. If you really anyalized it you might wonder where your life took a wrong turn. But I guess I'm easily entertained.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/events/2011/may/29/19326/
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/extreme-midget-wrestling-federation-takes-over-riviera
With such class entertainment, how is it possible they ever failed?
Then they quit giving away mugs and coupons. If I'm not mistaken their DD blackjack was NDAS. I don't play that game.
Quote: GreasyjohnI remember the Riv also had what looked like 8/5 bonus vp. Until I noticed that 1 and 2 pair both only paid 1 coin. I Remember when they used to have those $5 pays $7 coupons--one for craps, blackjack and roulette. And they used to give away Riviera coffee mugs on your visit to the casino. Always wanted to get a set, but I think I only have one.
Then the quit giving away mugs and coupons. If I'm not mistaken their DD blackjack was NDAS. I don't play that game.
They also had the fake 9/6 Job with a 2500 royal.
Quote: rudeboyoiThey also had the fake 9/6 Job with a 2500 royal.
Yup very confusing but not the worst game in the world even at 2500 for the RF, at 98.9 % per Wizard of Odds.
VPFREE2 lists the best VP at the 25 cent level as 98.0 % Bonus Poker at Harrah's and Bally's, just to pick out 2 mid-level Strip properties.
The Riviera has a William Hill sportsbook, and William Hill is set to take prop bets on the 2016 Olympics. The outcome of the wager won't be known until the Riv is no longer there. How might one redeem a winning ticket?
I assume the answer is "at any William Hill or by mail," but I wanted to be sure. I might stop by and pick up a souvenir, and I could bet the under on a medal count while there.
Quote: GreasyjohnI had a comp for 2 nights at the Riv about 9 years ago. In trying to find my room I went from one tower, then to another, then back to the first one. It was like the twilight zone. There was no room 2848 (or something like that, or the floors didn't go high enough). Somewhere along the way I noticed that the last digit of the room number was a B and not an 8.
The comp included a Luau dinner for 2 in one of their convention halls. There were about 9 large circular tables for guests with plastic pitchers of mai tais and other Polynisian drinks. The food was served buffet style. The whole thing was fun. The acrobats were second rate and the Elvis impersonator the same. Campy, slightly tacky. If you really anyalized it you might wonder where your life took a wrong turn. But I guess I'm easily entertained.
But hey, what about going to any one of the so-called 'hip & modern' properties and seeing some show that reassembles people on LSD or something and then eating at one of thier 'fine dining' establishments starring at your $100.00 + plate of celebrity chef food swimming in a colorful unknown sauce that you have no idea what it is???
Quote: harvson3Quick question:
The Riviera has a William Hill sportsbook, and William Hill is set to take prop bets on the 2016 Olympics. The outcome of the wager won't be known until the Riv is no longer there. How might one redeem a winning ticket?
I assume the answer is "at any William Hill or by mail," but I wanted to be sure. I might stop by and pick up a souvenir, and I could bet the under on a medal count while there.
I have redeemed Las Vegas William Hill tickets at Reno William Hill books, so you should be just fine redeeming it at any William Hill location.
Quote: JohnnyQYup very confusing but not the worst game in the world even at 2500 for the RF, at 98.9 % per Wizard of Odds.
VPFREE2 lists the best VP at the 25 cent level as 98.0 % Bonus Poker at Harrah's and Bally's, just to pick out 2 mid-level Strip properties.
And what's also nice about the 500/9/6 JoB game is that you usually just have to bet one credit to get the same payback.
I'm sorta feel sad now I didn't visit Riv this last trip, especially since I visited CC next door, which was pretty busy for an early friday evening. But given my only visit to the Riv was in 2011, I'm not sure why I feel sad about it. As others have said, it's impressive that it stayed open this long.
Quote: harvson3Quick question:
The Riviera has a William Hill sportsbook, and William Hill is set to take prop bets on the 2016 Olympics. The outcome of the wager won't be known until the Riv is no longer there. How might one redeem a winning ticket?
I assume the answer is "at any William Hill or by mail," but I wanted to be sure. I might stop by and pick up a souvenir, and I could bet the under on a medal count while there.
Mostly, like he said, provided it (each individual ticket) returns < $1,000 and involves a house-banked sports (non-parimutual) wager:Quote: clamchowderI have redeemed Las Vegas William Hill tickets at Reno William Hill books, so you should be just fine redeeming it at any William Hill location.
Quote: Wm. HillTickets paying under $1,000 may be cashed at any William Hill location. Tickets paying over $1,000 must...
The part that is cut off says "patrons wagering in excess of a grand on Olympic curling, ice dancing, badminton, or table tennis will first be required to read a complementary 'When the Fun Stops' brochure.
I have also done this many times. Cashing tickets at some other W.H. location, that is; not betting a grand on curling. The full-service Wm. Hill book closest to the Riviera is at the SLS (formerly the Sahara), in case that matters.
Quote: DrawingDead
The part that is cut off says "patrons wagering in excess of a grand on Olympic curling, ice dancing, badminton, or table tennis will first be required to read a complementary 'When the Fun Stops' brochure.
Sounds like the best part got cut off, imo. That may even be funnier than the Asian guy going, "No, no, no!" in the CET responsible gaming commercials.
And someone betting over a grand in team handball won't need to read it? Lol
Then I did the $10 ACG match play and lost, and tried to do the $10 LVA match play as well. The dealer said only 1 match play per day. This was around noon or 1pm on my last day there. I meant to stop by on the swing shift on my way back downtown and cash the other coupon, but I never made it back.
I was surprised that they only had 1 craps table, and it was not open mid-day on a weekday. Most properties have at least one craps table running 24x7, but I guess that's indicative of the kind of table games traffic they were getting.
I'll miss the Riv. When we were there, we'd always say, "It may not be fancy, but at least it's historic!"
Quote: AyecarumbaDo they have any progressives that they will need to give away?
How do they give away the progressives? Spread the jackpot over the rest of the pay events and juice those payouts?
Perhaps. Others, like the Sahara, had a series of drawings to give away the cash. The problem with juicing other machines is that someone has to hit it a random event, so there is no guarantee that the excess monies will be dealt with in a timely fashion. With the drawing method, the books will definitely be cleared before the doors are closed.Quote: ParadigmHow do they give away the progressives? Spread the jackpot over the rest of the pay events and juice those payouts?
Quote: ParadigmHow do they give away the progressives? Spread the jackpot over the rest of the pay events and juice those payouts?
Perhaps you will be interested in the Las Vegas Advisor web site's Question of the Day for tomorrow's (4/4/15). The tentative question scheduled to be answered is:
Quote:While making a recent farewell visit to the Riviera, we noticed how many more of its slots have progressives than the Caesars Entertainment properties we play at. I understand that normally casinos have to transfer the progressive amount to another machine on the floor if they remove a progressive. What happens in the case a casino closing for good like the Riviera, what happens to all those accumulated progressive jackpots?
Maybe they will have dug up the true story, though they don't always do that.
And for 4/5/15, the tentative question is:
Quote:I heard that the IRS is going to start requiring casinos issue players a W-2G when they hit a jackpot over $600 on a slot machine instead of over $1,200 like they do now. That is crazy. I'd always heard that they needed to raise that threshold, which was set back in the '70s, not lower it.
That seems to be directly related to another thread on this forum. Is someone here the current source for the QoD on that other site?
The OP ( grand Puhbah ) had asked if anyone was interested in joining him to witness the demolition. I respond here and now "I'd love to, never seen one of the big ones come down". Might even be able to pull the trip off. I've been grounded lately but, big BUT. .....Mentioned to Mrs Feathers yesterday that "Whoa, here's an offer in the mail for $500 free casino cash on a weekend day in May (CET east coast property), on the same day I'm invited to an 'exclusive party with fairly serious cash giveaways'". A few hours later we were comparing calendars and she mentioned something about covering one of the kid's sports events if I was going to be at the casino that day. I bit my tongue, was scared to speak ( rare for me). Been thinking about it for almost 24 hours now. I may have my grounding lifted, or soon to be lifted. If it's lifted, and I attend the event, and don't lose my ass (again -two times in row), maybe even win a little, Hell I could become a free man again!.
And then I could start watching for a demolition date for the Riviera, and start making some serious plans. To music, "Tomorrow, Tomoorow, I love you tomorrow, you're only a day away". 2F
The OP ( grand Puhbah ) had asked if anyone was interested in joining him to witness the demolition. I respond here and now "I'd love to, never seen one of the big ones come down". Might even be able to pull the trip off. I've been grounded lately but, big BUT. .....Mentioned to Mrs Feathers yesterday that "Whoa, here's an offer in the mail for $500 free casino cash on a weekend day in May (CET east coast property), on the same day I'm invited to an 'exclusive party with fairly serious cash giveaways'". A few hours later we were comparing calendars and she mentioned something about covering one of the kid's sports events if I was going to be at the casino that day. I bit my tongue, was scared to speak ( rare for me). Been thinking about it for almost 24 hours now. I may have my grounding lifted, or soon to be lifted. If it's lifted, and I attend the event, and don't lose my ass (again -two times in row), maybe even win a little, Hell I could become a free man again!.
And then I could start watching for a demolition date for the Riviera, and start making some serious plans. To music, "Tomorrow, Tomoorow, I love you tomorrow, you're only a day away". 2F
Quote: ajemeistergoing to be in vegas the weekend of the 14th of August... hopefully it will still be open then and I can score some chips to keep before it closes for good.
You're a few months late on that one, buddy. The casino is getting demolished in a couple hours from now lol
Quote: AvincowYou're a few months late on that one, buddy. The casino is getting demolished in a couple hours from now lol
Just closing today, not yet being demolished.
