This review will be long as I have a lot to say. We just returned from our annual 11 night stay at the Riv, which we have done for many years. The new owners have made so many positive new changes, one of the best being that all the old vendors in the back corridor that hounded you every time you walked by to try out and buy their wares are gone replaced with slots. Nice change!
We were concerned about getting a new host after hearing all the old ones were gone, but after a few pleasant emails Noah Acres directed me to Mike Vautrin the head of gaming hosts who set us up directly with Chris Howell who was a real gem! He took awesome care of us and was extremely friendly. He always had time to chat even when he was very busy with other things. We were so very pleased with his services. Also there was a girl named Quinci who worked in the V.I.P. office who was very helpful to us. I would like to mention a very big thank you to her too. Kudos Girl!
The bingo was closed for a week when we arrived due to them relocating to another room, but got to try it out my last 2 days. I played the electronic boards and it was a blast! Made a bingo buddy and we sat together every time for 6 sessions and had a ball, and we both even won some of our money back.
Poolside cafe reopened while we were there too. Although their ordering setup is weird and I don't think it will fly unless they change back to the old Kady's way, the food was still great and we ate there 4 times.
The cocktail waitresses were great ( a kind word and a dollar tip will go a long ways) and we were very happy to see so many familiar faces were still there and not let go, especially my favorite bellman Pepe who always has a smile and something nice to say when we run into him.
There were a lot of new slots that payed decently at times and the room was great as usual.
If you want to be treated like part of a family become a repeat customer and USE YOUR PLAYER'S CARD!!! If you want to pick the place apart over minor details and because it's an older hotel (with great Old Vegas charm) then go ahead, go stay some where fancier and deal with the snobs while you pay through the nose. Me, I can't wait to return each year and am already looking forward to seeing Chris and the others again next time.

I go to Vegas a lot and had an Idea I should stay al all the Legacy properties before they are lost. This has been a fun exercise so far, I go to Vegas a couple of times a year. (Oh! And thanks for clicking “Yes Helpful” below too!!)

If you are considering Vegas vs another Vacation destination . . .

Go for the Hospitality Industry there. Vegas has no other thing to attract you so they consistently get it Right! I have found this to be true over the years and no matter where I stay I know I will be treated as a King. Oh sure, every once and a while there is a flaw, but if I go to Miami or Cancun or somewhere else I KNOW there will be a flaw! A bad waitress and a problem somewhere in the hotel or attractions.

In Vegas probably not!

In Vegas you will get more “Yes Mam” “Yes Sir”, “can I get you another?” “Would you like. . . “ than anywhere else consistently. The Riviera is no exception to this.

If the Sahara was as well done as the Riviera it would still be open.

Guess a bad experience can be had by anyone, bad reviews for the Wynn can be found too. I say DO NOT WORRY ABOUT the RIVIERA you will be FINE.

Stayed in the Monaco Tower & the quality of the room was on par with the Wynn, Aria, and any other high end property when it comes to the stuff they can keep updated. Bed, awesomely comfortable, high quality linens there and in the marble adorned bathroom.

The bath supplies were a good name brand, this when the high end MGM City Center properties like Vdara are dropping their name brand bath amenities for generics. I like the little details like that. Score one for the Riviera.

The things from the 1950’s and 1960’s? They are unchanged. How could they be unless they tore it down? The room size, window size, location on the strip, architectural design, pool, A/C type, elevators, etc. these things are dated, true. This is a 2 edged sword.

On one hand the nostalgia is rich and sweet. They even have a classic arcade game area (to which I hope they can add ‘Defender’). The walk from one part to another is sensible, manageable. The casino and floor design is NOT the new, popular, try-to-get-you-lost one we all find SO annoying!

Oh, and you get a LOT for the money you spend here too.

On the other hand that 5 star spa, floor to ceiling glass, 800 sq ft room & billion dollar opulence is nice and it ain’t here. You CAN just catch the cool double-decker bus and go get lost in the Bellagio or Wynn any time you want though.

If you have a car use the road behind the hotel and skip all the traffic.

The people were the best part though. Really Really nice people working here every one of them seemed to like me. Not an easy task.

Just have a week stay there and we have good service and very clean room,
It's very very affordable,

I was expecting a little bit more. This was my first trip to Las Vegas, and I was really looking forward to having some fun. This is one of the older hotels along the strip. Some people talk about the "classic Las Vegas feel", I found the casino and hotel dated. Check in at the hotel did not take long. There were two people in front of me when I arrived and three clerks working at the reception desk. There were several times that I went back to ask a question at reception and no one was in line. The north end of the strip is old and a little worn. The hotel looked the same. They were in the process of painting the exterior during our stay and it looked better when we checked out.
My room in the Monaco Towers had two double beds, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator. The furniture was a little nicked and scuffed, but the room was ok. The maid service and staff were very friendly and the room was cleaned each day.
The hotel is a long walk from the Mirage on a hot day, but the bus stops right outside the front entry and it is across the street from a fairly new McDonalds. The bus fare is $7 for a 24 hour pass.
The pool area was average. They had beverage and food service from the Pool Side Cafe. The pool hours were short from 9:30 a.m to 7:00 p.m. There was towel service and a lifeguard on duty but no hot tub or spa by the pool.
We paid a service fee of $11 each day at the hotel. When you add the extras in for the service fee and bus fare, you might want to consider something closer to the action with a little more luxury.