Las Vegas Hotels

Note: At press time, the Riviera was in the midst of a takeover battle that could put it in the hands of people who will either want to tear it down or fix it up so any, or all, of this could change at a moment's notice.

Its best days long past, this former Strip star is looking awfully dumpy these days. Between that and its promotion as an "alternative for grown-ups" and an "adult-oriented hotel," you should probably stay here only if you can get a deal and simply must be on the Strip. You certainly shouldn't bring the kids, who are actively discouraged as guests.

Opened in 1955 (Liberace cut the ribbon, and Joan Crawford was the official hostess of opening ceremonies), the Riviera was the first "high-rise" on the Strip, at nine stories. Today it tries to evoke the Vegas of the good old days -- ["]come drink, gamble, and see a show" -- and while it is appropriately dark and glitzy, it's also very crowded and has a confusing layout. Don't miss your chance to take your photo with the bronze memorial to the Crazy Girls (their premier, largely nekkid, show), and their butts, outside on the Strip. There is a pool here, but it's very dull.

Rooms are blah and not likely to improve unless the aforementioned new owners decide not to knock the place down. Half the rooms offer pool views. There is the predictable assortment of dining options -- though an excellent choice for families, ironically, is the Mardi Gras Food Court, which, unlike most of its genre, is extremely attractive. White-canvas umbrella tables and Toulouse-Lautrec-style murals create a comfortable, French cafe ambience. Food choices are wide ranging, including burgers, pizza, gyros, falafel, and Chinese fare. The Riviera's enormous casino is one of the world's largest; see chapter 9 for reviews of its production shows, La Cage (female impersonators), Crazy Girls (sexy Las Vegas-style revue), and Splash (topless revue).

Facilities: Casino; showrooms; wedding chapel; 5 restaurants plus a food court; outdoor pool; health club & spa; video-game arcade; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive-level rooms.

- Frommer's