Just returned from Riviera where I attended a conference. I would like to do a quick comment on Irish MASMS M. review. The "premier security conference" he is referring too is "defcon" which hosted its first year at the Riviera. There is always going to be problems and adjustments when switching venues and Riviera stepped up. I also assumes the restrictions he had an issue with include not being able to destroy hotel property, fill the pool with chemical's to turn it purple, or reprogramming the PBXs. But I digress.
Riviera has seen better days and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It looks it. Its rooms are basic and clean. It provides quick check-in via a kiosks at the front desk. It also has the basics for food including a buffet, a fast food court, and several uninspiring if not downright depressing sitdown restaurants (avoid Asian Restaurant at all costs)
Transportation to and from Riviera can be challenging. It is on the strip but on the fair north end of it right across the street from Circus Circus. So a cab or other transportation is a must. To get anywhere on the strip will cost you between $10 to $20 per cab ride. Riviera Bell Hops are not adept and managing the taxi queues and it can be frustrating waiting. They have a notification light when they need cabs but according to the cab companies they never use it. You can us the monorail to get to this hotel but requires walking from the back of the hotel to the Hilton station which makes for a 10 to 15 minute walk.
But if you are on a budget it provides 1cent slots, blackjack, poker, and the rest of the games you expect at a vegas with inexpensive rates.
While the hotel serves its basic function you can't help but wonder when the explosives will arrive to replace this landmark with a new shiny theme hotel.