The Great Riviera RIP: From Vegas Icon to Convention Center Carpark (...Maybe?)
Ah, the Riviera Hotel. A legend on the Las Vegas Strip, it opened its doors in 1955 with a promise of glitz, glamour, and showgirls galore. It even had a mobster connection (because, Vegas)! But like all good things (and gangsters), the Riviera eventually met its end. So, what rose from the ashes of this bygone Sin City staple? Buckle up, history buffs and gambling enthusiasts, because this tale takes a surprising turn.
 |
| What Replaced The Riviera Hotel In Las Vegas |
From Showbiz Splendor to...Parking?
The story starts in 2013, when the Las Vegas Convention Center decided it needed more elbow room. The Riviera, sadly past its prime, found itself sitting on some seriously valuable real estate. Enter the bulldozers! The Riv closed its doors in 2015, and by 2016, the whole place was a dusty memory, paved over to become a rather un-glamorous convention center parking lot.
But wait! There's more! This isn't the end, it's just a dramatic pause (because Vegas).
A Phoenix (or Maybe a Flamingo?) May Rise from the Parking Lot
Hold onto your slot machine tokens, folks! In 2021, there were rumblings of a new resort planned for the former Riviera site. A Chilean businessman with a penchant for both casinos and salmon (intriguing, right?) set his sights on the prime location. The whispers are of a swanky new hotel rising from the concrete jungle, but so far, it's all speculation.
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
Will we see a dazzling new resort grace the Las Vegas Strip once more? Or will the land forever be a monument to the power of convenient parking? Only time will tell!
So, what's there NOW? (Besides All Those Minivans)
As of July 2024, the former Riviera site is still part of the Las Vegas Convention Center complex. The West Hall expansion now occupies some of the land, with the rest serving as, you guessed it, a parking lot. But hey, who knows? Maybe you'll snag a primo parking spot and witness the next chapter of this Las Vegas saga unfold!
FAQ: The Riviera's Afterlife (or lack thereof)
How to find out if a new resort is being built on the Riviera site?
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
Keep an eye on Las Vegas tourism news websites and blogs. They'll be the first to blare the news if a shiny new casino starts taking shape.
How to visit the "Riviera memorial" (a.k.a. the parking lot)?
 |
Just head to the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, near the Las Vegas Convention Center. Look for all the minivans and SUVs – that's your sign!
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
How to gamble like a high roller (since the Riviera is gone)?
Las Vegas is full of amazing casinos! Do some research and pick one that suits your fancy. Just remember to gamble responsibly!
How to channel your inner showgirl (even if there's no Riviera show anymore)?
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
Belt out some show tunes in the shower, darling! Vegas may not have the Riviera's showgirls anymore, but the spirit of entertainment lives on!
How to make your own Las Vegas adventure unforgettable (Riviera or not)?
Simple! Grab your best friends, pack your lucky socks, and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Vegas is a place where anything can happen, and that's the real magic!
 |
