Riviera Casino Closes After 60 Years On Las Vegas Strip
The Riviera Casino and hotel has closed. Although it was originally only nine stories, the Riviera hotel was the first high-rise on the Las Vegas Strip. Officials confirmed the iconic hotel and casino will be demolished to make room for a convention center.
As reported by Classic Las Vegas, the Riviera hotel opened in April 1955. The unique structure, which cost an estimated $10 million, contained a casino, a coffee shop, two restaurants, and an elaborate showroom.
The opening was a long-awaited and star-studded event. Liberace was hired as the headliner, and Joan Crawford served as a hostess.
The Riviera Casino became an instant success. With an Italian marble lobby, pool-side dining, and revolving stages, the Riviera offered guests a unique and lavish experience.
Unfortunately, the owners struggled with the details of day-to-day operations. As the hotel and casino faced closure, the owners were eventually forced to hire an experienced management team.
And that’s it, folks. The Riviera officially closes: http://t.co/oUUDw1OD28 pic.twitter.com/QRxEygQHWO
— LasVegasSun (@LasVegasSun) May 4, 2015
The management team, which included David Berman, Harry S. Goldman, Ben Goffstein, and Gus Greenbaum, had the necessary experience. However, they also drew some unwanted attention.
The Nevada Tax Commission was specifically concerned, as the management team loaned the owners an estimated $500,000. Although the commission initiated a probe into the casino and hotel’s finances, they later agreed to allow the team to manage iconic landmark.
With Greenbaum at the helm, the Riviera Casino and hotel thrived.
Over the next 60 years, the iconic Las Vegas mainstay changed hands numerous times. Despite ongoing issues with the Nevada Tax Commission, the Riviera saw great success.
There’s something honorable & honest about how the @RivieraLasVegas lived & will die http://t.co/7nWEuWEI9b #Riv60 pic.twitter.com/NrHK8TWLOC
— lasvegasweekly (@lasvegasweekly) May 4, 2015
As reported by Travelers Today, the Riviera simply could not keep up with the bigger and better casinos and hotels.
In their official statement of closing, Riviera officials thanked their employees and guests for their unwavering devotion.
“We greatly appreciate the expressions of fondness and loyalty for ‘The Riv’ from our guests throughout the years… More importantly we want to acknowledge and applaud our associates who have worked to create enduring memories for all of our guests. For the Riviera is more than a building, it has always been about Classic Fun, Classic Value and Classic Vegas!”
Although the Riviera Casino and hotel is now closed, the establishment will remain an important part of Las Vegas history.
[Image via Ethan Miller/Getty Images]
