# Is the Riviera, in Vegas, safe from annihilation so far? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 23, 2010, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081 "2010-01-23T05:01:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2010, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/21 "2010-01-25T17:49:48Z")
> [@Neptunian\_Slug](#): > > Surprised you didn’t memtion IP. Imperial Palace is also good for the price - I believe that is the hotel of choice for **silenus**. I was only talking about hotel/casinos at the north end of The Strip. Stratosphere is also a deal for budget minded tourists - but again, behind that hotel is a funky area that I wouldn’t like to be walking around after dark. There are lots of other older, low-end properties with cheap rates - almost every casino in Downtown for instance - that are more than decent, and some people actually prefer staying in them for the “old Vegas” feel. ---
**Author:** ![cgg419](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cgg419/32/2847_2.png) [@cgg419](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cgg419)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2010, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/22 "2010-01-25T18:30:34Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > I was only talking about hotel/casinos at the north end of The Strip. Stratosphere is also a deal for budget minded tourists - but again, behind that hotel is a funky area that I wouldn’t like to be walking around after dark. Just curious, but do you mean farther north of the Stratosphere, or the area south of the hotel between them and the main part of the strip? I only ask because I stayed there in 2008, and although I didn’t go farther north on foot, it seemed harmless in a 20 minute walk south around 2am. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2010, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/23 "2010-01-25T18:38:26Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > Imperial Palace is also good for the price - I believe that is the hotel of choice for **silenus**. For cheap rooms, you can’r beat the IP. But we’ve moved across the street these days. 😃 **cgg** - The area north of the Strat is not one you want to walk in. If you are heading south to the rest of the Strip is isn’t too bad, but north is another story. Personally, anything north of the Peppermill is too skeevy for my tastes. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2010, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/24 "2010-01-25T18:39:12Z")
> [@cgg419](#): > > Just curious, but do you mean farther north of the Stratosphere, or the area south of the hotel between them and the main part of the strip? > I only ask because I stayed there in 2008, and although I didn’t go farther north on foot, it seemed harmless in a 20 minute walk south around 2am. Yes…North, and especially, West of the Stratosphere is an area where a few tourists have been killed (although reports are they might have been there for drug deals, etc.). It is an area known for drug dealing - so regardless of whether those tourists were actively looking for drugs, or wandered back there because they were curious or lost - the fact remains it is not all that safe after dark. Granted - someone with a bit of street smarts would quickly figure this out as there is nothing in that area that would entice a normal person to wander over there after dark, but who knows what a tourist with a few drinks in him might think to do. BTW, for the most part, the police do patrol the area, but they can’t be there 24/7 and it is just wise to avoid the area. ---
**Author:** ![cgg419](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cgg419/32/2847_2.png) [@cgg419](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cgg419)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2010, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/25 "2010-01-25T18:48:39Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > Yes…North, and especially, West of the Stratosphere is an area where a few tourists have been killed (although reports are they might have been there for drug deals, etc.). It is an area known for drug dealing - so regardless of whether those tourists were actively looking for drugs, or wandered back there because they were curious or lost - the fact remains it is not all that safe after dark. > Granted - someone with a bit of street smarts would quickly figure this out as there is nothing in that area that would entice a normal person to wander over there after dark, but who knows what a tourist with a few drinks in him might think to do. > > BTW, for the most part, the police do patrol the area, but they can’t be there 24/7 and it is just wise to avoid the area. Exactly what I figured you meant, but I just wondered in hindsight. Like you say, I can’t imagine why anybody would say, “Let’s head north” after dark, but anything is possible ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2010, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/26 "2010-01-25T21:41:23Z")
> [@cgg419](#): > > Exactly what I figured you meant, but I just wondered in hindsight. > Like you say, I can’t imagine why anybody would say, “Let’s head north” after dark, but anything is possible On my first trip to Vegas, I walked all the way from Mandalay Bay to downtown. ---
**Author:** ![RogueRacer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@RogueRacer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RogueRacer)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2010, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/27 "2010-01-25T21:57:21Z")
> [@Wheelz](#): > > Conversely, the Tropicana is like stepping back in time, but in a good way. It seemed clean and well maintained, with a definite retro feel; I doubt the look has changed considerably since the place was built. The sports book room consists of a dry-erase board behind a formica counter, some folding chairs and a couple of TV’s. Walking through the old Garden wing, you really get a feel for what it must have been like to stay in Vegas in 1957. But unlike the Sahara, the Trop has a really fun and positive vibe to it. I was in Tropicana about three years ago playing in a small (50-60 players) Hold 'Em tournament. One of the players wanted to do a rebuy, but didn’t have change. The dealer made change for the player out of his (the dealer’s) pocket. It may not sound like much, but that’s not something you would expect to see on the Strip considering the security. Actually, I’m surprised the dealer was even allowed to have pockets. It’s been rumored to be on the list for destruction since at least back then though. Another not so bad property on the Strip is Bill’s Gambling Hall and Casino (formerly Barbary Coast). It’s a tiny property compared to what’s being built now, but the location is outstanding and prices very are reasonable ($2 cans of beer, $4 Crown and Cokes, etc. while we were there) for the Strip. Of course, it’s not really one of the casinos reffered to by the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Driver8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5a626/32.png) [@Driver8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Driver8)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2010, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/28 "2010-01-25T22:28:39Z")
I stayed at the Riviera recently, thanks to Priceline and being cheap. It was pretty horrible, but I’m not complaining because my end goal of not spending very much money was successfully achieved. Still, the impression I got wandering around is that the only thing keeping it standing is the poor economy. What a depressing place. It is stuck in a previous decade and seems so tired and depressing. ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2010, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/29 "2010-01-26T04:47:54Z")
> [@Driver8](#): > > I stayed at the Riviera recently, thanks to Priceline and being cheap. It was pretty horrible, but I’m not complaining because my end goal of not spending very much money was successfully achieved. > > Still, the impression I got wandering around is that the only thing keeping it standing is the poor economy. What a depressing place. It is stuck in a previous decade… That is what makes the Riv the Riv! hh ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2010, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/30 "2010-01-26T06:59:04Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > On my first trip to Vegas, I walked all the way from Mandalay Bay to downtown. I am duly impressed! That is one hell of a schlep. How was the walk back? ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2010, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/31 "2010-01-26T07:32:37Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > I am duly impressed! That is one hell of a schlep. > How was the walk back? I don’t remember how I got back, it was either the bus or a taxi. And that whole trip pretty much sucked. I got to Freemont Street too late for the light show, the winds were too high so the fountains at the Bellagio were turned off, my cell phone charger broke, the light in the closet wouldn’t turn off and the sink gurgled in the middle of the night, and I got stood up by a friend I hadn’t seen in eight years. North of the Stratosphere, though, I guess it could have been worse. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2010, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/32 "2010-01-27T16:09:09Z")
Here’s a slightly related question: the Riv is one of the last remaining brat pack-era Strip hotels (others being the long-gone Stardust, Sands, and Desert Inn). At one time it must have had its share of wealthy visitors and “whales”, who would have stayed in suites or at least opulent rooms. Does the Riv still get whales? The rooms must still be there, at least. ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2010, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/33 "2010-01-28T02:51:08Z")
> [@elmwood](#): > > Here’s a slightly related question: the Riv is one of the last remaining brat pack-era Strip hotels (others being the long-gone Stardust, Sands, and Desert Inn). At one time it must have had its share of wealthy visitors and “whales”, who would have stayed in suites or at least opulent rooms. Does the Riv still get whales? The rooms must still be there, at least. AND, which rooms were they assigned? Don’t they have a Frank Sinatra suite? hh ---
**Author:** ![voguevixen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5ac83/32.png) [@voguevixen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voguevixen)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2010, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/34 "2010-01-28T23:19:58Z")
> [@elmwood](#): > > Here’s a slightly related question: the Riv is one of the last remaining brat pack-era Strip hotels (others being the long-gone Stardust, Sands, and Desert Inn). At one time it must have had its share of wealthy visitors and “whales”, who would have stayed in suites or at least opulent rooms. Does the Riv still get whales? The rooms must still be there, at least. I’m sure the rooms are still there. The Horizon in Lake Tahoe still has its Elvis suite (from when it was the Sahara and Elvis actually played there.) The hotel itself is a fleabag just above a Holiday Inn, and only because it’s fronting the highway and has a casino. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2010, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/35 "2010-01-28T23:55:24Z")
I’m going to Vegas in a few weeks. I was planning to stay at the Venetian, but maybe I shoudl change my mind. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/36 "2010-01-29T02:34:36Z")
It is huge; check-in is a pain in the butt. ---
**Author:** ![JXJohns](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jxjohns/32/469_2.png) [@JXJohns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JXJohns)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/37 "2010-01-29T04:24:20Z")
> [@handsomeharry](#): > > That is what makes the Riv the Riv! > hh That, and Crazy Girls! ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/38 "2010-01-29T06:15:03Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I don’t remember how I got back THAT is what makes Vegas Vegas! hh ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2010, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/39 "2010-01-29T06:23:07Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > And when it does, daggummit, I want to bid on the Crazy Girls sculpture… someone better save at least _that_…😃 One of my superstitions when I went to Vegas was that after I get settled into my room I would go to the Riv and rub one of the girl’s asses before I start gambling. Somewhere I have a picture of me standing in front of it, with my hands strategically placed. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Myron\_Van\_Horowitzski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de053/32.png) [@Myron\_Van\_Horowitzski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myron_Van_Horowitzski)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2010, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081/40 "2010-02-03T20:51:33Z")
> [@JXJohns](#): > > That, and Crazy Girls! [No ifs, ands or…!!!](http://z.about.com/d/govegas/1/0/r/D/rivihot0005.JPG) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-riviera-in-vegas-safe-from-annihilation-so-far/526081.md?page=3)