The name “Riviera” has been attached to hotels that span decades and continents—from the first high‑rise on the Las Vegas Strip to a Disney deluxe villa in Florida. This article traces the histories and current offerings of the most prominent Riviera‑branded properties, drawing on official records, guest reviews, and news archives to help you navigate the differences.
Last checked: 2026-07-07
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Las Vegas Riviera: Closed in 2015, demolished 2017 · Disney’s Riviera Resort: Deluxe Villa, opened 2019 · Riviera Spa Resort (Malta): Adults only, Marfa Bay · Riviera Hotel (Beirut): Private pool on corniche
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-07.
Sources reviewed: Official property websites, Wikipedia, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, the Santa Barbara Independent, CBC News, Forbes, and company LinkedIn profiles.
No on‑site visits or staff interviews were conducted; prices and availability should be verified directly with each property.
At a Glance: Key Riviera Properties
- Opened 1959 with Palm Springs’ first convention center (Riviera Palm Springs Legacy)
- Rebranded Margaritaville 2020, returned to Riviera under IHG in September 2024 (Wikipedia)
- Built 1914‑1915 as a two‑story apartment hotel (Santa Barbara Independent)
- Converted to veteran housing in the late 1980s (Santa Barbara Independent)
| Las Vegas Riviera | Closed May 4, 2015; demolished 2016–2017 (CBC) |
| Riviera Resort & Spa (Palm Springs) | Opened 1959; returned to Riviera name in 2024 (Wikipedia) |
| Riviera Hotel (Paris) | Budget‑friendly 3‑star near Gare du Nord (TripAdvisor) |
| Riviera Hotel (Macau) | Non‑gaming 4.5‑star with harbor views (Hotels.com) |
| Riviera Beachotel (Benidorm) | Adults‑only, 450 m from Levante beach (Booking.com) |
| Hotel Riviera (Santa Barbara) | Built 1914–1915; now veteran housing (Santa Barbara Independent) |
Does the Riviera Hotel Still Exist?
The answer depends on which Riviera you have in mind. The legendary Las Vegas Riviera closed its doors in 2015 and was demolished the following year. But the name lives on at several other properties, including a Disney resort in Florida and a revived Palm Springs retreat.
The Las Vegas Riviera: Closed and Demolished
The Riviera Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip opened on April 20, 1955, as the first high‑rise hotel on the Strip and the first skyscraper in the Las Vegas Valley. It began with a nine‑story tower and 291 rooms, later expanding to 2,075 rooms across several towers. After decades of financial struggles, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority purchased the 26‑acre site for about $191 million in February 2015. The hotel closed just two weeks after its 60th anniversary, on May 4, 2015. Its Monaco Tower was imploded on June 14, 2016, and the remaining towers were brought down on August 16, 2016.
The implication: the original Riviera is gone, but its legacy as a mob‑linked Rat Pack venue lives on in casino lore.
Disney’s Riviera Resort: Open and Operating
Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Deluxe Villa property, opened at Walt Disney World in Florida in 2019. According to the official Walt Disney World website, the resort features European‑inspired architecture, 350 rooms, and direct access to the Disney Skyliner transportation system that connects to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The resort is classified as a Deluxe Villa, meaning nightly rates are significantly higher than Moderate or Value resorts.
The bottom line: Disney’s Riviera is very much alive and offers a premium themed stay for families and Disney enthusiasts.
Why Did They Close the Riviera?
Declining Revenue and Competition
The Las Vegas Riviera struggled in its later decades. It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2010, hurt by aging facilities and the demolition of neighboring competitors like the Stardust and New Frontier, which reduced foot traffic (Wikimedia Commons historical notes). Unlike the mega‑resorts that dominated the Strip, the Riviera lacked the sprawling pools, shopping, and showrooms that modern visitors expected.
The trade‑off: staying true to its mid‑century roots made it a nostalgic destination but financially unsustainable.
Redevelopment Plans: Convention Center Expansion
In February 2015, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority purchased the Riviera property for $191 million to expand the Las Vegas Convention Center. The sale effectively sealed the hotel’s fate; the LVCVA had no interest in operating a casino resort and planned to use the land for meeting space. The demolition made way for a massive convention center expansion that opened in 2021.
What this means: the Riviera’s closure was a business decision driven by the city’s shifting priorities toward convention tourism rather than a failure of the brand itself.
What Is ‘Hotel Riviera’ Known For?
Mob Connections and Showbiz History
The Las Vegas Riviera was famously tied to organized crime – it was allegedly built with funds from Teamsters pension loans controlled by the mob. Its opening show starred Liberace, and the hotel later hosted the Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. CBC News describes it as “the Strip’s first high‑rise hotel” and notes its long association with mobster history.
The pattern: the Riviera name became shorthand for mid‑century Vegas glamour combined with an edge of danger.
French Riviera Glamour
The meaning of “Riviera” itself evokes the glamorous coastline of the French Riviera. Hotels around the world—from Paris to Beirut—borrow the name to suggest sea views, refinement, and a touch of Mediterranean elegance. This association is purely aspirational at many properties, but it helps explain why the name appears on such diverse hotels.
Family‑Friendly Disney Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort deliberately channels the feel of the French and Italian Rivieras with its architecture and artwork, but the experience is wholly family‑oriented. The resort offers studios, one‑, two‑, and three‑bedroom villas, multiple pools, a rooftop restaurant, and the Skyliner link (Disney World official).
The catch: this Riviera comes with Disney pricing and limited dining options compared to larger resort hotels on property.
Is Riviera Resort Worth It?
Cost vs. Amenities
Disney’s Riviera Resort is a Deluxe Villa property, meaning its nightly rates typically exceed $500 during peak seasons. For that price, you get spacious rooms with kitchenettes or full kitchens, a signature restaurant (Topolino’s Terrace), and a Disney theming level that appeals to fans. However, the resort lacks a full‑service quick‑service food court and is farther from Magic Kingdom than other Deluxe hotels.
Skyliner Access and Location
The resort’s best selling point is its direct connection to the Disney Skyliner, which provides quick, scenic rides to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This gondola system is exclusive to a few resorts and is a major convenience. The resort is also within walking distance of the Caribbean Beach Resort and the Riviera station on the Skyliner route.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Online reviews on TripAdvisor and other platforms are mixed. Frequent praise goes to the resort’s theming, cleanliness, and pool areas. Common criticisms include high prices, limited dining options, and the fact that the resort is a “point‑heavy” booking for Disney Vacation Club members.
The bottom line: For Disney fans who prioritize theming and Skyliner access, the resort can be worth the splurge. For budget‑conscious families, other Moderate resorts offer better value.
Comparison: Riviera Hotels at a Glance
| Hotel Name | Location | Status | Resort Type | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Riviera | Las Vegas Strip, USA | Closed/Demolished | Casino resort | First high‑rise on Strip; Rat Pack history |
| Disney’s Riviera Resort | Walt Disney World, Florida, USA | Open | Deluxe Villa | Disney Skyliner access, European theming |
| Riviera Resort & Spa | Palm Springs, California, USA | Open | Resort & Spa | Largest resort spa in Palm Springs |
| Riviera Hotel & Beach Lounge | Beirut, Lebanon | Open | Beach resort | Private pool on Corniche |
| Riviera Beachotel | Benidorm, Spain | Open | Adults‑only | 450 m from Playa de Levante |
| Hotel Riviera | Paris, France | Open | Budget city hotel | Near Gare du Nord, good value |
Pricing Bands
Budget: Hotel Riviera Paris – typically €60–100 per night for a standard room, based on TripAdvisor listings.
Moderate: Riviera Hotel Macau – rates between $80–150 USD; Riviera Beachotel Benidorm – around €70–120 per night.
Luxury: Disneys Riviera Resort (from $500/night); Riviera Hotel & Beach Lounge Beirut (rates above $200/night for sea‑view rooms); Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs (∼$300–600/night).
Location and Getting There
- Las Vegas Riviera (historical): was on the Las Vegas Strip near Sahara Avenue. Now part of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
- Disney’s Riviera Resort: at Walt Disney World, near Epcot. Accessible via the Skyliner or complimentary resort buses.
- Riviera Resort & Spa: 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. About 5 km from Palm Springs International Airport.
- Riviera Hotel & Beach Lounge: Corniche El Manara, Beirut. Directly on the Mediterranean corniche, a short drive from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.
- Riviera Beachotel: C/ de la Serra, 7, Benidorm. 450 m from Playa de Levante, within walking distance of the old town.
- Hotel Riviera: 9 Rue Turgot, Paris. Steps from Gare du Nord and several metro lines.
Timeline: Las Vegas Riviera
- April 20, 1955 – Opens as the first high‑rise hotel on the Strip.
- Late 1950s–1960s – Hosts Liberace, the Rat Pack, and other top entertainers.
- July 2010 – Files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
- February 20, 2015 – LVCVA purchases the site for $191 million.
- May 4, 2015 – Hotel closes after 60 years of operation.
- June 14, 2016 – Monaco Tower imploded.
- August 16, 2016 – Remaining towers demolished.
Also notable: the Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs returned to the Riviera name on September 27, 2024, after a stint as Margaritaville.
Our Pick: Which Riviera Hotel Is Right for You?
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Las Vegas story — though the building is gone, its lore is preserved in Wikipedia and news archives. For a tangible visit, Disney fans should book Disney’s Riviera Resort, especially if Skyliner access is a priority. Adults‑only vacationers will enjoy the Riviera Beachotel in Benidorm, which keeps a peaceful ambiance. Budget‑conscious travelers can find clean, simple rooms at the Hotel Riviera in Paris. For a classic Mediterranean beach experience, the Riviera Hotel & Beach Lounge in Beirut offers a private pool on the corniche.
Related reading: Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel: Honest Riviera Maya Review · Flight and Hotel Las Vegas: Compare the Best Deals
tripadvisor.com, expedia.com, travelweek.ca, tripadvisor.com, travelodgehotels.asia, us.trip.com, rivierapalmsprings.com, tripadvisor.com, us.trip.com, marriott.com, twovolcanosprint.com
Travelers interested in the Riviera brand might also consider the modern coastal Hotel Riviera in Moss, Norway, offering a very different but equally compelling experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rooms did the Riviera Hotel have?
The Las Vegas Riviera had approximately 2,075 rooms across several towers at the time of its closure in 2015.
Where is the Riviera Spa Resort located?
The Riviera Spa Resort is located in Marfa Bay, Malta. It is an adults‑only property.
Does the Riviera Hotel in Beirut have a pool?
Yes, the Riviera Hotel & Beach Lounge in Beirut has a private pool on the corniche, directly facing the Mediterranean Sea.
What is the Riviera Beachotel in Benidorm known for?
It is an adults‑only hotel located approximately 450 meters from Playa de Levante beach (Booking.com).
What is the history of Hotel Riviera in Santa Barbara?
Built 1914–1915 as a two‑story apartment hotel, it was converted into veteran housing in the late 1980s (Santa Barbara Independent).
Sources Cited
- Wikipedia – Riviera (hotel and casino)
- CBC News – Vegas Riviera imploded amid fireworks
- Wikipedia – Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs
- Riviera Palm Springs – Legacy page
- TripAdvisor – Riviera Hotel Paris
- Hotels.com – Riviera Hotel Macau
- Booking.com – Riviera Beachotel Benidorm
- TripAdvisor – Riviera Hotel & Beach Lounge Beirut
- Santa Barbara Independent – History of the Hotel Riviera
- Disney World – Riviera Resort official
- Wikimedia Commons – Riviera hotel historical notes
- LinkedIn – Riviera Hotel & Beach Lounge company profile