Michael Pags: Memories Of The Riviera
Michael Pags Strolls Down Memory Lane To The Riviera Hotel
Editor’s Note – This is Michael Pag’s second guest article for VegasBright. We’re glad to have him back.
I always spent at least a little bit of time at the Riviera on each of my trips to Vegas, but the most was during my summer 2007 visit. The wife and I were staying at the HGV Club (Hilton Grand Vacations), which made the Riv one of the closest options if we wanted to venture out on foot.
In an overall sense, two points stand out regarding my experience with the Riviera: the history of the place, and the fact that it seemed to be a bit run-down in comparison to the other Strip properties. It was sad, because even a relative neophyte like me could see what was coming.
I have two particular memories that I recall fondly. The first was when my wife was playing blackjack at one of the cheap tables. There was only one other player at the table at the time. Another guy sat down in front of her, and he was TERRIBLE. Just awful. It seemed like every decision he made was wrong, as if he was going against the book on purpose.
Once or twice…taking a chance…thats fine, but this went on hand after hand. Finally, my wife had enough, and she moved to another table across the pit. She wasn’t there for three hands before the same guy once again sat down ahead of her.
The pit boss saw exactly what had happened and kind of shrugged a ”sorry” gesture, complete with a grin of sympathy. The guy’s terrible play continued, and the pit boss asked my wife “Are you sure you don’t want to move back? Seat One is open now”. “Damned right I do,” my wife shot back with a glare in the direction of the “World’s Worst Blackjack Player.” He didn’t reply, either too drunk or too ignorant to understand.
My second memory came in 2010, courtesy of my friend Jason (whom I mentioned in my “First Trip” story). One of the things Jason was most looking forward to about Vegas was being able to drink a beer any time he damned well pleased. We arrived late at night, and the next morning went to the Riv to play in a slot tournament.
But first things first — Jason headed directly to the bar, grabbed a bottle of Bud, and happily took a long pull. I snapped a photo and tagged it “Local time – 10 am”. We sent it to a few friends back home, where it got a ton of laughs and, of course, comments!
I was saddened to hear that Riviera was closing, but not at all surprised. It’s the same feeling I got regarding the Sahara…and even Bill’s Gambling Hall. They were places where I had a ton of fun and always felt comfortable.
And yet, they just couldn’t survive in today’s Vegas.
Riviera’s “Monaco Tower” was imploded on June 13th, 2016. We are awaiting a confirmed date for the implosion of the Riv’s “Monte Carlo Tower” sometime in early-to-mid August. We’ll be there to capture photos and videos…and to say our final goodbyes.
[Photos: Sammasseur]
