A landmark Las Vegas hotel/casino with more than 55 years of history under its belt, the Riviera is a blast from the past, but also well in step with the present. Located on the north end of the Strip, this iconic property offers affordable yet comfortable accommodations just a short walk from the heart of all the action -- while also featuring several fine restaurants, a vibrant casino and an extensive lineup of entertainment.Noted comedians like Andrew Dice Clay make regular appearances at the Riviera. Also scoring high on the laugh-o-meter is the Riviera Comedy Club. The sexy topless show "Crazy Girls" is beloved by visitors as well. And Young German master magician Jan Rouven mesmerizes audiences nightly in "Illusions."The Riviera is home to the Strip's only walk-up wagering window. If you step just inside the front doors, you'll find a William Hill Race & Sports Book, which boasts 47 televisions among other amenities. Continue toward the main casino floor, and you'll discover plenty of table games including all of your favorites -- from craps, blackjack and roulette to mini-baccarat and pai gow poker. The casino has more than 900 slot and video poker machines, along with a lively poker room where tournaments are hosted regularly.The resort also has bragging rights to the only bingo room on the Strip. Card-daubing enthusiasts will delight in this spacious, 6,000-square-foot facility that also carries both handheld and fixed-base units. Four sessions are held daily.The Riviera has several great restaurants of international renown. Located on the main floor, R Steak & Seafood offers an intimate setting replete with succulent meat and seafood dishes, while the Banana Leaf Asian Restaurant reinterprets Far East fare through a selection of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Malayasian specialties. The Riv Buffet, on the second floor, serves breakfast and a variety of Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and American dishes for lunch and dinner. Plus, there's an impressive food court -- situated next to the Pinball Hall of Fame, where you can play pinball games that date back to the 1960s -- with options including the Big Burger, India Masala, La Salsa, Quiznos, Wok Express and Cheesesteaks Etc.In the evenings, you can always relax with a drink in the Le Bistro Lounge, a semi-circular bar and theater located at the center of the casino. Live music and entertainment are also on tap here nightly.The Rivera has a lushly landscaped courtyard pool. Several shopping kiosks, in addition to a florist and an outlet of ABC Stores for souvenirs and sundries, can be found on the premises. Along with a beauty salon and barber shop, there is a gym and tattoo studio. And a wide range of wedding packages and services available at the Riviera Royale Wedding Chapel.With more than 2,000 rooms, 160,000 square feet of convention space and lots of dining, gaming and entertainment options, the Riviera provides its guests with a rich tradition of fun, charm and unsurpassed service on the Las Vegas Strip.-- By Renée LiButti