Archie,

While there are a number who can comment on chips with greater knowledge and experience than me, I’m confident no one on the board or any participant in this chat room is more involved, educated, or knowledgeable in the lodging industry than me.

If I ran my lodging and hotel properties the way the folks at the Riviera do, I would be out of business. But it’s easy to understand why they do what they do.

The Riv is on its last leg, up for sale, to be another chapter in history. The facility is outdated; FF&E substandard, case goods below industry standards and each room looks like it was put together from a Goodwill Booth.

Why would anyone expect them to put a nickel in the place that's a goner. You don't! You milk it for all it's worth.

So to answer your question, and I’m really not trying to be rude, just honest; it’s a dump!

BTW …..Why would someone care about someone receiving a free room at the Riv? To me that’s like winning the consolation prize, a case of Bon Ami.

IMO the people that devote and take the time to put these conventions together deserve a complimentary room at Wynn or Bellagio for all their efforts