NWR: anyone ever been to riviera casino in vegas???

I've stayed at the Riviera for pool tournaments. The Riviera is at the 'old' end of the strip. All the fancy hotels are faaaar away. The buffet is only so-so for lunch. The Pink Pony (I think that's the name of the little breakfast/lunch cafe there - I might be confusing it with Circus Circus, in which case the cafe is Kadys) is better (although still not high quality). There is a drug store (like a CVS) right next door - I recommend using that for soda etc, instead of whatever they will be selling at the tournament. The Splash bar is the easiest landmark in the hotel to meet friends.

Free shows include the pirate show at Treasure Island - it's always a madhouse, and the fountain show at Bellagio - completely awesome. If he likes to gamble - any casino works - it's just a question of table minimums for cards and decor. Other fun stuff - roller coasters at New York, New York, Stratosphere (they have two other rides as well) and the Sahara. The Fremont Street Experience is cool - and a much less expensive place to buy souveniers.