A roundabout layout
Although the mid-2000 renovation gutted the resort, its layout remained the same. From above, the resort looks like a wagon wheel. Its guest room wings are the spokes. At the wheel’s center are pools, pool bars and other fun features. Meeting spaces are in several appendages, outside of the wheel.
The wheel layout delineates work and play, said Connors. “The way the hotel is laid out all of your focus is on the lobby, the restaurant, the pools. That is where all the energy is,” said Connors.
Because those areas are separated from the meeting spaces, “you still can give the meeting the security of being a corporate environment. And when they are not in meetings, attendees can enjoy this kind of hip, fresh high-energy feel, but then go right back in meeting room and boardroom.”
The other advantage of the circular design? “It is almost impossible to get lost,” said Connors.
Groups get into the era
Because the resort is a throwback to the days of the Rat Pack, meetings often include ’60s touches. Some use “Mad Men” as inspiration; others turn to the movie “L.A. Story.” Microsoft recently held a closing event at which guests dressed as their favorite celebrities.
There is also a push to bring back more ’60s dining traditions. “We have challenged the chef to look into the future through 2014 and try to create those types of specialty meals,” said Connors. “One or two might stay on menu permanently. Back in that era, there was a lot of tableside service, good hearty meals, white-glove service.”
In the meantime, Connors hopes more groups will venture in to see an old favorite that is fast becoming the latest fashion. “When Noble House did the major renovation, they really brought it back to what the Riviera was known for in the ’60s and ’70s when it used to be the playground for Hollywood entertainers,” he said. “Guests walk in the front door and the look on their face is ‘Wow, look at this place.’ It is so new but so old at the same time.”
www.psriviera.com
