Disney's Riviera Resort.........just another high-rise hotel?

[havoc315]

Many of the reasons you listed are the exact reasons I love the resort, i like the gentle touches of Disney and the feel of the resort, Sitting at the waters edge and looking over at CBR is one of my favorite things to enjoy when I say. It just reminds me of being in the Bahamas.

I actually think. The lobby is quaint and the coffee shop and library just add to it.

I do think the lobby area is way underrated. It's not "grand"... ok. But it's very stylish and comfortable. Whatever it lacks is "wow" factor, it makes up for in terms of actual comfort. It really isn't so small. With the adjoining coffee shop and library, always lots of comfortable places to take a seat, including the balconies that overlook the pools.

 

[Sandisw]

I do think the lobby area is way underrated. It's not "grand"... ok. But it's very stylish and comfortable. Whatever it lacks is "wow" factor, it makes up for in terms of actual comfort. It really isn't so small. With the adjoining coffee shop and library, always lots of comfortable places to take a seat, including the balconies that overlook the pools.

And we don't spend time in the lobby of any resort except when waiting for our room or to leave...but we did spend time enjoying our specialty drinks from the coffee shop a few trips ago and it was nice!

 

[havoc315]

I enjoy Riviera a lot. But I always found it strange how they decided to tear down parts of CBR & place it right there considering all the different options they could have had.

Not strange at all. Same reason they are converted Grand Floridian rooms to DVC... Same reason they tore down a Contemporary garden building to build BLT..

WDW overbuilt their resorts, at least for the prices they want to charge for rooms. It's an ongoing plan to convert low-demand resort space into DVC.

 

[RoseGold]

ITA. I wish they would have just picked a theme and done it, even if it were one I would have hated like Hercules. It looks like a nice, new, gray hotel to me. I stay in plenty of nice, new, gray hotels in lots of places. There are plenty nice, new, gray hotels near Disney.

I even wish they'd used their own theme. I mean compare the whole Remy area to RIV, and you see what France theming looks like.

Heck, they knew all the Marvel stuff to Epcot was coming. The NYC/Marvel hotel in Disneyland Paris looks so fun. Why not do something like that? It's also a nice, new, gray hotel, but with so much flair!

 

[havoc315]

ITA. I wish they would have just picked a theme and done it, even if it were one I would have hated like Hercules. It looks like a nice, new, gray hotel to me. I stay in plenty of nice, new, gray hotels in lots of places. There are plenty nice, new, gray hotels near Disney.

I even wish they'd used their own theme. I mean compare the whole Remy area to RIV, and you see what France theming looks like.

The Remy area does not look like French Riviera theming, it looks Parisian. Much like New York City looks very different than Hawaii, even though they are both "American."

Reality is, Riviera does Italian/French Riviera theming about as accurately as any other resort does its theming. I do think part of the problem is people don't know what to expect from the Riviera, but they assume Parisian theming.
And there are plenty of critics among those who are familiar with the Riviera... but the Riviera itself has different elements in different locales. (theming is more a Riviera-located resort, as opposed to the whole Riviera).

For example, the Hotel Royal Riviera in Nice, France:




And other Riviera located luxury resorts:











As you can see... Disney's Riviera Resort actually does resemble what luxury resorts in the Riviera look like. (though a bit larger of course)

 

[RoseGold]

The Remy area does not look like French Riviera theming, it looks Parisian. Much like New York City looks very different than Hawaii, even though they are both "American."

Sure, and plenty of modern Paris is super modern IKEA theme. But that isn't what you go to Disney theming for, is it?

The RIV lobby could be in Cleveland at any nice hotel. And there isn't another DVC lobby I could say that about. Actually, the one in Cleveland would be better because it would have accessibility with closer elevators and more places to work. In a wheelchair, we couldn't even get to the lobby without some hassle because of the stupid staircase, which doesn't even have a grand photo op, like you would expect. It smells nice, though.

 

[J-Dog]

I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing to have a hotel that lacks the super strong Disney IP/theming because there are enough other on site hotels that have that, and for some people (only some! I’m not knocking it) it can feel too corny. I think this hotel wasn’t targeting that guest profile as much and was going for a different guest profile that perhaps wants a more lux hotel feel without too much theming.

I completely agree with this. That sentiment was one of our biggest reasons for buying at RIV. I didn't want a corny, in-your-face Disney IP theme that detracted from the overall feel of the European Riviera theme.

ITA. I wish they would have just picked a theme and done it, even if it were one I would have hated like Hercules. It looks like a nice, new, gray hotel to me. I stay in plenty of nice, new, gray hotels in lots of places. There are plenty nice, new, gray hotels near Disney.

I even wish they'd used their own theme. I mean compare the whole Remy area to RIV, and you see what France theming looks like.

Heck, they knew all the Marvel stuff to Epcot was coming. The NYC/Marvel hotel in Disneyland Paris looks so fun. Why not do something like that? It's also a nice, new, gray hotel, but with so much flair!

I very much disagree with you, for the exact same reasons listed above. If I'd wanted a cheesy Marvel or other IP theme, I would just sell DVC and stay at a value resort.

 

[Sandisw]

Sure, and plenty of modern Paris is super modern IKEA theme. But that isn't what you go to Disney theming for, is it?

The RIV lobby could be in Cleveland at any nice hotel. And there isn't another DVC lobby I could say that about. Actually, the one in Cleveland would be better because it would have accessibility with closer elevators and more places to work. In a wheelchair, we couldn't even get to the lobby without some hassle because of the stupid staircase, which doesn't even have a grand photo op, like you would expect. It smells nice, though.

And, that is why we all have different tastes. You hate it and that is okay.

But, others find it the perfect resort to be at after leaving the parks. I like not feeling like I am still in one. I dont want or need something like an AKV or WL…way too dark and outdoorsy for me.. but others just love it.

And, based on why it was done the way it was, it fits exactly the style it is supposed to fit

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

The Remy area does not look like French Riviera theming, it looks Parisian. Much like New York City looks very different than Hawaii, even though they are both "American."

Reality is, Riviera does Italian/French Riviera theming about as accurately as any other resort does its theming. I do think part of the problem is people don't know what to expect from the Riviera, but they assume Parisian theming.
And there are plenty of critics among those who are familiar with the Riviera... but the Riviera itself has different elements in different locales. (theming is more a Riviera-located resort, as opposed to the whole Riviera).

For example, the Hotel Royal Riviera in Nice, France:

View attachment 663841


And other Riviera located luxury resorts:

View attachment 663843


View attachment 663844

View attachment 663847


View attachment 663849

As you can see... Disney's Riviera Resort actually does resemble what luxury resorts in the Riviera look like. (though a bit larger of course)

View attachment 663851

Wow thanks for the pics and explanation. Love it - didn't know it was themed so well to Riviera!
The one that is obviously the inspiration for the Tower Studios portion of Riviera is especially fun to see.
Nailed it!

 

[john7994]

I feel like I should like Riviera, but having been in and around it several times, touring the rooms, eating and walking around - I found it very "meh" - maybe its because I travel a lot for business and it just reminds me of more of the same. Even the grounds, while I found them to be well kept, I didn't think it was all that great or memorable. I get the potential of location to parks and the skyline transportation option as a plus - seeing the station actually kind of threw off the aesthetic for me even more. Lastly, I am not a huge fan of over-theming either from a Disney perspective - so its weird that I still find it so underwhelming. I agree its well executed for what it is - maybe I am missing something.

 

[havoc315]

Wow thanks for the pics and explanation. Love it - didn't know it was themed so well to Riviera!
The one that is obviously the inspiration for the Tower Studios portion of Riviera is especially fun to see.
Nailed it!

There are valid complaints about the theming IMHO. While it’s actually does a fair job of capturing the inspiration of true Riviera resorts, it tends to do so in a more sterile way. It’s also doesn’t “transport” you to another time or place to the same degree as Polynesian or Animal Kingdom lodge.

It also suffers from the fact that most Americans think France or Italy, they think Paris, Rome and Venice. But Americans aren’t super familiar with the actual Riviera.

But overall, the theming is definitely superior to Contemporary. I’d argue that it’s actually superior to Grand Floridian (which is a facsimile of an old famous CALIFORNIA hotel). More controversially, I’d say I prefer the theming over BC/YC (sure… great pool, but dining isn’t particularly New England beach club feel, most of the resort is boring) and Boardwalk Inn/Villas. (The Boardwalk itself is excellently themed, really fantastic. But the actual resort is blah beyond a nice lobby)

Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge and Poly have superior theming. IMHO, Riviera theming is not worse than the others.

 

[DebbieB]

Stayed there 2 weeks ago for the first time. Loved it! I wish it wasn’t so high on points. I would even consider buying points there if it wasn’t for the resale restrictions.

 

[havoc315]

Sure, and plenty of modern Paris is super modern IKEA theme. But that isn't what you go to Disney theming for, is it?

The RIV lobby could be in Cleveland at any nice hotel. And there isn't another DVC lobby I could say that about. Actually, the one in Cleveland would be better because it would have accessibility with closer elevators and more places to work. In a wheelchair, we couldn't even get to the lobby without some hassle because of the stupid staircase, which doesn't even have a grand photo op, like you would expect. It smells nice, though.

I won't speak as to handicap access because I don't really have that experience..
But I find your other objections just..... odd. The Riviera resort copies classic famous French and Italian Riviera hotels. Sounds like your objection is that the theming is too authentic, you wish they ignored the Riviera theme and went with a Paris theme instead.

From the parks blog:

The overall design of Disney’s Riviera Resort is inspired by the elegant, early 20th century hotels situated along Europe’s Mediterranean coast. Like the region itself, Disney’s Riviera Resort will convey classic European designs mixed with modern expressions.

Its articulated stone base and smooth stucco façades will be accented with decorative metalwork and colorful awnings. French mansard roofs and Italian style arches and loggias will intermingle with other architectural styles found along the coastal region.

The center building, or tower, with expressive roofs and ornamental details, will be at the heart of the resort. Adjacent wings are designed as if added progressively to accommodate more travelers. The resort itself is a layered story, inspired by the buildings and architecture in Europe that grew and evolved over time.

 

[TinkB278]

The Remy area does not look like French Riviera theming, it looks Parisian. Much like New York City looks very different than Hawaii, even though they are both "American."

Reality is, Riviera does Italian/French Riviera theming about as accurately as any other resort does its theming. I do think part of the problem is people don't know what to expect from the Riviera, but they assume Parisian theming.
And there are plenty of critics among those who are familiar with the Riviera... but the Riviera itself has different elements in different locales. (theming is more a Riviera-located resort, as opposed to the whole Riviera).

For example, the Hotel Royal Riviera in Nice, France:

View attachment 663841


And other Riviera located luxury resorts:

View attachment 663843


View attachment 663844

View attachment 663847


View attachment 663849

As you can see... Disney's Riviera Resort actually does resemble what luxury resorts in the Riviera look like. (though a bit larger of course)

View attachment 663851

Thank you for this! As a riviera owner and someone who has vacationed on the French Riviera it’s driven me crazy the past few years reading complaints from people who say the building wasn’t designed appropriately for the region. I couldn’t understand their issues as it looked a lot like the hotels I saw in Nice.

 

[Kanga and Roo]

I resort hopped there and I really enjoyed it, but, I'm a big fan of any resort served by the Skyliner.

 

[john7994]

Thank you for this! As a riviera owner and someone who has vacationed on the French Riviera it’s driven me crazy the past few years reading complaints from people who say the building wasn’t designed appropriately for the region. I couldn’t understand their issues as it looked a lot like the hotels I saw in Nice.

To be fair, people complain about everything, with or without facts
Personally, I am not blown away by Riviera whether the aesthetic is authentic or not, but glad you love it and found your "Welcome Home" happy place!

 

[CarolynFH]

The Remy area does not look like French Riviera theming, it looks Parisian. Much like New York City looks very different than Hawaii, even though they are both "American."

Reality is, Riviera does Italian/French Riviera theming about as accurately as any other resort does its theming. I do think part of the problem is people don't know what to expect from the Riviera, but they assume Parisian theming.
And there are plenty of critics among those who are familiar with the Riviera... but the Riviera itself has different elements in different locales. (theming is more a Riviera-located resort, as opposed to the whole Riviera).

For example, the Hotel Royal Riviera in Nice, France:

View attachment 663841


And other Riviera located luxury resorts:

View attachment 663843


View attachment 663844

View attachment 663847


View attachment 663849

As you can see... Disney's Riviera Resort actually does resemble what luxury resorts in the Riviera look like. (though a bit larger of course)

View attachment 663851

Thank you! And the Imagineers said they took inspiration from hotels that Walt and Lillian would have seen on their visit to the Riviera - these hotels appear to be of the proper age as well.

 

[Dicentras]

I feel like I should like Riviera, but having been in and around it several times, touring the rooms, eating and walking around - I found it very "meh" - maybe its because I travel a lot for business and it just reminds me of more of the same. Even the grounds, while I found them to be well kept, I didn't think it was all that great or memorable. I get the potential of location to parks and the skyline transportation option as a plus - seeing the station actually kind of threw off the aesthetic for me even more. Lastly, I am not a huge fan of over-theming either from a Disney perspective - so its weird that I still find it so underwhelming. I agree its well executed for what it is - maybe I am missing something.

When I first got to RR for our trip last year it felt pretty “meh”. But the resort has this quiet, subtle “thing” about it, that once you slow down, explore it and settle in- it’s really a fantastic, lovely place. It totally grew on me and now I love it. I’d recommend giving it a try.

 

[john7994]

When I first got to RR for our trip last year it felt pretty “meh”. But the resort has this quiet, subtle “thing” about it, that once you slow down, explore it and settle in- it’s really a fantastic, lovely place. It totally grew on me and now I love it. I’d recommend giving it a try.

I always will keep an open mind - we did get to tour it as part of DVC - the 3 Bedroom Grand Villas were swank for sure. While there are some truly refined touches, I think I was missing a few things like a more grand lobby that had its own character, better shopping which I think was a missed opportunity, and the view broken by Caribbean Beach and the Skyliner infrastructure and station. It just seems "off" - more like like a "generic" high-end resort. Again, please don't take my commentary and subjective viewpoints as being "right" - I think we all have different tastes, aesthetics, and expectations.

 

[Robbie Cottam]

At the risk of sounding sarcastic are the people that hate it the same people that spend no time at the hotel…. They’re in the parks from rope drop to kick out?

i bought Riviera point because my son took the sky liner over there and loved it…

i have trip that I want to stay at Bay Lake, some at Saratoga … some at the swan…. They all offer something cool and different….

when it was still a thing my favorite resort was the golf resort….. It was a basic hotel, but at night when you walk the 3 rd fairway to get from the poly to the golf resort you could pet the deer….. I was way to young to know about tics and my parents told Disney got rid of all the gators…. So for about 15 years that was my favorite resort..

Point being all resort have something to offer to someone ….. you just might not be on that resorts list….

Im not on the POP or AoA. And and other the all stars list…. They do t offer me anything…. but others love those resort….