We stayed at this apartment in September for a total duration of three nights. In general we liked the place, but it had a few downsides as well.

Pros:
- Location: only 6 blocks from the train that takes you to YVR airport. It is centrally located, with downtown Vancouver, grocery stores (Safeway and Whole Foods), restaurants, internet cafés, Stanley Park, bicycle rental places etc. all located within walking distance
- Spacious apartment.
- Beautiful view of the city and the mountains. We had asked for a room with a view to the north on a higher floor, and got one, which gave beautiful views both at day and at night. The balcony is a nice extra.
- The price: it was the cheapest hotel in the downtown area, plus because it has a kitchen, we saved even more money by not having to eat out every night, as Vancouver is an expensive city.
- Despite being in downtown Vancouver, it was quiet in the apartment.

Cons:
- The hotel seemed like it had been renovated a few years ago (maybe for the Olympics?), and since then not much has been done for maintenance. For example the ‘Hotel’-sign only had ‘Ho’ lit up at night, there were stains in the curtains, the kitchen was not very clean (we had to do dishes before we were able to use them, as there was still dirt from previous users on them), the elevator did not respond to ‘door close’, etc. Nothing was in an unacceptable condition, also we didn’t see any bugs, but I wonder whether the hotel would get the 3.5 star rating as it has been rated by if it would be rated nowadays.
- The hotel room was pretty cold. When we asked the receptionist, we got a space heater, but that only helped a little.

In general we had a pleasant stay at the hotel, and some of the comments here on Tripadvisor we could not relate to at all: for example the windows did have shades (7th floor) even during the day it was pretty dark in the room. The staff was friendly and helpful, the bed was comfortable, we got warm water in the shower instantly etc.

We stayed at riviera for two nights after flying in from southeast Asia. The price is great and the location is ideal. We were given a room on 9th floor (2nd from top) and you could hear everything going on on street level down below. We were too tired to care and slept right thru but if we hadn't been so tired we might have had to go out and buy earplugs. Very clean and daily servicing even thought it's a one bedroom apt.

I stayed here for two nights in mid-August. 2011. I wish I had paid more attention to the “Poor” and “Terrible” reviews listed here as they were spot on. I paid 123 CAD (with taxes) per night, which is a deal for the Robson Street area, but believe me, it is NOT worth it. Don’t let the price, room/suite size and great location lure you in. As many of the negative and positive reviews have noted, I thought the furnishings and decor were very dated. I've never seen so many spots and smudges (see photos), and the carpets looked as if they haven’t been vacuumed since 1985. I also found it very noisy facing the street when the windows were open, so if you must stay there, ask for a north facing room. As I approached the hotel, I too thought the outside “…looked like its going to fall down any day.” [See 6/27/05 Review]. It reminded me of a Chinese Junk Ship. The biggest shocker was in the bathroom (which was probably the cleanest room of them all), where I found a used dirty Q-tip on a shelf that had not removed by the maid prior to my arrival. It was still there when I left! Speaking of the maid, my room was not cleaned until 4 p.m. When I complained, they told me that the maid was busy and would get there when she could. So much for my late afternoon privacy! I got the sense that the owners don’t care updating the place as long as there are people willing to stay there. Don't let them get away with it.

Stayed here for 1 night ,and was very pleased.It was by far the cheapest hotel in the city centre,and also included free parking and WIFI, The location is perfect on Robson Street halfway between all the shopping,and Stanley Park.Very safe location.The furnishings are tired but overall the suite was clean and functional.Also bonus balcony over looking all the action on Robson,and view of English Bay. $99 for a one bedroom with full kitchen including parking and wifi "what a deal: