Former Riviera operators approved to manage Westgate Las Vegas

The Nevada Gaming Commission voted to allow executives from Paragon Gaming to transition to the Westgate, located just across the street from the Riviera on Paradise Road. Paragon will be in charge of both gaming and nongaming aspects of the Westgate, with the exception of its timeshare business.

Paragon executive Scott Menke told commissioners his company will be focused on improving occupancy. The Westgate runs about 60 percent occupancy, but Menke said he thinks Paragon can boost that higher than 80 percent.

Given its proximity to the Las Vegas Convention Center — the expansion of which will replace the Riviera — the Westgate can be a kind of “host hotel” for conventions, Menke said.

Gaming Commission Chairman Tony Alamo said it was unfortunate that the space occupied by the Riviera is better off used for something other than gaming.

“It’s bittersweet,” Menke acknowledged, but he noted that many reservations for conventions and room nights at the Riviera are shifting to the Westgate.

Formerly known as the LVH, Las Vegas Hilton and the International, that property became Westgate Las Vegas when it was purchased last year by Westgate Resorts. Attorney Jeff Silver told the commission Thursday that when the Riviera’s closure came to light, CEO David Siegel asked what the thought about the operators there.

After making some inquiries, Silver decided he had full confidence in Paragon.

“I said, ‘This is a group that I would recommend without any hesitation,’” Silver said.

Paragon is replacing Navegante Group as the licensed operator at the Westgate.

Thursday’s commission meeting was also the first for new Commissioner Michonne Ascuaga, who was appointed by Gov. Brian Sandoval to replace Joe Brown last month.