I am going to a conference held at the Riviera in May.
I'm not thrilled with the rates the conference is quoting and want to check out packages or other deals at a few other places within a couple miles. Any suggestions for places to look within 1-3 miles of Riviera?

The Riviera is one of the least expensive places on the strip...so I'm not sure what rate you're being quoted. However, The Wynn, Venetian & Mirage are all pretty close.

I also prefer NOT to stay at the Riviera when I am there for a trade show once a year. To me, the place is not worth what they want to charge! As was noted, the Riv is one of the cheaper places on the strip... i e "older" places that could use some serious updating IMO.

If you have your own car, you can stay pretty much anywhere and then drive to the Riviera for your conference. There is quite a lot of parking for conferences in that location. Just drive to the back side of the Riv.

I've stayed at a lot of places over the years, but have settled on the Orleans for about the last 4-5 years. It is reasonable, off strip, but not a bad drive to the Riv, is you use the back streets.

We have been staying at

... looks like I hit "post my reply" too soon!

We've been staying at places both on and off the strip for years, and in a wide variety of price range. The Orleans seems to be a good value for the money. Rooms are a decent size, and parking is usually available and not too far from an entrance to the building.

I like Orleans also, and have heard the Gold Coast (a sister hotel to the O) is a good value as well.
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The Sahara is an old property, similar to the Riv, that is walkable. Las Vegas Hilton is also walkable to the Riv through the back parking area. The Gold Coast has good frequent shuttle to the strip, but then you have about 1/2 mile (15 min) walk to the Riviera.
Palace Station has recently renovated rooms and they are about 2 miles from the Riv, an easy cab ride. They also have a shuttle bus that runs to the Fashion Mall, I think, which is about a 10 minute walk to the Riviera.

I thought they imploded that hotel years ago..
Sign up for the Wynn for incredible deal via e-mail..$119 was the latest that they sent me and the 5* rooms are lovely!
Check Expedia and here is another website with the promo codes that you can get some pretty good deals.

wynnlasvegas.com
smartervegas.com

The Orleans and Gold Coast are good value but it will take a lot of time sitting in traffic/walking to get to the Riviera. As mentioned above, try the Wynn, Treasure Island, Venetain (during the right time you can get it for $119/nt on Priceline), Mirage are the closest 4-5* hotels.

If you shared your budget I think others can help with specific hotel recommendations.

Thanks for the help. I'd like to keep it under $150 - preferably 110. I'm hoping for an airfare/hotel deal. This Vegas trip is for a work-related event (nursing conference) but travel is capped at $500 which wouldn't cover a 1 star after airfare from DC. I can't see the "special conference rate of $109" for a place that has seen better days.

Thanks for suggestions so far - you give me hope of figuring out a better place to stay.