Riviera Lodge, Saratoga

The Riviera Lodge was right on the North Platte river, which is why we decided to stop. When we arrived at the Riviera Lodge, the lobby was brand new, smelling of new wood. No furniture in it yet, it was that new. Beautiful worksmanship, and will be lovely when finished. They had three sections, two delux rooms, and two condos. The first section apparently was the original motel from the 1950s. Obviously, these rooms were smaller with no A/C and cheaper, smoking and non-, and allowed pets. The non-smoking rooms were ok, but I would go for the other 2 sections if staying more than one night. The second section, added on a decade or so ago, were much nicer. They offered A/C, smoking and non, and allowed pets. They were a good price for the money, and good for multiple day's stays. The third section was built on when the lobby was built, and are brand new. Great pillowtop beds, no smoking, no pets, and A/C. The only downside with the new rooms is that they do not have a view of the river, although there is a grassy area with picnic tables right next to the river that all guests can use. The delux rooms have a balcony overhanging the river, and are very spacious. Very beautiful to stay in. Well worth the splurge. The condos are older houses rennovated into condos and are being improved. They do not have A/C, but have a small lawn right on the river where you can sit at night. Beautiful view of the river! Great for a place to sleep at night after floating the river or fishing all day. Not so great for a honeymoon-type situation. I would go with the delux rooms or the brand new section for that. They had wireless and DSL in the 2nd and 3rd sections for free. They also had a vending area with ice, two drink machines, and a snack machine. The owners were a very friendly older couple, Kay and Lee. They are very open, friendly people who want to help out, and are always willing to give suggestions for a great evening of food and relaxation. There is a natural hot springs in the town--open air, free, open 24 hours, and patrolled frequently by policemen to keep it safe. A great stop on any trip through the small town of Saratoga, population 1700.