Epitomizing the legacy and endurance of what has become known as the grand dame of the Vaal is the progressive reinvention of present day needs and client experiences. The site where the Riviera on Vaal Resort is situated today was initially built as a kiosk to service pleasure seeker to the river who were popping down for a swim, boat ride or picnic on the banks. American film maker, entrepreneur and developer, Isadore William Schlesinger, fell in love with the area and built a pristine hotel and the doors to the hotel were first opened on 29 August 1936. Sunday dinner and a movie became a hit as South Africans did not have the privilege of television until 1976, the Riviera on Vaal hotel was the place to be and be seen. The hotel, survived the devastating floods of early 1975, when most of the low-lying areas of Vereeniging were completely submerged in water, including most of the hotel grounds and the entire adjacent golf course. Anyone who remembers The Bee Gees or Depeche Mode