They upgraded a lot of the rooms last year about this time - we stayed in a renovated room, and had no complaints at all. Not sure what the reviews are saying, but the last four years I've stayed there and it's been fine. Now, the hotel Pennsylvania (HOPE conference) was a shit-hole. The hotel at phreaknic was a bit run down, but I'd go there again... not HOPE. Definitely the Riv, though.

Plus, when you're stumbling for the hotel room, you don't have to leave the facility. Major plus.