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Sell me on Rio

Discussion in 'Off-Strip Hotels' started by Wanger1969, Oct 23, 2014.

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  1. Wanger1969

    Wanger1969 Iowa Nice

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    My significant other really wants to stay here next trip. He really loved the atmosphere in there when we visited last trip. He also totally digs their buffet.

    Sell me on staying at the Rio, not only for what this establishment offers, but for the surrounding area and casinos. We were considering a stay downtown, simply because we find ourselves down there at least a couple of days during our trip. But now he's flipped and wants to try out Rio.

    We don't ever rent a car but use the Deuce/Express bus or take taxi's when traveling around Vegas.

    Any pro's/con's you can share will help with our decision? Thank you in advance!
     
  2. aaisack

    aaisack VIP Whale

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    The biggest selling point for the Rio probably is that all the rooms are really large (all suite hotel). If you want a large room at a lower price point the Rio is a good choice.

    As someone mostly focused on good gaming and under $20 meals, I dislike the Rio. The gambling stinks for an off strip property and the restaurants are overpriced. For me, the Palms and Gold Coast are much better options (all 3 are located in the same area). I rarely visit the Rio, so it's possible that things are changing.
     
  3. meyers67

    meyers67 VIP Whale

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    Their shuttle to Ballys and Harrahs gives you free access to the strip and it runs til 1 or 2 am.
     
  4. 1LuckyMomma

    1LuckyMomma High-Roller

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    I agree completely. We played for 5 straight days on the slots there. Biggest jackpot we hit was about $50. Restaurants are very expensive. A burger at the bar is $25. Rooms are okay, but you have to walk FOREVER to get to them.

    I also didn't particularly care for the loud music and "dancers" on the stages in the wee hours of the morning. They've offered me free rooms and I still won't stay there.

    But, if you like to party, like a really loud casino, don't mind spending a fortune on food, the rooms are pretty nice and clean unless you get one of the old ones.

    If you end up staying there, you can walk over to Gold Coast and take the free shuttle to Orleans to gamble. It also goes to Bally's.

    Seemed like we were forever waiting on the Rio/Harrah's shuttle when we stayed there and the drivers were rude.

    I posted a trip review last year on the Rio when we got back. It wasn't the right place for us, but everyone's different. Back to the Orleans we go! (The rooms are better and cleaner there. Food prices are also much lower.)


     
  5. jamesxnj

    jamesxnj VIP Whale

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    Is the Rio semi-comped for you? Then stay there..and take the shuttles to the strip. Rooms are nice with plenty of room to unpack and live out of suitcase without them getting in the way.You may encounter the room safe that does not work and bring your own kuerig cups to avoid a long starbucks wait mid morming..And some other things like a wet spot on the floor from the bathtub..stuff like that.
    Have stayed there countless times over the past 12 or so years..It is not the Pallazzo type, but staff has never dissapointed treating a low-roller like me.
    Have a nice trip !
     
  6. breanna61

    breanna61 Super Moderator

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    Palms across the street a short walk has great dining options and also has a shuttle to the strip but it stops running at 8 pm.....Rio's shuttle runs much later.
     
  7. jrinct1

    jrinct1 VIP Whale

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    And would add the pool area at the Rio is VERY nice. If you are a value player ..Rio wont be your best bet.
     
  8. Dr Nostron

    Dr Nostron VIP Whale

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    We love the rio - easy walk to palms and Gold Coast for change of pace - love to throw the dice - always seem to have good dealers there
     
  9. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    Were you there before or after show in the sky ended? Cause to my that changed the atmosphere IMO. Just something to think about.

    That being said I like the rooms at the Rio a lot for the value you will get price wise. I do not think you can get a much better view that you get at Voodoo if you are into that stuff.
     
  10. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    As a VP player, the best things about the Rio is the proximity of the Gold Coast and Palms. As aaisack says, the rooms are very sizable, may be the biggest standard room I've stayed in. Also was in decent shape for the CET brand. Ate the Rio buffet in Feb. for lunch/early dinner. We were sorta disappointed as our dinner in Sept. 2011 was significantly better.
     
  11. LV2GAMBLE

    LV2GAMBLE Certified LOW Roller

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    Wow. You all are making ME think about my upcoming stay there. We like to shake things up a bit and try different places. So, for the upcoming trip we are doing 3 nights at the D and then moving to the Rio for 4 (maybe 3) nights. We are low-rolling CET players and are getting comp rooms at both locations. We really just want to give it a try. However, we will also be spending some time at Gold Coast and some time visiting the strip as it is NASCAR championship week. I don't think we will be having too many meals there (probably GC for a cheap breakfast buffet), but for the meals we do have there will probably use our reward credits.

    And, Wanger (Kay), both Rio and Gold Coast run shuttles to the strip. And yes, more beer!!
     
  12. waverunner

    waverunner ------VEGA$------

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    I stayed at Rio last year and i go to Rio every time i'm in Vegas (including in a couple of weeks).
    I use the Rio shuttle from Bally's because i use the Buffet at Gold Coast. I love Rio rooms. I had a Strip/Pool view in the Ipinema Tower.
    I always get comped at Rio but chose PHO in August and now November because it's also comped. The Rio pool was great, especially the Adult pool. When i go to Vegas in the Spring of 2015, Rio and Harrah's are comped (i go for 5 nights), so i may go back to Rio to stay again.
    Rio regular suites are a lot bigger than Harrah's regular rooms, so i'll have to make a decision. But i use the Rio shuttle all the time, always had top notch drivers, and you do have a choice at Rio if you want to go to Bally's or Harrah's. I prefer getting the shuttle to Bally's because i'm closer (usually stay at Bally's or PHO), but i sometimes use the shuttle to Harrah's if i'm going north to Venitian and Wynn to hang out.
     
  13. Terry Benedict

    Terry Benedict VIP Whale

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    Pro: Your SO wants to check a hotel off the list.
    Big rooms. (I think they have fridges too. Check their website.)
    Pool.
    VooDoo.
    Shuttles to Ballys and Harrahs. (Did they stop connecting to Caesars?)
    Two buffets. In my experience though, I can never repeat the feeling of the first time to a restaurant.
    Gold Coast has very good Chinese food places.

    Cons: Only two casinos in walking distance.
    Food prices are Strip level. (By your reference to downtown, I am assuming you are price-conscious.)
    Gambling are Strip level.

    Push: Off Strip (depends on your perspective).
     
  14. JosieCat

    JosieCat VIP Whale

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    I just stayed there a few weeks ago. The rooms are very big. I got there late (8:00 p.m.) so I was downgraded from the comped Samba King Strip view room I had booked to a classic room. Showing it's age, but the room was quiet, the bed was comfy, and I did love having a Keurig (I brought pods with me) and the fridge in the room.

    Gambling - I did OK there. No hand pays but enough small hits to keep me playing. I earned Platinum in less than 48 hours. I've done far worse :).

    I did eat the buffet one night, but then mostly stuck to the deli by the sports book. It thought it was good.
     
  15. JR Swift

    JR Swift VIP Whale

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    Have stayed at the Rio many times. Have had decent luck there and the rooms are comfortable and spacious, if not necessarily luxurious. I enjoy the "neighborhood" as I like playing at the Gold Coast and the Palms. Food choices aren't bad. Buffets are pretty good. Have eaten several times at the All American Grille and the Sao Paulo Cafe and found them to be OK coffee shop sorts of options. I always seem to win my meal price and more playing vid poker at the AAG though that is, I'm sure, just dumb luck. If you play a decent amount, you'll be comped going forward. Machines aren't great but not terrible. Drink service is average to good. I like it.
     
  16. Wanger1969

    Wanger1969 Iowa Nice

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    Rio

    The appeal of the Rio to me is its proximity to Gold Coast. Much more reasonable options from a food perspective. We are budget conscious folks for sure. We usually only eat a couple of times a day, usually hitting up a breakfast/lunch buffet through MyVegas and then whatever for later in the day when we are hungry. We don't mind spending money on cab rides to get where we want to go.

    Gambling wise we stick mostly to Craps / Poker with a few slots. We are usually comped at Rio along with Harrah's, The Quad, Flamingo, Ballys. However, we are a bit down on the gambling options of the Strip these days which is why I brought up Downtown and then he brought up the Rio. I've stayed downtown many times, but he never has. I'll also state that 99% of the time his choices win out. Thanks for all the comments, its much appreciated
     
  17. Naturaleight

    Naturaleight MIA

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    They have some of the worst odds games, and I have never seen so many bad rules, 6:5 BJ tables in my life. As others have stated the food is overpriced, especially for an off-strip place. The one time I had a reservation there, I walked into the room, and walked right out. The room was in such disarray and so dirty I was not going to stay there. I would never stay there. Palms and Gold Coast much much much better value as others have said.
     
  18. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    I think the cocktail waitress uniforms are the best in Vegas, if you are into that sort of thing. (assuming the have not changed in the past few years) Also I hope they still do the singing/entertainment as well.

    I just hate the show in the sky is gone. That area of the casino always had amazing energy on show nights.
     
  19. gailtherese

    gailtherese Upper Middle Class ?!

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    I love the RIO and have stayed there many times!! It's my first choice when the price is right. Their rooms are spacious and one wall all windows - beautiful to open the drapes all the way at night and take in the view with lights out! Rooms are the quietest I've ever experienced for great sleeping! Their dining options are great - try BUZIO'S - great seafood AND atmosphere! I love the VIBE of the casino; but with the "Show in the Sky" gone by the wayside, that will hurt the energy level. They have a great wine bar down the spiral staircase; cozy and intimate. Fantastic outdoor patio and view from the VOODOO lounge on the top floor! And YES, just a hop, skip and jump to both Gold Coast and Palms; which have their own strong points! Give it a try!! Gail from MN
     
  20. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    The one thing I like at the Rio, which they still had last trip, is the cocktail service. They have an order-taker who comes around with a tablet, and takes your order and notes the machine number. Then only a few minutes later the server comes by with your drink.

    They also had this last April at the Linq/Quad/IP but on the last trip I swear it was the usual type of drink service instead.
     
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