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Considering RIO as an alternative to the Strip

Discussion in 'Off-Strip Hotels' started by waverunner, Feb 10, 2013.

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  1. waverunner

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

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    I always stay on the Strip but i may stay at RIO in May comped. I was planning on Bally's but only 3 of the 5 nights are comped as of now. As a regular at Bally's i may like the pool better at RIO, apparently RIO has mini fridges, the rooms supposedly 600 sq.ft, and some other nice things. I would plan to spend most of my evenings at Bally's, Paris, and Planet Hollywood, then return to RIO by 11pm and then spend about 2 hrs gambling at RIO before heading up to my room.
    I won't have a car, but is the Shuttle fairly reliable around 10/11PM? Supposedly it runs from 10am to 12am weekdays. The rooms are comped in May and have never stayed there, but my only concern is the Shuttle. Is the Shuttle big enough to hold a fair amount of people? If you have a RIO room key and want to get back to the Hotel after 10pm, is it first come first serve, or will they consider someone like myself who is slightly disabled?
     
  2. pebbles

    pebbles Micro Roller.

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    The shuttle driver lets Diamond and 7 stars on first, then any wheelchairs, then the remaining people. Is your disability obvious? If so, I imaging you could be in luck and get on before the majority. The shuttles are every 30 minutes, and I thought they ran until 1:00 am but I may be mistaken in that. We never stay on the strip very late when we are staying at Rio. Next trip to the Rio is 21 March. We like it there.
     
  3. Dtyst1

    Dtyst1 Low-Roller

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    I'll also second the Rio, if you don't mind being that far off-strip.

    I liked the rooms, casino, the whole property. However, I couldn't stand being that far off-strip and having to get a cab or shuttle to get everywhere. If that isn't a concern to you, then definitely try the Rio.

    As far as the shuttle, I've yet to see one of the shuttles gets packed to capacity. Not saying it can't happen, but I can't picture it happening often.
     
  4. waverunner

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

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    Thanks. My disability is not obvious as i look like most everyone else if i was waiting for the Shuttle. But then boarding the Shuttle i need to be careful by holding on to the railing, and lift my right leg higher than my left, that sort of thing. I can't run or walk fast, and i must stop when walking more than a block to rest my leg. Just a couple of minutes, then i'm on my way. So i guess i would play it by ear, really don't want to take the Taxi, before i had my minor stroke i would walk everywhere, like from RIO to the Strip.........LOL.
     
  5. waverunner

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

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    Thanks. My Shuttle trips would be just twice a day. Leaving RIO i the morning then coming back late afternoon, then for the evening i would take the Shuttle to the Strip until about 10 or 11 pm then head back. I spend a majority of my time on the Strip, but i am comped for 5 nights at RIO, so i don't mind taking the Shuttle twice a day coming and going.
    Would i be correct in assuming that the Shuttle from RIO to Harrah's is non-stop?
     
  6. Cheeriomom

    Cheeriomom Tourist

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    Our shuttles we take from the Rio are always non-stop. We love it there, not fancy but spacious, clean, we go in 3 weeks :peace:
     
  7. waverunner

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

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    Just found out that the RTC #202 bus goes from the Strip (CP) and RIO, so another alternative. Perhaps i'll take the RTC during the day, then the Shuttle in the evening. Thanks everyone.
     
  8. trooth

    trooth Low-Roller

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    I was going to say there is a bus that goes by there too. You may have to wait a little longer than you would for a taxi, but there are multiple transportation options available.
     
  9. waverunner

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

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    Thanks, my first option is the Shuttle because it goes directly in to the Hotel. The RTC bus is my second option, i do see a bus stop across from the RIO that goes to the Strip, haven't found out yet where the stop is going TO the Hotel. when i come back from the Strip. I used Google Earth and no luck. Looking at the map i see that Gold Coast is nearby, maybe within walking distance.
    Forgot to mention that i booked RIO last night online. 5 comped nights. I was hoping to stay at Bally's like i normally do but only 3 night are comped. I'm actually looking forward to staying at RIO, bigger rooms, a fridge, and the Pool looks great, i will be there in the middle of May. Hopefully the adult pool is open....rather not be around kids, rather be around clothing optional females..LOL.
     
  10. Dtyst1

    Dtyst1 Low-Roller

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    Yes, Gold Coast is definitely within walking distance. Palms is also within walking distance, for most people.
     
  11. waverunner

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

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    Thank you. I may check out the Ports o' Call buffet at Gold Coast. I hear it's dirt cheap and half way decent. A few years ago i survived the Excalibur Buffet, so the GC buffet i presume, is survivable.
     
  12. feltbettor

    feltbettor Tourist

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    I stayed at the Rio on my last trip to vegas. Very nice room for the money. Mini fridge, safe, keurig coffee machine and mini bar (not positive about the mini bar).

    There is also a shuttle that runs from Ballys ---> Gold Coast ---> Orleans ----> Ballys. So if you decide to eat at the Ports O' Call Buffet you could take to the shuttle from Gold Coast to Orleans and back to Ballys.

    For anyone interested in the various shuttle locations and routes here is a link.

    http://www.lasvegas-how-to.com/free-shuttle.php
     
  13. waverunner

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

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    WOW, thanks, that link is great, just what i'm looking for. I've never "feltbettor"......LOL.
     
  14. feltbettor

    feltbettor Tourist

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    Glad I could help. Now if you'll excuse me I have to jet....ski back to myVegas.
     
  15. sammasseur

    sammasseur VIP Whale

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    Stayed at Gold Coast last August while attending the Star Trek convention at Rio. Ate nearly every meal at GC buffet and it was quite satisfying, yet a fraction of Rio's cost. And no long line like at Rio, either.
     
  16. waverunner

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

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  17. DonD

    DonD VIP Whale

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    I did a three day horse race tournament there which included a free buffet each day. It was very good, especially the Chile Verde.
     
  18. sammasseur

    sammasseur VIP Whale

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    I'm Captain Janeway of the starship Voyager. I'm trying to get to the buffet. Now get the Hell out of my way! :nworthy:
     
  19. slricks0101

    slricks0101 Tourist

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    Gold Coast breakfast buffet is probably one of the best deals in town if you ask me.

    After I ate there last time, I sat down and played through 50 bucks with red chips at the BJ tables. Now I have 2 free weekend nights coming up in March. They seem to be generous with the comps.
     
  20. LA2VegasTrekkers

    LA2VegasTrekkers High-Roller

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    We were staying on the strip, but drove over to Rio for the con and walked accross to Gold Coast to eat at the buffet with other members of our crew. It was reasonably priced and everything seemed to be fresh. It's not fancy, but agree that it's a good option at a lower price point and, during the con, way easier to get into if everyone you're with doesn't have a Platinum/Diamond card for line skipping at Rio.
     
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