Rio for first time at WSOP?

Hi.

I have the Rio booked for 5 nights over WSOP.

Pros:
location
no bathroom lines
easy dinner break rest and snacks

Cons:
Everyone says it is such a huge dump
not safe?
off strip for after I bust

I would like to get the full Wsop experience, and dont mind a solid 3.5 star place, I am fine with PH as an example.

I will have a rental car so can just drive to the Rio as well.


not sure what to do.

thanks

Jeremy

 

I haven't stayed at Rio in many years, but the rooms and property have never been above a 3 and I would guess that has slipped to a 2.5 or even a 2 now with the buffet missing from the dining line up.

That being said, 2 of my most favorite rooms I've stayed in were at the Rio. One was a free upgrade to an Ipanema Suite and the other was a room in the Masquerade Tower that the room length windows gave me an outstanding view of the south Strip from MB up to Caesars. I do like the size of their rooms there.

As for not safe, I typically haven't ventured out past valet or the cab pick up area, so I can't say for certain how past the Rio would be, but I've never felt uneasy inside the hotel.

I've stayed at quite a few hotels that I would consider a dump (the old IP before the remodels comes to mind) but I don't think the Rio has hit that point for me. Then again, I don't stay there anymore because the off strip location and the effort I would have to give to get to another property discourages that. If I was doing the WSOP as my main focus of a trip, I'd give it some heavy consideration though.

 

I would think…..want a break, head up to the room. Have an early morning session? Sleep in as long as practical. Lots of +’s staying on property to me.
Poker can find you next to someone with distinct tastes and odors. For hours. A dated room isn’t so bad.

 

It’s not unsafe. It just compares badly to most other resorts in town.

 

Saw this article the other day, I'd keep things locked up.
I assumed everyone bolted and latched their door at night...

"Deeb took to Twitter to report that there was a break in at his hotel room in the early parts of the morning on Oct 10. An intruder broke into his hotel room at the Rio All-Suite around 6.30 am and ran away when Deeb woke up and tried to confront him. The intruder managed to run away and disappear rather quickly."
https://www.top10pokersites.net/news/shaun-deeb-reports-intruder-in-his-rio-hotel-room-during-2021-wsop

 

Or was Deeb targeted?

 

I’m staying at the Rio right now. The rooms are starting to get bad. Stains on the carpet, couch and curtains. Elevators are starting to break. But if you’re just gonna play poker all day it’s still worth staying here cause you have an easy place to take a break and a short walk to the tournament.

 

Rio rooms have been targeted in the past during the WSOP.

 

The Rio is fine. Stayed there WSOP in 2019 and staying there again on November 8th for the WSOP Main Event this year!

Book into the Ipanema Tower. Not the Masquarade! That way, with a brisk walk you can get back to your room in the 20 minute breaks.

I set the 20 minute timer on my phone.

Found it perfectly safe. Keep the 'do not disturb' sign on your door even when you're out. I spoke directly with housekeeping person, tipped them at the start of my stay, and they cleaned and serviced my room well at a specific time I agreed.

Ps. As a Brit, if you've ever stayed in a Britannia chain hotel in the UK. Then the Rio is luxury! (Google their reviews if you want a laugh).

 

If you're game planning for being in a better location after you bust, I would consider double booking your trip for that option, however we were at the RIO for a WSOP a few year back and found everything very easy and convenient. Yes it's a little worn, but having the location flexibility of two places might be better for you.

 

Rio was getting worn 7 or 8 years ago when I stayed there....I don't expect they have done any refurbishing in the meantime...

 

The Rio has done lots of updates in the past 7-8 years, all on the inside:

- New carpeting throughout the whole casino
- Updated the Ipanema Tower elevators (not sure about Masquerade Tower elevators)
- All new chairs at the table games
- All new table tops at the table games
- Updated most of their slot machines