Key Points:
- Rio’s new ownership group is “putting in the work” to bring the resort back to relevance.
- My renovated King Suite impressed me (significantly) to the upside.
- The resort is still a “work in progress”, but the future looks bright.
Rio, which had fallen out of favor (and into a state of disrepair) over the years has changed hands, and the resort’s new owner Dreamscape has undertaken a multi-year renovation project to resurrect the old gal.
To date, work has touched dining establishments, portions of the casino floor, the pool deck, meeting space, and 1,500 suites in the Ipanema Tower.
Now, it had been a while since I stepped foot inside Rio, and I had yet to experience the hotel product, so I figured it was due time to get in there to kick some tires.
My renovated King Suite ran me $168.94 for one night after taxes and fees, and I was pretty jacked to explore.
Check-In Process
At noon the day of my stay I received a text message from Rio prompting me to check in online.
I did so from my phone, was immediately assigned a room number, and was emailed a QR code to be scanned at a self-serve kiosk to get my room key.
A slick process, and I appreciated getting early access to my room considering I didn’t pay for early check-in.
On the way up to my suite, I noticed that renovation work at the casino level was still in progress as the elevator lobby was a bit ripped up.
Stepping off the elevator on my floor though, it was clear that this part of the project was a wrap.
The carpet was fresh, the lighting was good, and it just felt nice.
Inside Rio’s Renovated King Suite
My first impression of the renovated suite caused me to re-evaluate my perception of Rio completely.
This. Is. Nice.
The suite has an impressive 582+ square feet of space, which is used to offer a living area with a sectional couch, a couple of little tables, and a modern TV with a crisp picture, a modern guide, and even the ability to connect to streaming services.
The couch even had a pull-out bed.
Another appreciated amenity was the empty mini fridge, which was brand new and offered apmple space.
There was also a small table and a couple of chairs.
The king bed was flanked by 2 end tables, each offering traditional outlets and USB-A/C charge ports.
The room’s decor was also impressive. Upon entry, the only light on was this backlit leaf – A nice touch.
The rest of the room felt stylish and well thought out. This is a room that you want to be in.
The Bathroom area offered a single sink vanity and makeup station on the approach to a separate room with another single sink vanity, toilet, and gorgeous shower with aesthetically pleasing tile work and a hand-held sprayer.
Bath products by Nest were provided in dispensers.
What’s Not to Like?
When I review hotels, I don’t just share the good, rather, I scour the place for damage, nonsensical design choices, and cleanliness misses.
A rarity, I found next to nothing.
This room doubled as being immaculate and in great condition.
The “worst” things I could find were some perma-stains on the door handle plate and a can light in the ceiling that was slightly ajar. Nothing major.
Rio Resort Experience
Rio is still very much a “tale of 2 resorts” as renovation work is ongoing.
Parts of the casino level feel modern, fresh, and new, while other areas have yet to be touched by the renovation project and are still a bit depressing.
For example, the Masquerade Village section of the gaming floor was dark and pretty deserted during my stay, and there were a LOT of empty storefronts.
The sportsbook also wasn’t all that impressive.
Fortunately, an employee let me know that the “depressing” portions of Rio’s gaming floor are on the docket to get some renovation attention in the near-ish future.
The Casino
In addition to a good assortment of slot machines, table game minimums were a rung cheaper than resorts on the Strip at $5 for Shoot to Win Craps, $10 for traditional craps, and $15 for BJ, roulette, and UTH.
There were a lot of ads for the Rio Rewards Loyalty Program, which appears to award significantly more free play for your coin-in than peer programs in town.
For example, Rio Rewards will give you $80 of free play per $10,000 of coin-in on slots vs. just $10 of free play at Caesars, Boyd, and Stations Casino properties.
Dining at Rio
Parts of the resorts that have been touched shined, however, like the new Canteen Food Hall, which is home to 6 quick-serve options serving burgers, ramen, chicken strips, sandwiches, and burritos.
Other dining options included Starbucks, VooDoo Steak, Kang’s Kitchen (Korean BBQ), KJ Dim Sum, Hash House A Go Go, El Burro Burracho, the Royal India Bistro, and the stunning Luckley Tavern.
I swung by Luckley during Happy Hour and ordered Birnie’s Sliders, which were discounted to $12 during HH, and a draft IPA that only cost $6.
The beer and sliders were great… but I was disappointed in the portions as the menu board outside the restaurant suggested I should have received 3 sliders and fries. Hmm.
I didn’t ask, but it’s likely a “dumbed down” happy hour deal. That said, I enjoyed all 4 bites.
Next time, I’ll just get the beer though.
On the topic of happy hours, Rio publishes up-to-date offerings at Luckley Tavern, VooDoo Steak, and El Burro Burracho on their website and there’s some value there.
KISS by Monster Mini Golf
A differentiated kid-friendly activity, KISS by Monster Mini Golf is a visual masterpiece with glowing features, music blasting overhead and music videos playing on several TVs.
The mini golf gameplay isn’t all that creative. The course itself is pretty flat, but the photo opps and aesthetic is next level.
The venue is even home to a KISS museum and a small arcade.
Rio’s Pool
Although the pool was closed for the season when I visited, it was recently touched as part of the renovation project and looks pretty appealing from outer space.
The Verdict: Is Rio on the Bounceback?
I left impressed.
Rio is on a path back to relevancy, and I’m excited to see how the project concludes.
My renovated suite surprised me to the upside, significantly. It was stylish, sizable, functional, immaculate, and in great condition.
I always say a hotel room in Vegas should excite you. It should make you feel something. This was exactly that.
There just seems to be a good value proposition here with published happy hours, dining options that won’t break the bank, lower table game limits, and a casino loyalty program that’s comparatively generous.
Anecdotally, my brother Ike signed up for the loyalty program, has never gambled a dollar at Rio, and constantly receives email offers redeemable for complimentary stays.
While not a luxurious resort, Rio is a solid, budget-friendly option that value seekers shouldn’t be sleeping on.
Related Las Vegas Hotel Reviews:
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.