A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity for a very last-minute weekend trip to Vegas. Since we already had a "break-the-bank" Vegas trip coming up, we needed to keep the costs down. Neither of us had stayed at Rio and since I'm on a mission to stay at most of the Vegas hotels, it was an easy choice. I say most, because there is no way that I'll ever stay at Circus Circus. Never!!!!
Rio had a lot going for it. The price was good, around a hundred a night for the weekend. We had a basic room and it was massive. There was almost too much space for what little furniture it contained. This was for the cheapest room. I was impressed. I liked that even the bathroom was large, with plenty of room for all of my grooming items. The bed was was comfortable too. I was very happy with our room.
We had a great view of the pool complex and the Vegas strip. Check out the new Ferris Wheel!
The pool area was really nice. It was absolutely packed when we arrived, but an attendant helped us find two lounge chairs together. I was very impressed with all of the staff at Rio. Everyone was very friendly and I felt like they genuinely valued our business. This went a long way to making a good impression.
A negative was the hotel seemed short staffed. We arrived very late at night on a Friday, when check-in was no longer busy, yet it took over an hour to get our luggage delivered to our room. The bell attendant blamed the sluggish central dispatch system.The valet was impossibly slow, even when it wasn't busy. We waited about forty-five minutes to get our car on a Saturday afternoon. The staff all seem to be scrambling to get everything done, I just don't think that there were enough people working.
We tried several of the restaurants at Rio. The World Carnival Buffet was a very pleasant surprise. It was nearly as good as the buffets at some of the high end hotels, yet for a fraction of the cost. We went for lunch, which included bottomless mimosas. Score! The food was fresh and there was an overwhelming amount of choices. I was in heaven with the shrimp and the crab legs.
For a late night meal, we had burgers at the All-American Bar and Grille. Again, very good food at a reasonable price. I only wish that Rio had more after-hours dining options.
Heavily advertised throughout the property is the Hash House A Go Go. We waited in long line to try this midwestern themed brunch restaurant. The food was very good, but a bit over-priced. I really enjoyed my pineapple mimosa. As a pineapple fan, this was far better than the traditional orange juice mimosa! We split an omelette and french toast with pecans. Yummy.
The best restaurant was the Royal Indian Bistro, where we are about 99.9% sure that Zack Galifianakis was sitting a few tables over from us. I absolutely loved the tandoori chicken on skewers. The chicken biriyani was equally amazing, but the spiciest thing that I've ever eaten. We ordered it to be medium spicy and I couldn't feel my tongue!
It's an older hotel and not directly on the strip, but overall, I enjoyed my stay at Rio and I wouldn't hesitate to return. It offers a lot for your money.