Las Vegas has one of the most competitive hotel markets in the country. With massive casinos, endless buffets, and world-class entertainment, it is no surprise that millions of visitors come here every year. 

Whether you are traveling for a weekend of gambling, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or one of the many conferences and festivals hosted in the city, you know that hotels are constantly competing for every tourism dollar.

On my recent trip to Las Vegas for a festival, my flight schedule requires me to stay an extra night after my good friend leaves. 

For that final night, I decide to book a stay at the Rio Hotel & Casino. This is one of two Hyatt-affiliated casinos in Las Vegas (with the Palazzo & Venetian complex being the other).

I have heard about the recent hotel renovations, so I am eager to see how much it has improved (or not).

Hotel Award Booking (5/10)

Hotel pricing in Las Vegas is unpredictable. On some nights, rates skyrocket due to major events, while on others, they drop to rock-bottom prices as hotels try to fill rooms. 

The Rio Hotel & Casino is a Category 3 property in the World of Hyatt program (as of 2024). Award nights here range from 9,000 points (off-peak) to 15,000 points (peak), with a standard rate of 12,000 points per night. When I book my stay, the average cash rate for a standard room is just over $40 per night. 

However, there is also a $50 resort fee, which Hyatt waives for Globalist members and anyone redeeming points.

In this case, paying cash is clearly the better value. 

Note: I have seen this hotel charge hundreds of dollars per night during busy periods. In those situations, redeeming Hyatt points can be a much better option.

Related: The Best Ways To Earn World Of Hyatt Points

Hotel Location And Public Transportation (2/10)

The Rio Hotel & Casino sits off the Strip, just across I-15 from the Bellagio and Caesars Palace. 

At first glance, the location seems convenient, but in reality, getting to the Strip is a challenge. Walking there requires crossing a busy road and a large pedestrian bridge, which is not an easy or quick trek. In most cases, taking a taxi or Uber is the best option for getting around.

To put it bluntly, the location is terrible and will require some planning to get to and from The Strip.

For those planning a visit, here is the exact address of the hotel:

3700 W Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89103

Parking

The Rio Hotel & Casino offers complimentary self-parking in two parking garages, along with free valet parking. Given that the hotel has over 1,500 rooms, I can imagine that valet parking gets hectic during peak times. 

Still, it is a nice option to have.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is not a great option for reaching the Rio Hotel & Casino. 

Checking the bus schedule, I see that getting to the hotel from the airport requires at least two different buses and takes nearly an hour. However, my Uber ride to the airport on the morning of my departure takes just 10 to 15 minutes and costs less than $20 with tip. 

Based on my experience, I highly recommend taking a taxi or Uber instead of relying on public transportation.

Vibe And Atmosphere (6/10)

The Rio Hotel & Casino is, first and foremost, a casino, like most major hotels in Las Vegas. 

However, unlike the massive casinos on the Strip, the gaming floor here is smaller and feels less overwhelming upon entering.

I notice that the overall atmosphere is more relaxed compared to many Strip hotels. Since the Rio Hotel & Casino sits off the main tourist areas, there are not large crowds of people constantly passing through. 

Most of the guests here are actually staying at the hotel, which makes the vibe feel less chaotic than some of the more centrally located resorts, as there are a lot less people moving in and out.

Of course, I am visiting on a Sunday night, which naturally makes the hotel feel quieter. 

However, I have spoken to friends who have stayed here over a full weekend, and they say the atmosphere still feels more laid-back than many hotels on the Strip.

Hotel Check-In (7/10)

As my Uber pulls up to the Rio Hotel & Casino, I step out and walk inside. 

On my left, I see the check-in area, which includes several self-service kiosks. I walk up to a kiosk and immediately run into issues with the machine. Luckily, a hotel staff member is stationed nearby to assist guests. 

He asks if I am an elite member, and when I mention that I am a World of Hyatt Globalist, he directs me to the elite check-in desks located in a VIP reception room to the right of the entrance.

Inside the VIP reception area, I wait in line for a few minutes before reaching the front desk. 

The agent greets me, thanks me for being a World of Hyatt Globalist, and reviews my elite benefits. She hands me two bottles of water and lets me know that I can sign up for the Rio Rewards program to earn points for gambling. 

Before sending me on my way, she points me toward the elevators.

In hindsight, I think it might have been faster to use the kiosk since there was no line there, while I had to wait in the VIP reception area. The VIP experience is a nice touch, but for efficiency, the kiosk seems like the better option.

Related: Save 50% With The Unique Hyatt Family Plan Rate

As I try to find my way to the elevators, I get turned around and have to backtrack. Eventually, I realize that when standing near the front entrance, the elevators are directly behind the lobby bar.

Once I head in the right direction, I notice that one bank of elevators is under maintenance, which creates long wait times as guests check in and head up to their rooms. Fortunately, this only seems to be an issue at peak check-in times. 

Once the renovations are complete, I imagine the process will go much more smoothly.

After a quick ride up to the 14th floor, I step out, walk down the hall, and arrive at my room: 1416.

Renovated King Suite – Bedroom And Living Space (9/10)

Before diving into the details, I have to highlight one major perk: this room is absolutely massive at approximately 550 square feet. For only $40 per night, this is an incredible deal.

The renovated space looks great. Is it the most luxurious room in Las Vegas? Not at all. But it feels modern, cozy, and like a great place to unwind after a long day in one of the most energetic cities in the world.

The Living Space

Upon entering, I immediately notice a shelf to my left and a full-length mirror to my right. The shelf is perfect for holding my day-to-day essentials like my shoulder bag and wallet.

On the wall facing the hallway, there is a cabinet that holds the room phone, an ice bucket, and a wine cooler/fridge. I put a few bottles of water in the fridge, and it works perfectly fine.

Moving further into the room, I see a sectional sofa, a coffee table, and a television. The furniture appears brand new, and the setup makes for a comfortable lounging space.

Next to the TV, I spot a light-up palm tree lamp. 

Is it practical? Not really. But it is a fun design feature that fits the Las Vegas desert vibe.

The room features massive floor-to-ceiling windows that span its entire length. My view overlooks Gold Coast Casino, with a beautiful mountain backdrop in the distance.

Along the back wall, there is a high-top table with chairs and a lamp. This setup works well as a workspace, especially since the lamp has built-in table-height outlets for charging devices.

The Bedroom

The king-sized bed sits at the center of the far wall, flanked by two bedside tables. 

The bed itself is very comfortable, and I sleep like a baby (though, to be fair, I am exhausted from the festival the night before). Each side of the bed has built-in outlets within the bedside lamps, making it easy to charge my phone overnight.

One downside: there is no in-room coffee maker. 

This might be a dealbreaker for some, but for those who need their caffeine fix, there is a Starbucks in the lobby conveniently located right next to the elevators.

Related: How To Get A Hotel Upgrade Without Status

Renovated King Suite – Bathroom (6/10)

The bathroom entrance sits between the cabinet and the left side table.

Looking inside, I first see a sink with a small vanity area and a makeup mirror. A unique mirror hangs above the sink, adding a stylish touch. 

However, there is no stool, which makes it awkward to use the mirror for makeup or grooming. 

It might make more sense to move the mirror across to the drawer area, where it would be easier to stand upright rather than leaning over. This is also where I find the in-room safe.

One of my favorite details in the entire room is here: a retro Rio print that looks incredible. I would honestly hang this in my own home, right next to an old picture of The Confidante that I already have displayed.

To the left of the entrance, I find a full closet with a pocket door.

Inside, there is a luggage rack, iron, and ironing board.

To the right, there is a formal water closet, a second sink, and the shower.

The second sink is a pedestal-style sink with another unique mirror hanging above it. The shower and toilet are enclosed behind a door.

This is where the renovation feels a bit incomplete. The shower has been fully updated with new tile, hardware, and a modern shower pan, but the old toilet and original bathroom door remain. Upgrading these final elements would have made the renovation feel fully finished.

That said, the shower itself is great. It has a full sliding door, along with both a standard shower head and a handheld option. 

Water pressure is strong, and the temperature control works well – I leave feeling refreshed.

The bathroom amenities are from Nest New York, provided in bulk wall-mounted containers. They smell wonderful and add a touch of luxury.

Hotel Amenities And Facilities (6/10)

As a Las Vegas resort, the Rio Hotel & Casino offers plenty of amenities. I will cover the three main highlights (the casino, pool, and gym), followed by a quick rundown of other tourist-focused amenities. 

Below is a map provided at check-in, showing where everything is located.

Destination Fee

Like most Las Vegas hotels, the Rio Hotel & Casino charges a $50 destination fee per night. However, this fee is waived for Globalists on all stays and for anyone booking an award night using Hyatt points.

The destination fee includes:

• High-speed Wi-Fi for up to four devices per room
• 30% discount on show tickets
• 2-for-1 mimosas at Hash House A Go Go (breakfast, brunch, or lunch)
• 2-for-1 cocktails at Luckley Tavern & Grill

Let’s be honest, this is just a way to increase the room rate. But that is Vegas, baby! 

I do not know of any hotel or casino on the Strip that does not charge a destination fee, so it is simply part of the experience.

The Casino

Like most Las Vegas resorts, the casino is the heart of the Rio Hotel & Casino. 

It is front and center as soon as I walk in, offering a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. 

I spend about two hours playing blackjack and roulette, my personal favorites. The atmosphere feels more casual than at Strip casinos, making it easy to chat with other players. I end up grabbing dinner in the food hall with one of them once we are done gaming!

One notable downside: there is no poker room. I believe it was shut down during the pandemic and converted into the high roller area. I do not step inside, as I already know my anxiety would skyrocket seeing people play $100-a-hand baccarat, like I once witnessed at Wynn.

The casino also has hundreds of slot machines throughout the entirety of the property, including my favorite, Pinball. 

There is nothing particularly different about the slot selection compared to other casinos, though I notice several broken machines. Maybe the casino is having a streak of bad luck (pun intended).

Waitresses circulate the gaming floor, offering free drinks to players (tipping is expected and appreciated).

Sportsbook

The Sportsbook area is a comfortable space to watch games, featuring dozens of lounge chairs arranged in rows facing large TVs. 

Since the Rio Hotel & Casino is off the Strip, I ask the bartender if it ever gets busy. He tells me that it fills up for major events, but otherwise, it is one of the best low-key spots to watch a game in Vegas. 

Having experienced a packed Sportsbook earlier in my trip, I believe him.

Pool

To reach the pool complex, I walk through the casino, passing Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho and Hash House A Go Go. Once outside, I scan my room key, and an attendant verifies my access.

The pool area is massive, featuring four pools and hundreds of lounge chairs. 

I initially worry about the heat, but the plentiful umbrellas and large rock formations provide plenty of shade, making it easy to stay cool. 

The crowd is diverse, with families, solo travelers, and retirees all enjoying the space. What I appreciate most is that it is a relaxing atmosphere – not a wild pool party scene, but more like a family-friendly resort in Cancun (except with larger, nicer pools, in my opinion).

During my stay, only two pools are open, which makes sense given the moderate number of guests. 

Lifeguards are stationed throughout the area, which is reassuring, especially for families with kids.

Poolside Service

There is no waiter service for lounge chairs (though bungalows may have service). Instead, there is a bar where guests can grab drinks. 

A towel station is also available, and as far as I can tell, I am free to take as many towels as I need.

Gym

I will get straight to the point: the gym desperately needs a renovation.

Finding The Gym

Locating the gym is frustrating. According to the map provided at check-in, it should be right past the pool entrance, but I struggle to find the door. 

After wandering around, I realize that to enter, I need to walk out toward the pool entrance, then turn left just before the keycard swipe station for the pool. This setup is confusing, and if Rio Hotel & Casino ever renovates the gym, adding a direct entrance from the hallway would make a huge difference. 

It would also allow the gym to stay open beyond pool hours.

Gym Layout And Equipment

Once inside, I find plenty of equipment where I can get a full workout, but it is cramped, and the equipment is outdated. 

If there are more than three or four people inside, I would probably just skip my workout.

• Cardio Machines: About 10 treadmills and ellipticals line the right wall overlooking the pool. This is also where I find a towel station, sanitizing wipes, and a water jug.
• Weight Machines: The center of the gym has a variety of machines for upper and lower body workouts.
• Free Weights & Strength Training: The back wall houses dumbbells, a cable machine, and a Smith machine (which I always use). However, the dumbbell section is tiny, and I hesitate to use it since I notice damage to the wall from dropped weights. 

While the gym gets the job done, it feels neglected and outdated. A renovation with more space, modern equipment, and a better entrance would make a huge difference.

Other Amenities

Beyond the casino, pool, and gym, the Rio Hotel & Casino offers a few other amenities:

• Comedy Club: There is a comedy club on-site, but since there is no show on the night of my stay, I do not get a chance to check it out.
• Atrium & Shops: The hotel features a massive atrium with a variety of shops. However, most storefronts are empty, making it feel underutilized. That said, the space itself is beautiful, and I imagine it could become much livelier once more tenants move in.
• KISS Mini Golf & Arcade: This is a KISS-themed attraction that doubles as a museum, small arcade, and glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course.

While these amenities are not major highlights, they add some extra entertainment options for guests looking to explore beyond the casino and pool.

Breakfast (N/A)

Breakfast at Rio Hotel & Casino is served at Hash House A Go-Go. 

Upon entering, I notice that there are two separate lines: one for non-Hyatt members and another specifically for Globalists. 

In fact, there is even a sign directing Globalists to their designated area.

While I do not have the chance to experience breakfast myself, my good friend shares his thoughts on what to expect:

• Globalist line is fast – seated in under a minute.
• Only one drink included (juice OR coffee), even though the World of Hyatt policy should allow both.
• Can order from the main menu, but “Hash House Originals” are excluded.
• Breakfast burrito is good, but my no-cheese request is ignored.
• Restaurant is packed, but service is efficient.

On-Site Dining (8/10)

Given the size of the Rio Hotel & Casino, there are plenty of on-site dining options to choose from:

• VooDoo Steak & Lounge (steakhouse)
• Luckley Tavern & Grill (American tavern)
• Lapa Lounge (cocktail bar)
• Canteen Food Hall
  • Attaboy Burgers (burgers)
  • Nama Nama (Japanese)
  • Tender Crush (fried chicken)
  • Tony Luke’s (Philly cheesesteak)
  • Shogun Ramen (ramen)
  • Southland Burrito Co. (Mexican)
• The Wine Cellar Tasting Room (wine bar)
• Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho (Mexican)
• KJ Dim Sum (Chinese)
• Kang’s Kitchen (Korean bbq)
• Masquerade Bar (cocktail bar)
• Starbucks (coffee)
• Smashburger (burgers)

My Dining Experience

During my stay, I grab dinner at the Canteen Food Hall, specifically at Shogun Ramen.

When I arrive, I notice that the stall is quite busy. Instead of waiting in line, I see that they actually prefer guests to order at the kiosk. 

I place an order for the signature Shogun Ramen along with a side of mango mochi ice cream.

The ramen is fantastic. Rich, flavorful, and exactly what I expect from a great street-style ramen stall. Additionally, the mochi ice cream is delicious, with a smooth texture and just the right temperature. 

After a long weekend of walking the Strip and attending a music festival, this meal is the perfect way to unwind.

Staff And Service (6/10)

Las Vegas thrives on hospitality, and every hotel and casino competes to offer the best service experience. 

At the Rio Hotel & Casino, I find that the staff does a solid job of keeping things running smoothly. From the front desk agent who checks me in to the game hosts and pool staff, everyone I interact with is efficient and professional. 

Despite the fast-paced, assembly-line nature of service, the staff adds just enough personalization to make me feel like more than just another guest.

That being said, I do run into an issue when trying to order food. 

At the ramen stand, there is only one person handling both cooking and taking orders. I wait in line for a few minutes before realizing that the process would be much faster using the self-service kiosk. While this works fine for me, I notice that many older guests who struggle to order from an electronic system. 

Having an additional staff member to assist with orders would make a big difference.

World of Hyatt Status And Benefits (7/10)

The Rio Hotel & Casino does a great job recognizing my World of Hyatt Globalist status and offering valuable perks. 

During my stay, I enjoy several benefits that enhance the experience:

• Complimentary Breakfast: While I do not take advantage of it, breakfast is free for all Globalists. One thing to note is that they only allow guests to choose either juice or coffee, not both (which is against the terms & conditions of the World of Hyatt program, as both should be offered).
• Waived Destination Fee: As a Globalist, I do not have to pay the $50 nightly destination fee, which adds up to a significant savings, particularly for longer stays.
• 30% Point Bonus: I earn extra Hyatt points on all non-redemption spending, which helps me maximize the value of this cash stay.

Since valet parking is already free for all guests, and there are no higher-tier suites available for upgrades, there are not many additional perks beyond these. 

Still, the benefits I receive are valuable, making my stay even more worthwhile.

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Hotel Status

Final Thoughts

I very much enjoy my stay at the Rio Hotel & Casino. 

The renovated rooms, relaxed casino atmosphere, and great pool area make for a pleasant and comfortable experience. The fact that every room is a Suite adds to the appeal, offering more space than many standard hotels on the Strip. 

The service is friendly, and as a World of Hyatt Globalist, I appreciate the waived destination fee and free breakfast.

However, the off-Strip location is a major drawback, making it inconvenient for those who want easy access to the main  Vegas attractions. The gym feels outdated, and some areas – like the atrium shops and parts of the casino – still need improvement. 

If I were looking for a traditional high-energy Vegas experience, this would not be my first choice.

That said, I would absolutely stay here again in the right situation. For example, if I return to Vegas for a laid-back weekend, where I just want to relax and enjoy a comfortable suite, the Rio Hotel & Casino would be at the top of my list. 

With the ongoing renovations, I am excited to see how the property continues to improve.