Discovering Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas: Full Review

I stayed at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas with my family of 5, including a teen and tweens, overnight in October 2024. I was actually offered 5 free nights in a renovated suite, but only had time to stay for 1, and gladly took the opportunity to get a free hotel night in Las Vegas while we had a 17-hour layover there. The suite was fantastic, though the location isn’t ideal for exploring beyond the hotel and casino.

Let’s take a look at our short stay, what we enjoyed, and the shortcomings we experienced.

Booking Rio Hotel & Casino

I was offered 5 free suite nights with the Rio Rewards program, though I’m still confused about how I got such a sweet deal. I don’t frequent the Rio Hotel & Casino, but I briefly visited the casino in 2022 and signed up for a rewards account. A friend wanted to play slots, and I went along. I put in $20 and walked away with $100.

Fast-forward about 2 years later, and I was emailed an offer to stay at the Rio Hotel & Casino in one of the newly remodeled suites — for free! I honestly thought it was spam, because I hardly ever gamble and certainly don’t expect high-roller benefits in Vegas. But a quick online search revealed I wasn’t the only one to get this offer, so I set up my Rio Rewards online account and redeemed it.

I could book up to 5 free nights, but had to redeem the offer by December and didn’t have room in my plans for a trip to Las Vegas before then. However, I had already planned a 17-hour overnight layover in Las Vegas on our way home to Texas from San Francisco, and this free night aligned perfectly with our plans, giving us a crash pad and free parking as we crammed in a couple of Vegas attractions. I booked a single night and didn’t pay a thing, not even taxes or resort fees.

I’ve since received multiple email offers to stay in another remodeled suite for $59 per night. The friend who visited the casino with me in 2022 got the same $59 offer, so I was fortunate to get the free-nights deal.

Hot Tip:

Rio Hotel & Casino recently became a Destination by Hyatt resort. As a Category 3 World of Hyatt property, award nights range from 9,000 to 15,000 points per night.

Location of Rio Hotel & Casino

The location of Rio Hotel & Casino is a mixed bag. You can get to it in less than 15 minutes from the airport, and there are numerous attractions nearby. It’s a large property with extensive amenities, including shows, dining, and gambling. You could post up at the hotel and casino and have a great time without going anywhere else. But that’s not how I like to experience Las Vegas, so I found the off-Strip location a burden.

On the plus side, Rio Hotel & Casino is very close to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at Area15, which was the main destination for our super short visit to Las Vegas. We drove from Rio Hotel & Casino to Meow Wolf in under 5 minutes; it’s just 1.5 miles away.

Getting to The Strip was another story. Our plan was to get to Meow Wolf and return to the airport at 4 a.m., so instead of ride-sharing, we rented a car and drove to (and parked on) The Strip at Bellagio Hotel & Casino so we could see the fountain show and the latest installation at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Traffic and parking were chaotic, and it easily took us at least an hour to get into Bellagio.

Rio’s off-Strip location was an issue because I prefer to explore Las Vegas attractions on foot, and that’s tough to do from Rio. At about 1.5 miles from Rio to The Strip, it’s technically walkable but requires walking a traffic bridge over I-15 and going through some areas that look a little sketchy. I wouldn’t consider it, especially not while traveling with kids and definitely not in the dark. It’s not a well-lit and heavily populated area like The Strip.

Staying at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara Center Strip Las Vegas last year, which is right next to Planet Hollywood on The Strip, we could walk everywhere and never had to deal with traffic or parking. That was a stark contrast to staying at Rio, where we still would have had to sit in traffic even if we’d grabbed a ride-share.

Years ago, Rio had a shuttle service, the Rio Express, that took guests from Rio to Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino and Bally’s Las Vegas (now Horseshoe Las Vegas). That shuttle has since been discontinued.

Hot Tip:

While Rio Hotel & Casino is technically walkable to The Strip, you’re better off driving or ride-sharing.

Getting to Rio Hotel & Casino

Rio Hotel & Casino is at 3700 W. Flamingo Road. It’s just 4.5 miles — about a 15-minute drive — to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), which made it a great choice for our layover stay. Getting back to the airport on time in the early morning was no sweat.

Checking In

When we arrived to check in, we found a long line of bored-looking people who seemed to have been in line long enough to pull out their phones, lean on columns, and look frustrated. Not a good sign. We arrived around 2 p.m., which was ahead of the 3 p.m. check-in time.

To the left of the check-in line, I spotted express check-in kiosks and headed there so we could skip the line. I was pleased with this option until we got our keys and realized we needed a human to tell us where to go. The kiosk only told us our suite number, not in which of the hotel’s 2 towers it was.

At most properties, I’d expect we could just follow signs and figure it out, but that wasn’t the case at Rio Hotel & Casino. We followed signs to the wrong tower, dragging our bags along the entire way and breathing in casino smoke. Pulling up hotel maps online didn’t tell me anything about which tower our room number was in.

It was only when I remembered we were staying in a renovated suite, searched online for which tower was recently renovated, and then guessed correctly that we were in the Ipanema Tower that we got on the right path. This confusion could have been easily avoided by having the tower information available at the check-in kiosk.

Elite Benefits

I have Hyatt Discoverist status thanks to The World of Hyatt Credit Card, which would normally get me benefits including bonus points, elite check-in, and late checkout.

However, Rio Hotel & Casino was very clear at booking that no Hyatt status benefits applied because I visited on a free night promotion. I didn’t get any status perks or earn points on this visit. A free night is the ultimate benefit, and I won’t complain about that!

There is usually a $40 resort fee, which was waived for my free stay. The fee includes:

• Discounts on show tickets
• Dining discounts such as 2-for-1 mimosas at Hash House A Go Go
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Fitness center access
• Seasonal pool access
• Local, toll-free, and domestic long-distance telephone calls
• Valet and self-parking

Lobby

The lobby blended with the casino floor. As we entered from the garage walkway, a bar, the casino, and restaurants were in front of us, and the check-in desk was to the left.

A circular bar was next to the check-in desk but didn’t appear open in the afternoon.

The casino floor was next to the check-in desk, and one of the restaurants, Kang’s Kitchen, was nearby.

After following the signs for the Ipanema Tower, we reached the elevator bank, which was always busy.

Once inside, we had to scan our room key to access the elevator. Although this is designed as a security measure to ensure only guests can access the guestrooms, in practice, anyone could get on with the right timing. We never had to scan our key because we always got on with other people who’d already scanned theirs and opened access.

Elara had a much better system. To enter the elevator, we had to tap our room key at a staffed desk.

The elevators were particularly busy late at night and we had to wait in line to go up.

The Room

Though the check-in experience was bumpy, our suite was excellent once we found it. We were on the 15th floor and had a great view. The hallway featured carpet with a dreamy pattern.

Our suite consisted of a large room with a separate bathroom and a living room space at the entrance.

I liked having a living room area where we could crash for a snack before heading out to Meow Wolf. As we walked out of the suite, there was a large mirror, and I liked the stylish palm-shaped wall lamp.

The sofa was especially comfortable. It had a pull-out bed and a chaise longue on the end. One of our kids slept comfortably on the long end of the sofa while the others slept in one of the beds, so we didn’t need the pull-out bed. We had more than enough room for 5.

The queen beds had all-white bedding and fluffy pillows. Each was on a leather-wrapped bed that was fairly low to the ground and easy to get into.

There was a single nightstand between the beds, which had a lamp with an outlet, an alarm clock with a USB outlet, and a large drawer.

Back near the entry was a large console table that opened up to reveal shelves and a minifridge. The left side looked like an empty minibar, while the other side looked like regular cold storage. On top, we found a lamp, an ice bucket with plastic water cups, information pamphlets, and a phone.

Bathroom

The bathroom was large and had lots of storage.

The main vanity area had a generous countertop with shapely wall lamps and a curved mirror. All of the accents were golden. There was space for a chair, though there wasn’t one.

Next to the sink was a Nest bath bar.

There was also Infuse lotion and a spot to put toothbrushes.

This area also featured a lit makeup mirror and hair dryer in a bag.

Opposite the vanity was the chest of drawers topped with more counter space and 2 safes.

The bathroom also featured a large closet with an ironing board, iron, luggage rack, and hangers.

The toilet and shower were in a separate room, which had another small vanity area with a mirror, wall lamps, and a sink. I liked this setup for using the bathroom quietly at night without disturbing others who had already gone to sleep.

The shower was large, with more gold-toned accents, festive tile prints, and a sliding glass door.

There was a detachable showerhead and a grab bar.

Like the sink, the shower featured Nest amenities.

We had a great view of Las Vegas at night, looking over the Rio pool and out toward The Strip.

Bottom Line:

Our renovated suite in the Ipanema Tower was lovely and a great place for a quick rest in Las Vegas.

Amenities

Rio Hotel & Casino has extensive amenities, and it’s a shame we couldn’t stay longer to enjoy them. This property is huge, and there’s so much to do without ever leaving, including numerous shops, entertainment, and dining options.

Parking

Parking is free at Rio Hotel & Casino, which is rare among major hotels on and near The Strip. We parked in the Carnival parking garage, which was a convenient walk to the front entrance and check-in desk with easy in-and-out privileges. We didn’t have to use a key card to access the garage — we just drove in and out.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is also free at Rio Hotel & Casino. However, with a packed schedule and plenty to watch on the TVs, we didn’t use it.

Rio Pool

Like the suite we stayed in, the Rio Pool is newly remodeled. It features brightly colored umbrellas, a waterfall, and cabanas and daybeds you can reserve. The pool closes for the winter, which is usually October through February.

Casino

Unlike my last visit, I didn’t gamble at Rio Hotel & Casino this time, so I once again walked away a winner. That said, the casino has classic table games, a sportsbook, and more than 1,000 slot machines if you want to try your luck!

Fitness Center

I was surprised to learn, after my stay, that the hotel has a fitness center. I didn’t see anything about it when I booked the room, didn’t get any information about amenities at check-in, and didn’t see any signs in the hotel indicating the presence of a fitness center. I only noticed it when visiting the hotel’s website while writing this review.

Entertainment

Aside from the casino, Rio offers a lot of entertainment, including the famed Penn & Teller magic show with the longest-running headliners in Las Vegas.

Shows and attractions at Rio Hotel & Casino include:

• Chippendales
• Comedy Cellar
• KISS Monster Mini Golf glowing 18-hole mini golf course with a live DJ
• Penn & Teller
• WOW – The Vegas Spectacular

Hot Tip:

Guests get various discounts on shows at Rio Hotel & Casino, including 50% off Chippendales, Comedy Cellar, Penn & Teller, and WOW.

Shopping

The Shops at Rio features numerous stores with souvenirs, apparel, accessories, jewelry, and art. Highlights include Count’s Tattoo Shop and the Rio Logo Shop with gifts, snacks, and necessities.

Food and Beverage

There are nearly 20 food and beverage options under the Rio Hotel & Casino roof. Guests can choose from various spots, ranging from brunch at Hash House A Go Go to wine tasting, ramen, and food court eats.

These are all of the restaurants and bars available at Rio Hotel & Casino:

• Attaboy Burger
• Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho
• Hash House A Go Go
• Kang’s Kitchen
• KJ Dim Sum
• Luckley Tavern & Grill
• Nama Nama
• Royal India Buffet
• Shogun Ramen
• Smashburger
• Southland Burrito Co
• Sports Deli
• Starbucks
• Tender Crush
• Tony Luke’s
• VooDoo Steak
• Wetzel’s Pretzels
• The Wine Cellar Tasting Room

Many of the restaurants are in the Canteen Food Hall, which is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Service

With a kiosk check-in and a short visit to rest our heads between flights, we didn’t interact with any staff at the Rio Hotel & Casino. However, I felt the check-in service was deficient, which was evident in the long line for regular check-in and a lack of information other than a room number when we checked in using the kiosk. Our room was spotless, so we were pleased with housekeeping. Other than that, our experience was self-serve — and adequate.

Final Thoughts

I loved our renovated suite in the Ipanema Tower at Rio Hotel & Casino and was excited to spend a free night in Las Vegas at this huge casino property.

That said, the confusion over where to go after we checked in gave us a sour start, I don’t like staying off-Strip, and I didn’t like the packed elevators. Still, the unbeatable free deal on a perfectly comfortable suite outweighed all of the shortcomings of this stay.

However, there are so many other hotel options in Las Vegas with a better location, so I’m not likely to stay again unless I get another stellar deal or plan to stay within the Rio property most of the time.