Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas: Review & Guide 2025

The Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas has been reinvented under new ownership, with a $340 million renovation remaking its rooms, pools, and dining. This guide draws on the property’s official announcements, verified guest reviews, and local news reports to help you decide whether this off-Strip all-suite resort fits your travel needs in 2025.

Last checked: 2026-07-08

Location: 1 block from Las Vegas Strip on Flamingo Road · Rooms: All-suite classic and remodeled rooms · Amenities: Casino, live music, shows, pool · Brand: Destination by Hyatt

What happened to the Rio hotel in Las Vegas?

The biggest change came in 2019 when Dreamscape Companies purchased the resort from Caesars Entertainment for about $516.3 million (The Nevada Independent). Dreamscape initially leased operations back to Caesars, then took over directly after receiving Nevada gaming regulator approval in July 2023.

Rebranding as a Destination by Hyatt property

In 2023 Hyatt announced the Rio would join World of Hyatt, allowing members to earn and redeem points at the property. The resort is now marketed under the Destination by Hyatt collection. The affiliation gives the property a loyalty program backbone that previously didn’t exist under Caesars (Lodging Magazine).

Recent renovations and new dining/shows

Phase One of a $340 million renovation wrapped up in September 2024. It covered more than 1,400 rooms in the Ipanema Tower, the lobby, casino floor, sports book, meetings space (220,000 square feet), and the five‑acre pool district (Rio official news). Eight new food and beverage outlets opened, including the Canteen Food Hall, Lapa Lounge, and Luckley Tavern & Grill. The VooDoo Lounge, a rooftop venue on the 51st floor, reopened in January 2025 after a five‑year closure (Time Out Las Vegas). Phase Two, which will address the Masquerade Tower, has not been scheduled publicly.

The pattern: The Rio is not becoming a luxury resort — Dreamscape’s investment aims to lift a dated mid‑market property into a competitive, comfortable off‑Strip option with a strong food‑and‑nightlife lineup.

How far is the Rio hotel and Casino from the Strip?

The Rio sits one block north of the Las Vegas Strip, on Flamingo Road in Paradise, Nevada (Visit Las Vegas). That means you can see the Strip’s glow from the hotel, but reaching the main pedestrian corridor takes a short drive or a walk of about 10–15 minutes depending on where you’re heading.

Distance and walking route

From the Rio’s front entrance to the Strip at Flamingo and Las Vegas Boulevard is roughly 0.3 miles. The walk is straightforward — head south on Rio Drive, turn onto Flamingo Road, and you’re at the Strip. It’s safe during daytime and well‑lit after dark, but in summer heat, many guests prefer a shuttle or ride‑share.

Shuttle service from the hotel to the Strip

The complimentary Rio‑to‑Strip shuttle that existed under Caesars ownership has been discontinued under Dreamscape. Several Las Vegas travel forums and recent guest reviews note the absence of a hotel‑operated shuttle (Facebook Las Vegas travel group). You can still take a taxi or ride‑share; the fare to mid‑Strip is typically $8–$12.

Parking options

Self‑parking and valet parking are included in the resort fee and are free for hotel guests. The lot is large and well‑lit. Non‑guests pay a daily fee, but the official site lists free parking as a perk for registered guests.

The bottom line: You can walk to the Strip in about 10 minutes, but there’s no free hotel shuttle. Factor in ride‑share costs or be comfortable walking.

Is Rio a nice hotel in Vegas?

“Nice” depends on your expectations. The Rio is an all‑suite property with rooms that average 580 square feet — significantly larger than many standard rooms on the Strip (Nevada Business Magazine). The newly renovated Ipanema Tower rooms are clean and modern, with updated bathrooms, comfortable beds, and neutral decor. Unrenovated rooms in the Masquerade Tower feel dated, so it’s worth requesting a remodeled suite.

Room quality and suite options

All rooms are suites. Standard suites start at 580 square feet. Upscale options include the Ipanema Suite and penthouse levels. The official site advertises up to 45% off published rates for advance bookings. As of 2025, the resort fee is $52 plus tax per night, which covers Wi‑Fi, parking, and pool access (Rio official FAQ).

Amenities (casino, pool, entertainment)

The casino floor spans about 117,000–150,000 square feet and includes table games, slots, and a sportsbook. The pool district — roughly five acres — was overhauled in Phase One with multiple pools, loungers, and cabanas. Live music and shows are scheduled regularly, and the VooDoo Lounge rooftop reopened in early 2025.

Guest review highlights

TripAdvisor reviews from 2024–2026 consistently praise the spacious, renovated suites and the value pricing. A frequent caution is that the property still carries some of its older, worn areas, especially in the Masquerade Tower and convention halls. Yelp reviewers similarly note that while the renovated rooms are a big improvement, service can be inconsistent and the off‑Strip location means less spontaneous walkability.

The trade-off: You get a large, updated suite and free parking for a lower nightly rate than most Strip hotels, but you accept a quieter location and some unfinished construction.

Is there a shuttle from the Rio hotel to the Strip?

The Rio no longer operates a complimentary shuttle to the Strip. Community posts and recent traveler updates indicate the service was cut after the change in ownership (Facebook Las Vegas travel group). If you need to reach the Strip frequently, plan on walking, taking a ride‑share (Uber/Lyft), or using public bus routes that run along Flamingo Road.

Alternative: walking and ride‑share

Walking to the Strip takes about 10 minutes from the Rio’s entrance. For longer journeys or in summer heat, ride‑shares cost $8–$15 to most Strip casinos. The RTC bus (route 202) stops near the Rio on Flamingo Road for a $2 fare.

What to watch: If you plan to go back and forth multiple times a day, a rental car with free parking may be more convenient than paying for ride‑shares.

Location and Transportation

The Rio is located at 3700 W Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103. It sits just off the I‑15 freeway, making it easy to reach from the airport (about 5 miles). Free self‑parking is a strong perk for road‑trippers. The property’s off‑Strip location provides a slightly quieter atmosphere than the dense Strip corridor.

Pricing at the Rio

Base room rates at the Rio typically fall below mid‑Strip resorts. The official site frequently advertises up to 45% off. The mandatory resort fee of $52 plus tax ($58.96 total per night) includes self and valet parking, property Wi‑Fi, fitness center access, seasonal pool access, and local calls (Rio official FAQ). Third‑party trackers report total nightly cost (room + resort fee + taxes) often lands between $100 and $160 for a standard suite, depending on season and advance purchase.

The bottom line: The Rio is one of the better value all‑suite options in Las Vegas, especially for travelers who want a large room and free parking.

Alternatives to the Rio

If the Rio’s off‑Strip location or mid‑market vibe isn’t what you’re after, a few nearby alternatives stand out. Downtown Las Vegas offers the Circa Resort, Golden Gate, and The D — all owned by Derek Stevens and known for a livelier, retro‑modern atmosphere. On the Strip, budget‑conscious travelers often compare the Rio with the Excalibur, Luxor, or TI. Each of those properties has a different balance of price, location, and amenities.

Why this matters: The Rio competes best for travelers who prioritize suite size, free parking, and Hyatt loyalty points over being in the middle of the Strip action.

Pros and Cons of the Rio

Our Pick: Who Should Stay at the Rio?

Frequently Asked Questions

For more Las Vegas hotel comparisons, see our guides on Vdara Hotel Las Vegas vs Aria and Bellagio and Fontainebleau Miami vs Las Vegas.