The Rio is weird. Honestly, if you've spent any time on the Las Vegas Strip lately, you’ve probably looked west toward those iconic purple and blue neon towers and wondered if anyone was even home. For a long time, the Rio All-Suite Casino Hotel felt like a ghost of 1990s Vegas past. It was the place where the World Series of Poker lived for nearly two decades, the home of the legendary Masquerade Show in the Sky, and then, for a while, it was just... tired.
But things are changing fast.
If you haven't been keeping track of the ownership drama, Caesars Entertainment finally handed over the keys to Dreamscape Companies in late 2023. This wasn't just a corporate hand-off; it was the start of a multi-hundred-million-dollar identity crisis recovery. People usually get the Rio wrong. They think it’s just a budget-friendly off-Strip relic. In reality, the Rio was the first all-suite resort in the city. Every single room is at least 600 square feet. You don't find that kind of space at the Flamingo or even some of the newer mid-range spots on the Strip without paying a massive premium.
The Massive Renovation Most People Haven't Seen Yet
Walk into the lobby today and the smell is different. Gone is that stale, "old Vegas" musk. Dreamscape is pouring money into the Ipanema Tower first. We're talking 1,400 rooms getting a top-to-bottom gutting. They aren't just swapping out the bedspreads. They’re installing floor-to-ceiling windows that actually let you see the Las Vegas Valley without looking through twenty years of grime.
The design is shifting. It’s moving away from that heavy, dark 90s aesthetic toward something people are calling "Mid-Century Modern meets Brazilian Chic." It sounds like marketing speak, but it actually works. Think clean lines, light woods, and pops of color that don't hurt your eyes.
The casino floor is also getting a massive facelift. They recently replaced over 500 slot machines and updated the loyalty program. It’s now the Rio Rewards program, and it’s surprisingly aggressive. They know they have to lure people away from the MGM and Caesars ecosystems, so they are practically throwing points at players right now.
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Why the Location Isn't Actually a Dealbreaker
The biggest complaint about the Rio All-Suite Casino Hotel has always been that it's "off the Strip." Technically, yeah, it’s on Flamingo Road, just across the I-15 bridge.
But here’s the thing.
You can get from the Rio valet to the Bellagio fountains in about four minutes if the light is green. Being slightly removed means you aren't trapped in the pedestrian gridlock of the Linq Promenade. Plus, the views of the Strip from the Rio’s east-facing suites are arguably the best in the city because you can see the entire skyline in one frame. It’s a perspective you can’t get when you’re standing right under the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.
Canteen Food Hall: A Huge Bet on Better Eats
The buffet is dead. Well, the Rio’s famous Carnival World Buffet is certainly a memory. Instead, the resort opened the Canteen Food Hall in early 2024. This was a smart move. Instead of soggy heat-lamp wings, they brought in concepts like Southland Burrito Co. and Shere Khan.
The highlight? Attaboy Burger. It’s from the same crew behind the legendary New York bar. It’s simple, it’s messy, and it’s exactly what you want after losing twenty bucks on a blackjack table at 2:00 AM.
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There’s also M.Y. Asia by Chef Martin Yan. If you grew up watching Yan Can Cook on PBS, seeing him in the kitchen is a trip. The restaurant focuses on authentic flavors that don't feel like they've been "Vegas-ified" for the masses. The Peking Duck is legit. It’s clear the new management realized that food is the easiest way to prove they are serious about the reboot.
The Entertainment Paradox
Penn & Teller are still there. They are the anchors. They’ve been at the Rio since 2001, and their theater is one of the best rooms for magic in the world. It’s intimate but grand.
Beyond the boys in grey suits, the Rio is leaning into its "weird" reputation. You have Raiding the Rock Vault, which is a loud, unapologetic celebration of classic rock. Then there’s WOW – The Vegas Spectacular, which is basically Cirque-lite but at a much better price point.
The pool situation is also being overhauled. The VooDoo Beach area used to be the "it" spot in the 2000s. It’s currently undergoing a massive refresh to bring back that lush, tropical vibe without the peeling paint. They want it to feel like a lagoon, not a concrete bathtub.
What Actually Matters for Your Next Trip
If you’re planning a stay, you need to be strategic. Do not just book the cheapest room available. If you end up in an unrenovated Masquerade Tower room, you might feel like you’ve stepped back into 2004. Always check for the "New Ipanema Tower" rooms. These are the ones with the updated tech and the fresh bathrooms.
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Parking is still free. This is a huge deal. Almost every major resort on the Strip is now charging $20 to $30 a day just to leave your car in a dusty garage. The Rio is holding the line on free parking for both hotel guests and visitors. That alone saves you enough for a decent lunch every day of your trip.
The "New" Rio vs. The "Old" Rio
- The Old Rio: Dim lighting, smoky air, 5-minute walks to find a working elevator, and a feeling of "is this place closing?"
- The New Rio: Bright communal spaces, a gaming floor that actually feels alive, and a food scene that rivals some of the mid-tier Strip properties.
The transition isn't finished. You will still see construction walls. You might still encounter a staff member who is getting used to the new systems. But the energy has shifted. It feels like a place that wants to be there, rather than a property being sold off for parts.
Practical Steps for Staying at the Rio
If you're thinking about booking, do these three things first.
- Sign up for Rio Rewards online before you arrive. They often send "new member" offers that include free play or dining credits that aren't available at the front desk.
- Request a high floor in the Ipanema Tower. Specifically, ask for an "Odd-Numbered Room" on the east side. That’s your ticket to the million-dollar view of the Caesars Palace and Bellagio skyline.
- Use the rideshare trick. The Uber/Lyft pickup at the Rio is well-marked, but if the main entrance is slammed, head to the Masquerade entrance. It’s usually much faster and avoids the tour bus congestion.
The Rio All-Suite Casino Hotel is in its "redemption arc" era. It’s not a five-star luxury resort like the Wynn, and it isn't trying to be. It’s trying to be the best value in Vegas—a place where you get 600 square feet of space, a great burger, and a view of the Strip without having to pay Strip prices. For the first time in a decade, it’s actually succeeding.
Check the renovation calendar before you book, as more sections of the Masquerade Tower are slated for upgrades throughout late 2025 and 2026. If you want the most modern experience, stick to the Ipanema wing until the full property refresh is announced as complete. If you are a poker player, keep an eye on their new tournament schedules; while the WSOP moved to the Strip, the Rio is aggressively building its own poker brand to fill that void. Finally, always double-check the resort fee—while parking is free, the daily resort fee covers the fitness center and pool access, so make sure you actually use those amenities to get your money's worth.