"Rio Hotel & Casino is in the middle of a major transformation — refreshed rooms, renovated pools, new exterior lighting, and a new identity under Dreamscape Companies. Still off-Strip, still all-suite, still home to Penn & Teller."
Overall Rating
The Rio opened in 1990 as an all-suite resort with a Brazilian Carnival theme. It was one of the most popular resorts in Vegas in the 1990s and early 2000s — the Masquerade Show in the Sky (floats that travel above the casino floor) was a signature attraction, and the World Series of Poker was held here for years.
The honest assessment: the Rio is showing its age. Caesars Entertainment sold it in 2019 to Dreamscape Companies, which has been slowly renovating the property. The rooms are all suites (starting at 600 square feet) but the finishes are dated. The casino is well-sized but aging. The location — off the Strip on Flamingo Road — means you need a car or rideshare for everything.
The Rio is a budget play for guests who want all-suite rooms at a lower price than the Strip. Penn & Teller's residency is one of the best shows in Vegas. But the renovation is overdue and the property is not what it was.
Penn & Teller's residency at the Rio is one of the best shows in Vegas — a combination of magic, comedy, and genuine intellectual engagement. Book it.
The Rio was sold in 2019 and has been slowly renovating, but the property is showing its age. The rooms are dated and the casino is aging. Manage your expectations.
All suites starting at 600 square feet, but the finishes are dated. The rooms are clean and functional but not impressive. The views from upper floors are good.
How this resort holds up in peak Vegas summer (June–September)
The Rio's off-Strip location means a quieter summer experience but you'll need rideshares to reach the Strip. The pool complex is large and less crowded than Strip pools. The dated facilities are the main drawback — the AC works but the overall summer experience is underwhelming.
The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino opened January 15, 1990. It was acquired by Harrah's Entertainment (later Caesars Entertainment) in 1999. The World Series of Poker was held at the Rio from 2005 to 2022 before moving to Horseshoe/Bally's. Caesars sold the Rio to Dreamscape Companies in 2019.
Budget travelers who want all-suite rooms. Penn & Teller fans. Poker players (the Rio hosted the WSOP for years). Guests who want a Strip-adjacent address at a lower price.
Uber / Lyft
Rideshare — fastest option
Taxi (Metered)
Metered. The Rio is west of the Strip on Flamingo Rd.
Shared Shuttle
Free shuttle to/from Caesars Palace runs periodically.
The Rio is a budget play for guests who want all-suite rooms at a lower price than the Strip. Penn & Teller is excellent. The rooms are dated. Manage your expectations.
None
Independent
Yes
Penn & Teller
117,000 sq ft
2024–2025 (ongoing — rooms, pools, exterior lighting, common areas)
The best off-Strip resort in Vegas. The views of Red Rock Canyon are spectacular. The pool is excellent. The casino is the best locals casino in the valley.
The SuperBook is the best sportsbook in Vegas. The hotel is fine. Elvis played here for seven years. The location is close to the convention center.
Reopened under San Manuel Tribal ownership with a $690 million renovation. The art collection is the most impressive in Vegas. The rooms are exceptional.