Man, so much has changed at this place so quickly. Maybe business is tough, or nobody wants to come here anymore? But they really let this place become run down!
I've stayed several times at the Rio over the last couple years and I'll have to say that my recent stay (May 2017) wasn't up to par.
First of all the room..they put me on the 39th "VIP Floor"..room was large but the layout was extremely odd..the TV wasn't even facing the bed and it was actually IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM...on it's own stand...blocking the gorgeous mountain view from the bed. I do appreciate the larger "suite" size of the rooms and it's very cheap to stay here compared to other properties. I am a Total Rewards Member and usually get a comp for the Rio as well, which is a perk even if you don't play THAT MUCH.
My other complaint is how they changed the business hours of many of the restaurants...this is Las Vegas! It shouldn't be difficult to find food...but dining options here are severely limited during the early morning hours and late night (when food is NEEDED! Lol). I got some free buffet passes which was nice, but the buffet wasn't open until 4pm (I stayed on weekdays). At night, they only had the sports bar deli open.
Additionally...the free shuttle service that runs from the Rio to the Strip used to be great but it seems as if they cut back on the number of rides. Everytime I rode the shuttle, they ended up leaving more than half the people back. I believe it runs every 30 minutes now (opposed to 15 minutes like before). I ended up taking Uber more...as waiting for the shuttle then having to literally fight people to hop on wasn't worth my time.
I'm giving it two stars because of past experiences over the years and I actually do pretty well at the tables (BLACK 17 and RED 23 on the roulette wheels baby!) when I play here. Can't tell if they just given up on this place or not. In past reviews, I have recommended this as a nice relaxed spot to stay at but I was actually a bit bummed this time around!
Final Piece of Dirty Donovan Advice? Quickest (Cheapest) way to the Strip via Uber is to the Cosmo! I averaged a fare of only $6 each time.