Don't be discouraged by the age or distance from the strip of this hotel. I've stayed here on two visits to Sin City and played/eaten here on others and cannot complain.
They offer a free shuttle that goes between The Rio and strip hotels which runs on a regular basis throughout the day.
The rooms are good sized and well kept. I've enjoyed staying in both towers.
The casino and hotel's amenities are all good. The food at the buffets is very good as are the servers and buffet attendants. The casino floor's and breakfast restaurants leave something to be desired in taste and quality of the food. The service in the restaurants is also fair at best. The most disappointing thing I have found staying at the Rio is the short dining hours. After 10:00 pm there is only the restaurant on the casino floor to eat at and I've just commented on that.
My favorite thing about this hotel & casino is the staff. The casino staff and the hotel staff (check-in and housekeeping) are very friendly and professional. I felt most welcomed by the staff here compared to any of the other Las Vegas hotels that I've stayed at.
If you are looking for an unpretentious, good quality, casino hotel for a fair price in Las Vegas the Rio should not disappoint.