I went to the Rio about 8 years ago and it was a dump. I booked this week and, Wow! totally cleaned up and refurbished. I ate breakfast at the Hash House, sat at the counter and had great service and food. About $25 with tip and coffee. Pricey, but top quality. I also tried the Noodle House in the Casino area and very good. Rooms were very nice I stayed on 10th Floor in the Masquerade Tower and had a good view of the strip, "odd numbered rooms", even faces west. Room was big and in super clean condition. I enjoyed the couches and big closets. I have zero complaints here. Also there is free parking, most all the properties get $20-$35 daily.
Overall the casino was clean, and I took the free shuttle over to Ballys and chilled on the strip. They have a nice convenience store where you can grab some snacks and drinks too. The pizza place was open late and $8 for some great pizza not bad, order a full one and split it with some friends even better. However I was busy and didn't hit the pool however it looked great, and the usual amount of kids around so obviously family friendly too.