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| - I wasn't expecting this place to be the best of Vegas, but I must say that I was still a little disappointed.
The shuttle to the strip only goes to Harrah's or Bally's, so if you want to go to the other side of the strip (i.e. Mandalay Bay, New York New York, etc.) get ready for a lot of walking or taxi riding. I would actually encourage riding the taxi if you have a group of 3-5 people because the ride to either end of the strip is only about $10 (about $12 w/ tip), and that's not too much off from if you were to take a shuttle and tip a couple dollars per person - plus there's practically no wait time for a taxi.
Some of the shuttle drivers were ok, but one in particular did not let our friend on with a small roller bag. We told him that we had come on with bigger bags the day before and he basically told us, "Well not on MY bus."
Pool hours are only 9 AM to 6 PM so if you have your heart set on a night swim or hot tub, don't stay at the Rio. Also, it's $22 for a day pass to the gym. I don't know if that's normal for Vegas, but it made me a little sad to not be able to work out before going to so many buffets...
The Carnival World Buffet was only okay (still think Planet Hollywood's Spice buffet is better), but I will say that this buffet's dessert section was pretty amazing. If you try the Carnival buffet you HAVE to have one of the little fruit tarts at the dessert section. My friend asked me what I thought the cookie base was made of and I told them that they must be baked with magic...
Rooms are definitely not as big as they're made out to be. With it being an "All-Suite" hotel, we thought that the place was going to be huge, but it seemed like just a slightly larger regular room with a couch. My friends and I were running on a budget, so we shared six to a room (two to each bed, one on the couch and one on the floor) without many problems, but I still don't know if I'd call it a suite.
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