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| - I'm updating a review I left three years ago and downgrading from four stars to three. While Rio isn't a horrible place to stay, there have been a few changes made that lessen the allure of the hotel.
For starters, they did away with the complimentary shuttle to the strip. This may not seem like a big deal (and it probably isn't, to some people), but given Uber/Lyft/taxi prices, if you're headed to the strip, add another $20 or so a day to your expenses. If you stay here, know that you're close to Gold Coast and Palms. If you're a low-budget gambler, they're not bad places. However, Gold Coast caters to a MUCH older demographic, and while Palms was a hot spot 5-10 years ago, it's gone downhill sharply since then.
Also, I stayed in the Ipanema Tower, and my room had some strange quirks. You could tell that it had been renovated at some point, and it was fairly nice, but they redesigned certain parts without thinking. For instance, the toilet paper was at a VERY awkward angle with the toilet, the TV faced nothing in particular, and the lighting/layout of electrical outlets didn't make a lot of sense. The bed was comfortable, and the view was nice, but things DID seem off.
As mentioned, Rio isn't a terrible place to stay. It's not overly expensive, the rooms are OK, and the buffet downstairs is one of the best in the city (I'd put it third behind Caesar's and Wynn, but your experience may differ). Having said that, if you want more activity while still staying at a Caesar's property or within a budget, I'd probably steer you to Flamingo or Harrah's. The rooms aren't quite as nice, but it'll save you money in rides to and from the strip since you're already there.
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