Rio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas - The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas is a renowned luxury resort situated on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Known for its tropical theme and iconic volcano show, the hotel features lush gardens, a large pool area, and various entertainment options, including Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The Mirage offers upscale dining with celebrity chef restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, and a casino, making it a premier destination for travelers seeking excitement and relaxation.
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Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

3.8
·46k reviews·Las Vegas, United States

Spacious suites and a relaxed atmosphere at a budget-friendly price, located just off the Las Vegas Strip.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Rio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas - The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas is a renowned luxury resort situated on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Known for its tropical theme and iconic volcano show, the hotel features lush gardens, a large pool area, and various entertainment options, including Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The Mirage offers upscale dining with celebrity chef restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, and a casino, making it a premier destination for travelers seeking excitement and relaxation.

Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Spacious suites and a relaxed atmosphere at a budget-friendly price, located just off the Las Vegas Strip.

3.8
(46k reviews)

"Offers suites at incredibly low rates, but be prepared for an older, less vibrant experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Transportation is Key

The Rio is off-Strip; budget for Uber/Lyft or use the city bus for easy access to other attractions.

🏨 Rooms May Need Refresh

Be prepared for potentially dated room decor; some guests find them in need of an upgrade.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spacious Suites

Spacious Suites

Guest rooms

Enjoy the comfort of expansive suites, offering more living space than standard hotel rooms.

Voodoo Steakhouse

Voodoo Steakhouse

Casino floor

Indulge in a fine dining experience with stunning views and expertly prepared steaks.

Pool Complex

Pool Complex

Outdoor area

Relax and unwind at the resort's multiple outdoor pools, perfect for a sunny Vegas day.

High Stakes Steakhouse

High Stakes Steakhouse

Casino floor

Experience a premier dining destination with a focus on quality cuts and an elegant ambiance.

Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Rio's Location

The Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is located off the main Strip, making walking to other resorts challenging and potentially unsafe, especially at night. Relying on ride-shares or the city bus system is recommended for exploring beyond the property. Reddit

Room Condition & Vibe

While offering suites, some guests report that rooms at the Rio need updating and can feel outdated. The overall atmosphere has been described as 'dead' or having 'zombie apocalypse vibes' by some visitors. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Live entertainment options
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

An updated look at The Rio in 2023. Its still the worst resort hotel in Las Vegas with zombie apocalypse vibes, the smell of sadness and an overall theme of abandonment. #vegas #lasvegas #vegasstarfish #riolasvegas #vegashotels #badhotels #hauntedhotel #vegasonabudget #vegasresort #vegaslocal #wheretogoinvegas #vegassecrets
@vegasstarfish
879.9K likes • 12.9M views

🚗 Transportation is Key

The Rio is off-Strip; budget for Uber/Lyft or use the city bus for easy access to other attractions. Reddit+1

🏨 Rooms May Need Refresh

Be prepared for potentially dated room decor; some guests find them in need of an upgrade. Reddit

Guests staying at a Las Vegas strip hotel say someone entered their room and stole thousands of dollars while they slept. #LasVegas #LasVegasStrip #RioHotel #Rio #News
@alyssabethencourt
111.8K likes • 3.3M views
Preparations are underway and reservations for @highsteaksvegas are opening soon! Want first access to news and reservation opportunities? Sign up for emails today at the link in bio.
riovegas
80 likes • 4K views

🍽️ Dining Delights

Voodoo Steakhouse and Hash House are highly recommended dining spots within the resort. Reddit

💰 Budget-Friendly Stays

Rates can be very low, sometimes as little as $8 a night, making it an option for budget travelers. TikTok

reddit.com

How good or bad is rio hotel in vegas?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Transportation is Key

The Rio is off-Strip; budget for Uber/Lyft or use the city bus for easy access to other attractions. Reddit+1

🏨 Rooms May Need Refresh

Be prepared for potentially dated room decor; some guests find them in need of an upgrade. Reddit

🍽️ Dining Delights

Voodoo Steakhouse and Hash House are highly recommended dining spots within the resort. Reddit

💰 Budget-Friendly Stays

Rates can be very low, sometimes as little as $8 a night, making it an option for budget travelers. TikTok

🔒 Security Concerns

Be aware of potential security issues; guests have reported theft from rooms while sleeping. TikTok

🏊‍♀️ Poolside Fun

The resort boasts a pretty good pool area, perfect for a relaxing day. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(46k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas offers spacious suites at exceptionally low prices, making it a budget-friendly option. However, many guests find the resort and its rooms to be outdated and lacking the vibrant energy of the Strip. Security concerns have also been noted by some visitors.

"Only thing good about this place is the location. Don’t come here expecting to swim they close the pool for ANY reason they could find. They say the rooms are newly renovated so when we walked in the doorknob to the bathroom was just sitting on the counter. It took them 3 days to fix it. The ice machine doesn’t work on our floor for this to be the new side. There’s no fridge. You cannot get through to a live person at the front desk on your room phone. They ran out of towels and we never got room service during our stay. Also, the lobby smells like piss and cigarettes. We went to another hotel down the street called horseshoe where smoking is allowed but in certain areas not the entire lobby and the difference in smell is insane. Wish we would’ve booked at that hotel first! The horseshoe smelled way better actually breathable & had way more amenities to the point where you wouldn’t even have to leave the place. Don’t waste your time booking here ant the rio unless you have absolutely no where else to go. They don’t care about good service unless it’s to take all your money at the casino."

Kaliah White

"Update: Ended up speaking with a staff member today who super helpful and refunded me another day of resort fees. I'm glad to see a hotel that's takes care of their customers and makes things right. Update service to 5 stars and overall to 3 start because of the lady of the phone was super helpful and understood my concern.

Hotel room was nice but there was a smoke smell coming from the bathroom vent and the towels smelled like cigarettes. Request new towels and were brought right away but the next day found a old wet towel in pieces on the cabinet next to the mini bar that smelled really bad. I advised the front desk staff and he said he would refund my stay and give me a $50 credit towards food/drinks which I was happy about. Checked out and found out there were no notes of that and only notes of the credit and the smoke smell/towels. The lady was nice and asked the supervisor but they we're only able to give me a $56 credit of one day of the resort fees. Will definitely not stay here again"

Juan Saavedra

"Super friendly staff makes it worth coming back. A great operations manager would do wonders for this place. Great food court hampered by too few order kiosks. Only 1 of 4 working elevators when we arrived and those were in rough shape. Shower in room backs up and 4 calls over two days to their awesome AI which answers the phone never got it fixed. Very few food options for lunch. Prices are much better than the strip hotels for rooms, food and beverage. $57 resort fee is ridiculous but parking is free. Great table limits and fantastic video poker pay tables."

Eric Paul

What People Like

Low room rates
Spacious suites
Good pool area

What People Dislike

Outdated rooms
Off-Strip location
Lacking atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

No, the Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is located off the main Las Vegas Strip. It's not within easy walking distance to most other major resorts. Reddit+1

Taxis, ride-shares (Uber/Lyft), or shuttle services are the most convenient ways to reach the Rio from McCarran International Airport (LAS). Reddit

Walking to the Strip from the Rio is not recommended. It's further than it appears, involves crossing highways, and can be unsafe at night. Reddit+1

The Rio has historically offered a shuttle service to a sister casino on the Strip, but it's advisable to confirm its current availability and schedule upon arrival. Reddit

Getting around without a car can be challenging due to the Rio's off-Strip location. Ride-shares and city buses are your best bet, though costs can add up. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Standard check-in times typically begin in the afternoon, usually around 3 PM or 4 PM. Check-in times can vary, so it's best to confirm with the hotel directly. TikTok

Yes, like most Las Vegas hotels, the Rio charges a daily resort fee. This fee typically covers amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and pool access. Reddit

Yes, the Rio is known for offering extremely low rates, sometimes as low as $8 per night, especially during off-peak times or for specific promotions. TikTok

Access to the pools is generally included with your resort fee or room booking. No separate tickets are usually required, but it's good to check current policies. Reddit

The casino floor at the Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is typically open 24/7, offering continuous gaming action. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere at the Rio has been described by some as 'dead' or 'abandoned,' with 'zombie apocalypse vibes.' While it offers suites and pools, it lacks the vibrant energy of Strip resorts. TikTokReddit

Many reviews suggest that the rooms at the Rio are outdated and in need of renovation. While they are suites, the decor and furnishings may not be modern. Reddit

Highly recommended dining options include Voodoo Steakhouse for a fine dining experience and Hash House A Go Go for hearty meals. Reddit

Yes, the Rio has a pretty good pool complex that guests enjoy for relaxation and soaking up the sun. Reddit

While the resort itself has security, there have been reports of burglaries occurring within guest rooms. It's advisable to be vigilant with your belongings. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Voodoo Steakhouse is a popular choice for upscale dining, and Hash House A Go Go is known for its generous portions. Reddit

While specific budget eateries aren't highlighted, the resort does have various dining venues. Exploring the food court or casual spots can offer more affordable choices. TikTok

The famous buffet that was once a highlight of the Rio has reportedly closed and is no longer operational. TikTok

Information on specific dietary options is limited, but most Las Vegas resorts offer a range of choices. It's best to check menus online or inquire directly with the restaurants. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed, most large resorts like the Rio will have some form of quick-service or coffee shop for breakfast and snacks. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The expansive suites offer opportunities for interior shots. The pool area can provide scenic backdrops, and the resort's unique architecture might offer interesting angles. TikTok

Due to its off-Strip location, capturing iconic Strip views directly from the Rio is difficult. You'll need to travel to the Strip for those classic shots. Reddit

While some areas are described as abandoned or covered, the resort's past grandeur might still offer some visually interesting, albeit perhaps melancholic, photo opportunities. TikTok

Morning hours, before the crowds build up, are generally best for capturing serene pool photos. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted in public areas of the casino, but it's always a good idea to be discreet and avoid photographing specific slot machines or table games in action without permission. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families staying at the Rio will appreciate the spacious suites, offering more room for children to move around. The pool complex is a major draw for kids, providing a fun way to spend time outdoors. Reddit However, parents should be aware that the Rio is located off the Strip, so getting to family-friendly attractions on the Strip will require planning and budgeting for transportation like ride-shares or buses. Reddit+1 The resort's atmosphere has been described as less vibrant, which might be a consideration for families seeking a lively environment, but the ample space and pool access can still make for an enjoyable stay. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

The Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a strong contender for budget travelers due to its notoriously low room rates, sometimes as low as $8 per night. TikTok This makes it an attractive option for those looking to save on accommodation and allocate more funds to activities or dining elsewhere. While the resort itself might feel dated to some, the value proposition for a suite can be significant. Be prepared to factor in transportation costs if you plan to explore the Strip, as ride-shares or buses will be necessary. Reddit+1 The availability of pools offers a free amenity for entertainment. Reddit

couples

For couples seeking a more relaxed and potentially quieter Vegas experience, the Rio's suites offer a comfortable base. The Voodoo Steakhouse provides a romantic dining option with views, perfect for a special evening. Reddit While the resort's overall vibe might not be as energetic as Strip hotels, couples can enjoy the pool areas and the spaciousness of their suites. Planning for transportation to experience the livelier parts of the Strip is essential, but the Rio can serve as a value-oriented retreat. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Rio's Location and Transportation

The Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is situated a bit west of the main Las Vegas Strip, which significantly impacts how visitors get around. While it offers a more secluded experience, it means you're not a short walk away from the iconic sights and sounds of the Strip. Travelers often find themselves relying heavily on ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, or the local city bus system (RTC), to reach other destinations. Reddit+1 Renting a car is also an option, though some find the cost comparable to frequent ride-shares for shorter trips. Reddit This off-Strip location is a key consideration for planning your itinerary and budget.

For those looking to explore the Strip, the Rio does have a shuttle service to a sister property on the Strip. However, it's crucial to verify its current operating schedule and frequency upon arrival, as these services can change. Reddit Without a car, be prepared to factor in transportation time and costs when planning day trips or evenings out. The area immediately surrounding the Rio is not considered ideal for extensive walking, especially after dark. Reddit

Guest Room Experiences and Resort Ambiance

When it comes to accommodations, the Rio is known for its all-suite setup, offering more space than typical hotel rooms. However, a recurring theme in guest reviews is that the rooms are in need of updating. Many visitors describe the decor as dated and the overall condition as showing its age, leading to a less modern feel. Reddit This can be a significant factor for travelers expecting contemporary luxury.

The general ambiance of the Rio has also been a point of discussion. Some TikTok videos and Reddit posts describe the resort with terms like 'zombie apocalypse vibes,' 'smell of sadness,' and an 'overall theme of abandonment.' TikTok While this might sound dramatic, it reflects a sentiment that the resort feels less vibrant and more neglected compared to its heyday or other active Las Vegas properties. Despite these perceptions, the resort does offer amenities like multiple outdoor pools and dining options, which can still provide a pleasant stay for those prioritizing space and value over cutting-edge style. Reddit

Dining at the Rio: Past and Present

The Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas was once famous for its extensive and highly-rated buffet. However, recent reports indicate that this iconic buffet has closed down, leaving a gap in the resort's dining landscape. TikTok This change means guests will need to look towards other on-site options for their meals.

Among the remaining dining venues, Voodoo Steakhouse and Hash House A Go Go are frequently recommended by visitors. Reddit Voodoo Steakhouse offers a more upscale experience with steak specialties, while Hash House is known for its large portions and comfort food. For those seeking a more budget-conscious approach, exploring the resort's various bars and casual eateries might be necessary, though specific budget-friendly recommendations are less common in reviews. TikTok

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