Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

Rio bills itself as a "carnival" atmosphere hotel, which means hectic, crowded, and noisy, and an apparent edict requiring the Most Scantily Clad Waitresses in Town to burst into song and dance in between delivering beers. The Masquerade Village is actually pretty pleasant, with a very high ceiling, but the older section's low ceilings seem to accentuate only how crowded the area is in both the number of people and the amount of stuff (slot machines, gaming tables, and so on). This party atmosphere, by the way, is strictly for adults; the hotel actively discourages guests from bringing children.

The hotel touts its room size. Every one is a "suite," which does not mean two separate rooms, but rather one large room with a sectional, corner sofa, and coffee table at one end. The dressing areas are certainly larger than average and feature a number of extra amenities, such as fridges (unusual for a Vegas hotel room) and small snacks. Windows, running the entire length of the room, are floor to ceiling, with a pretty impressive view of the Strip, Vegas, or the mountains (depending on which way you're facing). The furniture doesn't feel like hotel-room standard, but otherwise the decor is fairly bland.

The hotel offers the first-rate Carnival World Buffet. You might consider checking out the Wine Cellar Tasting Room, which bills itself as "the world's largest and most extensive collection of fine wines," and, hyperbole aside, it's certainly impressive and a must-do for any wine aficionado.

Penn & Teller, the smartest show in town, is reviewed under 'Nightlife,' as are the VooDoo Lounge and other clubs. The casino, alas, is dark and claustrophobic. The party/carnival theme gets a distinct R rating, with the newly reconceived Show in the Sky, the Rio's free entertainment spectacle. Sort of an homage to Rio Carnival, courtesy of floats that move on grids set in the ceiling above the casino, it now includes sets, such as spas and 17-foot-long beds, with "performers of seduction" gyrating to pop music. It's performed Thursday through Sunday in the evening.

Out back is a pool with a sandy beach, and two others in imaginative fish and shell shapes that seem inviting until you get up close and see how small they are. It could be especially disappointing after you have braved the long, cluttered walk to get there. Three whirlpool spas nestle amid rocks and foliage, there are two sand-volleyball courts, and blue-and-white-striped cabanas (equipped with rafts and misting coolers) can be rented for $250 to $500 per day. The 18-hole championship Rio Secco golf course, located on the south side of town (transportation included), was designed by Rees Jones.

Note: At press time, there were rumors of an impending sale of the hotel. If it happens it could mean major changes from the restaurants to the nightlife to the casino and beyond.

Facilities:
12 restaurants; sports book dining; casino; concierge; executive-level rooms; golf course; health club; 4 outdoor pools; room service; showrooms; spa

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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