The Rio Hotel in Las Vega is BACK! - Hotel Review

The Rio Las Vegas is officially changed owners and began renovations. In this video we dive into what's new at the Rio Hotel by Dreamscape and Hyatt. The property is undergoing a well needed facelift and I'm excited to see all the changes that are taking place.
Do you think the Rio can make a come back? 🤨
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[@Kenneth_Usher]

The masquerading in the sky was great back in the day. The hotel was full of energy the international buffet was the best in Las Vegas. It’s good to see it slowly coming back.

[@ivdubgti]

Nice to see a company putting effort into an old property insted of blowing it up.

[@annking8633]

6 months ago I was saying tear it down. They're doing a good job bringing it back from death. I wish them good things in the future.

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

lets see how it goes!

[@realboltfan]

As many have mentioned, I stayed here once it was amazing. I imagine I was around 24 at the time and I am 44 now. It was popping off… floats in the sky with fun music. Basically a party which just comes out of nowhere. I’m super bummed about life now, those were magical times. I knew they were magical times.

[@larslan1975]

I stayed there back in 1996,place still hopped,girls on the ceiling throwing beads down,Mardi Gras type feel! Great to see an attempt to revive it,great vid!

[@fryguy1133]

I pray that it does get revived. I have not been to Vegas since 1991😢

[@Bizness10]

I dropped in during F1 and it was a dump. I was shocked because it’s the first place I ever stayed in Vegas 25 years ago. Would love to see it come back. 25 years ago it was amazing.

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

I forsure thought it would be the home of the A's

[@jimshoe402]

Been Vegas 15x never went there but Free Shuttle too.😁😁😁😁 Time is $$$$$$$ in Vegas

[@lstruggy]

@Bizness10 ditto I might drop in there today just for Tony’s Philly cheese steak sandwich save me a trip to Philly 😂

[@Phushywillow]

His room looks better than when it opened 30 years ago. I remember getting rooms for $13 on off days back in the day.

[@user-pu9zq3pv5u]

​@@Vegas-Must-TryYES Tropicana would have been a cooler reboot Also coming from Chicago I can still say that area around rio is dodgy af

[@andreabellini6796]

Great video, man back in the late 90’s The Rio was where it was at!! They had flare bartenders, go go dancers and a parade that went through the casino. Glad to see it’s making a comeback

[@Its_the_Whole_Everything]

I remember the martini go go dancers

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

they stil had those little stages for dancers. I would love to see the carnival thing.

[@TheLastGen]

I just stayed here and it was really great! The elevator was slow, but everything else was really nice! Would 1000% stay again. My room was really big and nice. The bed was comfy.

[@Rubster760]

I was lucky to experience its hay days. The sky parties and the world buffet. One of the best buffets in its times. I also have been staying there the past several years and have seen it go down. Haven’t stayed there in about a year now. Glad to see the improvements, hope it makes a comeback. 🥳👍🎉

[@trwent]

Not "hay days"; HEYDAY. Horses have "hay days".

[@blancap324]

I also don’t know why people talk so bad about this place ! Nothing is perfect in this life ! I ❤🎉Think this hotel is amazing g regardless if “it looks run down” . I’m not picky , I’m honest . So happy it’s back !!!

[@MACMAMI]

7:38 Dreamscape is actually planning on thoroughly renovating their sportsbook. William Hill will be out (which makes sense seeing that Caesars Entertainment has a contract with William Hill), and rumor has it Circa will be coming in.

[@desmondcastro3679]

I see that the former buffet dinning hall has been converted to cantina area; looks great. The sportsbook definitely could use a make over. Thanks for reviewing the latest update of the Rio.

[@sharonkemerer2799]

Would love to see the Rio make a comeback. Thanks for the video. It looks like they are making a good start. I wish they would put in a buffet. Look how well the Palm's does with theirs. Give people a reason to come off strip.

[@Its_the_Whole_Everything]

Great to hear. It takes a while to remodel property that size. Hope it comes back to life…..even though I never stayed I did like going to the casino.

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

Maybe checking back in a year

[@3773dc]

The Rio back from the dead! Thanks for sharing.

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

thanks for watching bro!

[@destinyreturns4885]

I used to enjoy staying at the Rio, as the rooms were so large and everything was so easy to find from the parking structure and such. Glad to know they are upgrading.

[@calgal2727]

I've stayed here the past 2 years in the penthouse. Amazing rooms! I love the disinfectant cleaner they use so much that I found it & now use it in my house. I'm so glad they put in more eating places but is that where the Carnival Buffet used to be? Kinda hard to tell on the video exactly where it is located. I fully agree on the "dark side" of the casino. They need to put something fun over there & open more shops. The VooDoo Lounge was AMAZING when we went 2 years ago. BEST service & the food was finaminal! Thanks for sharing your video. I'm looking forward to going & staying again in August for the convention.

[@BrendaPotter1960]

I'm so happy to see all the improvements being made. The Rio was hoppin' back in the day. The Masquerade in the Sky show was amazing, and the buffet was out of this world. Another thing that the Rio had that they need to bring back is the free shuttle to the Strip. I can't wait to see the pool once it's finished, because it looks like it has lots of potential. Do they have the VooDoo lounge, or just a steakhouse? I love your videos. Great job Jorge!

[@jeanmarclemaitre9088]

Thanks for this encouraging update about the RIO. Any insights or news about the VooDoo Lounge above the steak house…..this was the best view of Vegas and the best night club vibe you could expect! I hope they’ll reconsider reopening it!

[@humanbeing5396]

Wow! Perfect timing. I just booked a renovated room for March and you showed me a renovated room.

[@dustyc324]

they are pretty big. you won't beat it for the price. comparable to a $500 room on the strip.

[@pokerpat6470]

You were correct in the 90s the Rio was the most fun casino in Vegas. The servers had the brightest, most festive dresses, the music was pumpin', the show in the sky was wonderful, they had the best buffet in town and the place had a terrific vibe. Then Caesars' bought them. Nuff said? I spent 2 months living there during the 2023 W.S.O.P. and it was fine. They comped me there next month so I'll check er' out.

[@dustyc324]

I stayed there 2 days ago. I think I got the same room. I paid $130 all in. It was a really nice room for that price. The walk from the strip was a little further than I anticipated. I would consider staying there again.

[@jameshannahs9010]

Went to Vegas for the first time in May 2021. Stayed at the Rio based on some recommendations from people I'd talked to and based on the cost. We were very disappointed. The world was just beginning to open up after Covid, and we knew that we might not experience the full Vegas. However, we were shocked at how abandoned the Rio looked. It was dingy, and it was clear that it wasn't much if a destination for anyone. We could see that slots had been pulled, and there were also many machines that were roped off. We did like the size of our room, and found the bed to be comfortable, but the room was clearly dated, and the TV only got maybe 3 channels that came in clearly. We were also disappointed that we hit Vegas during a wind storm that lasted the final 2 or 3 days of our trip, dropping the feels-like temps into the 50s and 60s, and did not get to experience the pool at Rio. We did enjoy the Comedy Cellar and Voodoo Steakhouse. I said at the time that I may never stay there again, but I would hope to be able to stop back again to see if it ever comes back. We're heading back in May, but I'm not sure if we will have time to make a few hour stop to check out the improvements.

[@rayxtwo]

Staying there non April. Got the "RESORT FEE" waived with the Las Vegas Advisor member rewards coupon book😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@EASTCOASTNATURE]

I love how you give feedback to the Hotel to improve. It shows that you care to see the property prosper

[@88lachapo88]

Good to see that they are remodeling!!!

[@3H16E]

I want it to come back. My friends and I use to go there all the time when it was bumping! To see how bad it got. How downhill it went was sad to hear. I want it to come back. I like it. I miss the vibe it was. Hope it can make a comeback.

[@clubbox84]

I will give it a try, especially being a Hyatt member I can stay on points which is a perk.

[@Phushywillow]

These are better than when the Rio opened up in the first place. I'm glad that they are redoíng it. I've always enjoyed that place.

[@vegaslegacy]

Happy to see they're making a change. That roof top looks amazing! Will definitely have to check out in the future. Great review (as always) Thanks for sharing!

[@kimhastie5440]

Thanks for doing this video and giving us an update on the property.

[@DE-vs2xy]

We went last Thursday night. It was packed! Table games were full, long line at hotel check-in…and the Canteen places were running out of food! It was a great vibe. Cheerin’ for ya Rio, see ya soon. Star Trek Con will be back there this August. 🖖🍻

[@raymondbracamontesd.c.3776]

🖖💯

[@amyshaffner]

Appreciate your effort Jorge. What a beautiful view from that patio! I hope the Rio makes an epic comeback.

[@lvfan]

That steakhouse roof top view looked amazing. That would be worth it to eat and get some great pictures.

[@coryprocise5354]

The Rio use to be such a great spot. I was there last year and was stunned at how run-down it was. Hopefully the renovation will bring it back.

[@angelabush9766]

Wow Interesting The Governor Of Illinois JB Pritzker & Family Owns All The Hyatt Hotels , Ty For Sharing & I'm From Chicago & Live Here In Vegas Now

[@keesling6054]

Wow I stayed there last May and it's crazy how much better it seems. The rooms look so much better, there actually food options, and finally people in the casino. Last May there were maybe 100 people total on the casino floor and only 1 restaurant opened. It was crazy how empty it was.

[@MrGleeiscool]

my grandma is a rewards member there and we might get to stay dad wants to go next weekend for march madness id be so happy to just be there

[@deidrebishaw8251]

Thank you for the journey with you I used to go there in its heyday It was a lot of fun and the Buffett and sky show was fun Ceasars let it rundown Hoping their renovations turn things around for them

[@erniegutierrez2288]

Im glad to see The Rio is making a comeback. So many memories especially of the buffets during the early 2000s By the way, Tapatios sometimes have blue and green eyes. My mom is from Jalisco and she has green eyes. Great vid and great channel "Like' and "Subbed"

[@destroyerj]

I loved The Rio! Anytime I stayed there, the room was always clean, the suites HUGE with great bath facilities. The prices weren't bad either.

[@cakienudge]

There is hope. It was amazing in the 90's and after. Voodoo steak was and is, terrific. Needs more buzz again. So nice. Glad to see they are working on it. The dark side was fun...hope there are plans. Yea, Inrode the ride in the sky and still have my beads.

[@James42584]

Thanks for the video. I haven’t been there since 1999 and it was great back then. Now that Hyatt has it, I’m headed back in July. I hope to see even more improvements by summer.

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

Have fun!

[@ThinkLascivious]

Remember going to the Voodoo Lounge 20+ years ago. It was a super happening spots.

[@CanadianAtleti]

Rio was always my first stop whether we were flying or driving in. 19.99 buffet with 5 bucks extra for upgrade to seafood buffet was the best value. Also making things even better was carnival show and we were given loads of beads and danced amongst carnival girls. During that was going on there were literally no empty slot machines in the floor and all table games were full. Rio still has long ways to go judging from your video and I hope new owners are serious about this project. (Not like Nascar Saraha debacle)

[@JW-hf9ev]

Just tried it, not bad. I like relax less press than other. They are working hard to make it work too. Lots of Asians go to Gold Coast next door.

[@lindamtz]

Not gonna lie they should bring back the ceiling parade they used to have…I remember going when they had it and it was always full and when they closed it I never really saw as much people there anymore

[@jemilkman3323]

Thanks for taking a picture with me at the Rio food court. I was surprised that I saw you right after I landed in Vegas

[@jemilkman3323]

Great video by the way. I hope they bring back the Rio Carnival Buffet.

[@mikehong2691]

George!-Back In the Day!-POKER Is King!&Alot Of Poker Pros-Played POKER-There!-Raymond "Mike" Hong!&(I Saw-Poker Videos@The RIO Casino&It Looks FUN!-Mike!)😎👍!!!!!!!!!

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

Classic

[@joemoney92]

I’ve never been but I would love for it to be back to its former glory 🎉

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

i heard it was THE spot

[@DianeSullivan888]

Watching the progress is the best part.

[@mardigrasw]

My friends r going there in August. I'll just stay on the strip. thanks MY Dude

[@deanlucero64]

I think it is slowly coming back. I ate at Shogun Ramen place and it was good. Will have to try the rest sometime. The Sports book does need some love. My mom and daughters rode in the parade in the sky carts, they threw beads down to the people below.

[@bigtdawg2626]

I was very tempted to stop by it on my daily trips to Chinatown. I would pass by the parking lot and thought "Maybe I should go check out the new food court." However, I was always stuffed after coming back from Chinatown so maybe next trip I will see what has improved. I have fond memories of the Rio from 20 years ago with the Carnival Buffet...that was amazing when I was younger. I believe that anything in Vegas can make come back if reasonably priced and has good food and entertainment options.

[@LayZeeChill]

Hi! Would you please recommend places to eat in Chinatown?

[@bigtdawg2626]

@@LayZeeChill so, I tried China Mama and their crispy beef dish and it was amazing. I also found a couple of 24 hour places that I went to multiple times called Pho Ga Bac Bac. The portions were huge and everything I had there was very tasty. I really enjoyed the bbq pork vermicelli noodles.

[@LayZeeChill]

@@bigtdawg2626 thanks! Looking forward to trying China Mama and Golden Tiki.

[@Dibblesoldhollywood]

Just saw the refresh from the freeway when I stayed in the park mgm last week and it genuinely looked better lol! Hopefully it gets even better

[@angelag7090]

Happy to see someone try Tony Luke’s and give them some love! You got good taste, South Philly baby!! ❤️ Tony is not only my friend , he’s a great guy! 😇

[@etblok9359]

Let's start a conversation. I went to the Rio 2015 I think. I'm happy for the improvement. Thank you for the video! The Rio needs to find a niche. He can't compete with the big casinos. Maybe add a stage, a small arena. For smaller shows, smaller sports... But a great bar would be great that's so true. They should block the abandoned end with a nice temporary wall all the way to the ceiling. The voodoo was a bar before with a zip line. This a great spot and will stay for a long time. What a view.

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

I actually got to ride the zipline a few years ago! I was also thinking they should have concerts there!

[@tri0xin]

good video.. I noticed the LV Star trek convention will be there this August.. wasn't even considering staying there before watching this video but now it's looking ok and the rates are pretty good for that weekend. Thanks

[@tims4694]

Thanks for the video. I will be stopping by there in a few weeks, checking out the new food court and do a little gambling. I hear that they are pretty good with comps. Glad to see Burro Borracho is opening back up!

[@alyssadiceflipper5201]

I'm so glad the Rio has made a come back. It was so depressing to see it dead.

[@blancap324]

Did the pool and buffet in 2004 ! It was amazing !

[@Parker-Green]

Only time I’ve been to The Rio is for the Star Trek convention lol!

[@kikyochan66]

Me too! after staying there one time for the convention, never wanted to stayed there again for subsequent conventions 😂

[@RayzeR_RayE]

​@@kikyochan66, shit ehh, same spot this year and woo-hoo! Goin

[@randomphonevideos]

Well done George! I love the iconic look of this hotel as part of the Vegas strip, hope the new owners can breathe some new life into it for sure

[@darlenegarcia393]

The comedy cellar is the best , my husband and i were cry laughing

[@DC-zi2rb]

great vid brotha keep it going 🤙🏼

[@candyg7448]

I always look forward to your videos! 😊

[@safromnc8616]

Happy to see this - always liked the Rio - I typically only spend a day or two coming or going (in town) as I spend most of my time out in Death Valley or Mojave or similar.

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

We'll see how it goes for them

[@flightswithjoel]

Going in June for Flight Sim Exbo. Thanks for the video. Well done.

[@jjohns2453]

Tony Luke's has always been my number 1 spot to go in Philly for cheesesteaks

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

I get why!

[@JK-wt5cq]

Welcome back, Rio❤

[@chrisrenteria499]

Food curt good prices. Always a win

[@miguelgonzalez6213]

Stayed there by myself and then with my son in 2022. First time the room wasn't bad in the Masquerade tower. Second time we were in Ipanema Tower and the room and just about everything about that tower was in sad shape. We were basically just sleeping when there, so we didn't care much, as long as we got hot water for showers and the TV worked. Glad to see the new owners are living up to the promise and putting a shine on their investment. Did you hear if they were bringing back the nightclub?

[@nealxl6256]

Back in the late 90’s, Club Rio was one of only two night clubs for tourists. It was off the hook!

[@tedmckinney3944]

Back in the day, the RIO was the best.

[@josephohanlon205]

I remembered the International Buffet, We brought friends a n d t h e whole family there! They might be able to revived it, by bringing the World Series (WSOP) back again!??

[@tiysmith9657]

The casino is looking great.

[@catherinecarmouche3078]

Your comments are spot on. We stayed there in 2021 and the dark side was scary. Thanks

[@MACMAMI]

Overall: I'm wholeheartedly rooting for a triumphant, feel-good comeback story for the Rio. I'm always likening it to a victim of abuse at Caesars' behest, and I feel like a concerned friend every time I walked through the resort before in recent years and trying to motivate and cheer her on after the fact. It beyond deserves its redemption and fighting chance again. But it's important to take to heart that thorough renovations take time to be fully realized and executed. I don't expect the rio to be fully renovated until late 2026 to early 2027, so I'll definitely cut Dreamscape some slack between now and the especially considering all the smart moves they've already made in just four and a half months. The three main things I'm curious about from here on out are 1) will the VooDoo Lounge be resurrected after a complete renovation, or will it be a brand new rooftop lounge under a new name..............2) will the Masquerade Show In The Sky be resurrected in some form (maybe at the very least major holidays or specific celebrations like if the Vegas Golden Knights or Las Vegas Aces repeat as champions)................and 3) what are they going to do with their Palazzo Villas? I also suspect moving forward all the remaining relics of the Caesars era will close once their ongoing contracts officially retire (Hash House A Go Go, Guy Fieri's restaurant, Purple Zebra, the Cake Boss Guy vending machine, etc.) Great content as always! 🙂

[@basshound81]

Give it some more time and it will be decent I'm sure! Pool area looks like it's gonna be pretty nice!

[@belindabitzer6304]

Ty foe sharing Jorge. A there once after covid. Definitely cheap if your looking for a budget friendly room. ❤

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

the bad thing is that it is soo far from everything

[@johnsworldofvideopoker]

Nice overview. The video poker offerings in the High Limit have good pay tables on 8/5 Bonus Poker!🙌🏻🙌🏻🌎

[@ryanreagan9049]

Would love to make it back to Las Vega.

[@kerricarder-mccoy5338]

Lookin gooooood!! They still have a ways to go!!

[@VegasHH]

Wow Thanks for the quick update. That cheese steak sandwich looks good❤

[@NeilMacedo]

Great video Jorge, I am now a big fan of Ramen, it’s wonderful. I am happy to see that Ramen is available at a Casino.

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

Me too! Thank Neil!!

[@ceced1417]

Thx for this! I’ll be staying there next month with my girlfriends so this helped a lot!

[@Closinhtown1]

I stayed at the RIO in 2018. I'm a Vegas rookie, but I thought it was nice. It was clean which is the main thing I look for in a hotel. I prefer being off the strip. I'll probably stay there the next time I go to Vegas. Nice video!

[@richardalward]

I recommend downtown if you want a comparable price. Off the strip and plenty to do. Golden Nugget for moderate prices and cheap stay is The D.

[@markeidt6404]

There is no way I will stay at this casino when the resort fee is $61.18!!! That works out to 51.71% of the room rate!!!! What an absolute rip-off!!! What does this obscene fee get you? A tiny gym where nobody goes?? The greed of the casino owners never ceases to amaze me. Won't be getting any of my money. p.s. Great video Jorge.

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

Yes! I think they need work their way up there! maybe removing that for first couple months!

[@IroncladPen]

The resort fee is only $40, which includes free parking onsite. The rest is taxes.

[@trixie9867]

some of the nicest views from this place - i think because its just barely off strip

[@edbarford299]

Nice to see some progress. My last visit was a lot like your last visit, my room was disgusting.

[@lorenzo38787]

I agree about Javiers. This January was my first time there. I was expecting a lot more, but I was disappointed. I still think "El Secundo Sol" is better!

[@gentrythompson5691]

P & T has a good show

[@danielpwalker8421]

The first trip to Vegas the wife and I took we stayed at the Rio! The main reason we stayed was because of Penn & Teller, and we could tell it was off Strip. It was ok, but they still had the WSOP (World Series of Poker). We will be going back in a month, due to receiving three free days! Will be in the remodeled section too! We also now always rent a car, and it’s so much better than relying on taxis and ride share options. Will update when we return!

[@kathydee1111]

Horray! I love the Rio!!!!

[@georgevillanueva7696]

I LOVED THE RIO IN THE EARLY 90s WITH SHUTTLES TAKING US TO THE STRIP IN FRONT. OF CEASAR CASINO 🎰 I don’t think I will ever 😂go back to

[@seascape35]

When I was last there, around 2012 or so, they had a topless pool that was originally near the high end villas. Alas, it was closed when I was visiting.

[@KhaiSF]

Rio need to bring back the buffet.

[@footballaipredictions]

Going there in April 25 with the brothers . Looks good!

[@turbinski2000]

I used to love the Rio in the late 90s but stayed there in 2016 and was very disappointed. I love hearing it’s coming back

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

what's the over under on the comeback? +320?

[@MH_6160]

Iconic property with one of the best views of the strip bar none. I am holding off until end of the year, waiting to see how it ends up being when it is done. I noticed it is on Hyatt's booking page so I hope they will be participating in Hyatt's point program in the near future.

[@Vegas-Must-Try]

Yup, one of the towers will be Hyatt only in the future