Weird Vegas Staycation: What Happened to the Rio Hotel?

Welcome to Wonderhussy Adventure #760
Date of adventure: 11/13-11/15/23
While waiting on car repairs, I ended up having to spend 2 nights in Vegas...and the cheapest room I found near my mechanic's shop was at the Rio. But the sign is busted and the front looks abandoned -- is it even open? Join me as I investigate this once trendy property...which appears to have fallen on hard times.
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[@kleverich]

I think this video actually worked out to the Rio's advantage. She was able to communicate that it is not abandoned, but undergoing a renovation. And "John's" fast thinking allowed everyone to see what the upgraded room will look like, which really did look like a nice room. I am curious why they continue to operate on a shoestring during the renovation, or why they don't put up signage about undergoing renovations.

[@SaltySouthTexan]

Gotta have customers to keep you going towards a profit. So many people go to Vegas just to “do things” and not gamble much anymore. We went for the food, the atmosphere, the sights, and won’t be going back. Too many people in a tight space and too much weed smell all over constantly. We’ve gone the last two years, this was our final trip….

[@micmac1121]

I would stay there , love the room

[@Skank_and_Gutterboy]

@@SaltySouthTexan I went there on business a few years ago to support contract work at Nellis AFB. My coworker booked us all $50 rooms at the Luxor (it was in July, so it was the low-season). That place sucks. As soon as I walked it, the entire place smelled like an ashtray and I had to wait in line for 90 minutes to check in, it was worse than the goddamn airport. Not only did the entire place stink of cigarettes, everything about the place was cheap plastic crap. The next time I saw that co-worker I chewed his ass. A coworker told me later, "Yeah, don't ever stay on the strip. Book the Marriott on the edge of town." I wish he had booked our rooms. I was thoroughly unimpressed with everything about Vegas and haven't been back.

[@ralphalvarez5465]

​@@Skank_and_Gutterboyyour co- worker booked the Luxor rooms and you chewed his ass because it didn't meet your expectations. Hmmm, ok..

[@Skank_and_Gutterboy]

@@ralphalvarez5465 Yep. A few people said to him, "I don't we really want to be on the strip," and he's one of those, "Don't worry, I've been there a ton of times, I got this!" He didn't have shit, everybody's bad expectations came true and he got bitched at by everybody. When I got home, the first thing my wife said was, "What did you do, stop by the bar first?" because my clothes, including what I was wearing, smelled like smoke. Damn I hate that.

[@photoman4692]

This is probabbly the best advertising the Rio could ever have. Thanks.

[@als125poundweightlossjourney]

"this place is run by clowns" had me in stiches.

[@snotnosewilly99]

The RAILROAD is what turned Vegas into a town. Back in the steam locomotive days the engines needed large amounts of water, and Vegas had water, so the town was born. Las Vegas means The Meadows, which is the result of spring...a watery Oasis in the barren desert to feed the railroad engines.

[@gsp49]

Good one Sara!

[@syx9986]

Thanks (from a native)

[@underthetornado]

Busgy Segal turned this sand lot into fun.❤

[@harryyarrow4110]

The current Las Vegas would just be incomprehensible to the residents from the turn of the century.💛

[@Clayton-ys3qb]

@@harryyarrow4110My parents would leave my sister(6) and I(4) in the car while they went in the casinos to gamble. It was the 1960s and I can still remember cupping our hands against the glass and our foreheads to try and look inside. Talk about a mellow society.

[@RagdollsOfLasVegas]

Great video, WH. I am rooting for Rio to make a big come back! Enjoyed this one, a lot!

[@StevenGale-yn1qs]

I stayed there when it first opened in the early 1990s. Besides being all suites, they offered free food & drink discounts. The rooftop bar/club was KILLER!

[@canadianoddy8504]

I've been going to Vegas since the early 80's and flew down from Canada every year to go to the WSOP. I always stayed at the RIO when the WSOP was moved there because as you said, the rooms are suites. The pool was awesome and I stayed out there most of the day and gambled at night. My last stay was June 2022 and at that time they only had one pool open and the WSOP moved to Bally's. Only the All American bar n grill was open and the other food joint in there was closed. No poker room (closed). The place was really dead. Sad compared to what it was. I liked the overhead floats back in the day and they would throw beads at those of us watching from the upper deck. I almost cried when I saw your video about the pool but glad to hear they are not destroying it. It had a really nice sand beach area for kids or those who liked to put their feet in sand. It was one of the best parts of that casino. I hope it makes a come back but I think it will be tough. Right from day one they never had more than 3 people working check in and you had to wait forever to get checked in so I hope they fix that. If they just dumped the rip off "resort" fee this place will have a chance. The mob knew what gamblers wanted -- cheap rooms, cheap food and a comp. If they follow the mob model then they got a winner. Gamblers want value for their money which means we don't want to get mugged right at the front desk. We want to gamble not get mugged. Great job on this video.

[@ilovemywife2685]

Facts bro! Where i stand right now with mgm properties everything is comped, 0 resort fees, free parking , 160.00 in free play and 250.00 credit on anything charged to my bank room. If any of this went away, so would I!

[@13699111]

Another great video Wonderhussy . I really enjoy that you treat everyone like you want to be treated something everyone should be doing in life . Have a most wonderful day Wonderhussy .

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

The Rio had the best cocktail waitress outfits in 93. It had cool laser show at night. Times they are a changing great video

[@mr.waynes7555]

But, Wonderhussy…..you gotta admit $2500.00 in repairs isn’t bad at all after what you’ve put the old girl through….if people have been telling you she’s mechanically sound then you should be super good to go….RIGHT? your old friend in Sparks.

[@davidgrenis638]

TOYOTAS ARE ACTUALLY WAY OVERRATED PIECES OF CRAP THEY CANNOT BE FLAT TOWED THE FRAMES ARE NOT THAT GOOD THEY'RE REALLY JUST MEANT TO BE GOOD BAD WEATHER PAVED STREET HIGHWAY VEHICLE S THEY DON'T BEGIN TO COMPARE WITH WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A JEEP OR A DODGE POWER WAGON PICKUP

[@peterodriguez4985]

How many times does the mechanic have to fix the issues she has brought in time and time again..

[@dougwhite6767]

Your idea of replacing your Taco might have been a good idea. My daughter helped out a fellow utuber Jake and Nicole with a new Toyota. Canadian dollar

[@davidmurphy619]

So they have you convinced 2500 isn't bad ...yer a dupe

[@davidmurphy619]

You better watch Scotty Kilmer before you buy any car

[@jamesf4405]

Very glad to hear they're renovating the Rio. Such a beautiful property. Hate to see it all run down.

[@joef5416]

I am impressed with the room. Stayed there a couple times and I wish the new owners well.

[@marthaobrien3742]

Really impressed. Do you work for Rio?? Which room the first one or the real one you or I would get??

[@NarleyAdventures]

👍👍👍👍👍😄, Don't know how you always do it, but keeping things interesting seems to never be a problem for you!!

[@proteusnz99]

A new sort of ghost town, inhabited by vampire accountants carefully sucking every last cent out of the building before calling in the demolition crews. Your videos exploring abandoned properties and your creativity ground us in history, a context to how we got here. In the future, if all the buildings are destroyed every ten or twenty years, is the history carted off to landfill along with the rubble? No past, only a transient present, an indeterminate future, carried along in a Groundhog Day present. Stay safe, live and thrive.👍❤

[@gregstahl4666]

Hey Wonderhussy, love all your videos! Anyways, I work as an art director with an ad agency in Vegas and we are currently rebranding the Rio. It's definately a grind dealing with them, and the property has been resold.

[@mfitzgerald130]

Love your storytelling ms Wonder Hussy ✨🙂🎉🌲🌅🌈🐎🌌

[@rkgaustin9043]

Great to know the Rio is making a comeback. Thanks for the review!

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

Great video Sarah! The new room looked nice! I hope your 4Runner works good for you! I have a 2wd 2019 4Runner that I love! I take it off road all over the Desert in Az all the time. I'm glad that when it comes time to upgrade, you are going with another 4Runner. Don't be swayed by a cheaper price on some inferior vehicle. 4Runners rule! Safe Travels!

[@briangarrow448]

I’ve stayed at the big hotels and some mom and pop places when I have needed to stay in Las Vegas. One small local motel I stayed at was great- except for the working girl who had the room next door to me. She obviously was very talented- her customer was loudly shouting her praises while he was having a “business meeting” with her. LOL! My traveling companion- my long time girlfriend wasn’t happy about the noise, and I really couldn’t fault her. I’m the type of person who can sleep through most any noises and she is a light sleeper. My first trip to Vegas was in the early 80’s and I hit town at the same time there was a big championship boxing event. The place was off the hook. I saw two guys jumping out of their cars at a stoplight and getting into a fight in the middle of the intersection! I kept driving and got a room at the last motel on the southbound highway heading to Phoenix. Good times as a young traveling boilermaker- adventures working all over the western United States!

[@user-ho3dk4pg8y]

Thank you for the Rio adventure! Whatever you do, it’s always interesting.

[@mattnovotny6888]

I'm sure you figured this out by now, but you can actually just call the front desk and ask for a 1 day extension at the same rate you paid for the prior night.

[@nevamo7820]

I just ate supper and I get Wonderhussy for desert! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ray2895]

Nice video Sarah, glad to see that their renovating.

[@joannglass939]

LOL They didn’t even leave the light on for you! ……That tells you how much I know about motels or hotels. I hope your stay was WONDERFUL,WONDERHUSSY! 🤩🥰🤗 Thanks for a WONDERFUL video! 😊 I really enjoyed it! 😅😅😊

[@kylerdad123]

I hope the Rio returns to its glory again! You did a great blog on the status of Rio, a place I remember well! Looking forward to the next blog! Best wishes and hopes! 😁

[@Offthewalling]

Wow that was a trip ! Time is flying and everything is changing, Thank little lady you are the bomb !!!

[@S.E.C-R]

I was going to say I watched another Vegas channel and he covered the Rio a while back and explained what’s going on. I’m glad you got to stay in a new and an old room. The old room wasn’t all that bad though!

[@thatgirlpam7412]

Wow! Thats sad to see bc the RIO was such a fun place! But hearing they are renovating it brings us all hope!

[@RagdollsOfLasVegas]

John is a terrific ambassador for Rio! Right on, John!

[@marthaobrien3742]

Do you work for Rio. No follower would care that much about John. She was shunted to a bad room and forced to move half way through her stay

[@RagdollsOfLasVegas]

@marthaobrien3742 I lived in Las Vegas for 23 years and I did work at the Wynn, in VIP. She bought her room on a 3rd party website🤣🤣! She could have purchased a room at the rate Rio gets for those rooms now, but she didn't. John did her a big favor

[@wizloon9052]

I remember they used to have a big Mardi Gras style parade in the casino, and the performers in the parade were all suspended, hanging from a moving track on the ceiling. It was quite entertaining.

[@racheldelfin342]

Wow, you scored on the room with a view. I remember staying at the Rio, I think the room had a kitchen but it looks like the bathroom was extended and there's a bigger closet. 😊❤

[@biknjak]

Great video, Sarah. I didn't know the Rio was going through renovations. It (like many other casinos) while once grand, is definitely in need of some uplifting. I've stayed there many times - most recently during last year's National Finals Rodeo in December. I've seen it run down as the years have gone by. It used to have an aerial Mardis Gras acrobat show in the casino that was really cool in the early 2000's. Anyway, thanks for the update. I hope the Rio becomes cool again!

[@lauchieburton5592]

Love watching your Vagas videos always interesting, hope you're 4 runner is back to just like new

[@paulbrungardt9823]

Wonderhussy Adventures--😍 you are a National Treasure ! Much Love from Colorado.

[@Kazwell111]

You always brighten my day. Thank you!

[@DavidHaney1]

❤ GR8 VID ❤ LOVED IT ❤ The RIO has always been one of my favorites hotels to stay at. Glad to see it coming back ❤

[@thegreenpickel]

Saw the best lightning storm there in a suite with wall to wall windows back in '05. Grabed a couple beers, turned off the lights, it was cool.

[@walterbright1396]

Great video as always. Me and my wife took the walk over to the movies across the street from the Rio once after being dropped by the fashion mall and then ate at the Rio buffet 10 or so yeas ago. Great seeing it today. It was looking a bit shabby even then. Keep the great content coming!

[@mal1465]

Loved the all you can eat sea food buffet and the world carnival buffet with the island salad bar. Also enjoyed the floats which ran on the tracks in the ceiling with the dancers throwing beads

[@susanhelms107]

Thank you so much sis Wonder Hussey for sharing this awesome video about this hotel it was cool and it was built in the 90s that is so cool and still looking good in most parts someday it will look all good when they do all the remodel of the rims everything thanks for sharing this have a great night be safe❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@janecogliatii8080]

Just had to quickly say that I love your Vegas visits! Always fun and interesting and thank you for sharing your meal! Not sure why but I’m always curious to see what’s on the menu. Looking forward to getting back to DV with you and more road trips!

[@user-jx2xw8jf5s]

Hi Sarah Jane, As usual a excellent presentation!!

[@erinnkemp]

Your on a roll gurl. Keep them rollin😅❤

[@lalashawn9999]

Thanks for this update!

[@1berserker165]

Great vid Sarah. You're the best!

[@m.d.grimes1622]

Went to the Rio when it first opened, what an eye opener this was! Great video, very interesting, thanks Wonderhussy.

[@leroystea8069]

I am glad they are renovating. This was my favorite place to stay back when they the "ceiling shows". Was such a fun vibe and Star Trek conventions used to come to this hotel. Always like this place. Haven't been since its downfall but I am glad someone bought it to give this place new life. The renovated room looked good. Thanks for sharing.🤗

[@karenmays8889]

Great video. Safe travels.

[@ralphcrosby4051]

thanks for the adventure stay safe looking forward too more

[@chuckmurphy08]

Thankyou for documenting your stay at the Rio. We stayed at the Rio back in Sept of 2019. It was upsetting that is looks so neglected. However, it is good to know they are renovating it and it will be back in the limelight as one of Vegas' prime resorts.

[@Czechbound]

That was great. New rooms look super. Old room looked totally acceptable. Hope your truck is now 100% for you ... for further adventures !

[@donniemolchan7476]

Gold Coast was my hangout during my Air Force days in 1989. Rio was being built. Remember this wave type structure on the outside of the main building. Seemed like it was pretty close to being done. When I left Vegas in Dec 89. The Mirage had been open for about a month.

[@BabyMonkeyDefender]

Actually WH, all the casinos stayed closed for three months. They didn't open until last part of June fully. The Rio though, you're right. It was right at a year it stayed closed. I think they took that time to plan out how they were going to get their renovations and revamping done. It will be spectacular again once they've finished 👍

[@brettymike]

Hi again Miss Wonderhussy! - thanks for another awesome video! 🙂

[@slowridefpv9668]

Solid friend standing up for wonderhussy!

[@bubblesezblonde]

No WH I was always bored beyond tears when I was in Vegas...but since I fund your channel I will now know how to escape to a hot spring!!!

[@donaldpowell3469]

Another good, informative video. Thanks. $2,500 for suspension work to the end and back end is not bad, depending on what was replaced. You rave a good 4Runner.

[@treavey1]

this was very funny! her comedy and wit shines! thankx for the good entertainment.

[@tracyphillips3325]

Nice video, Sarah. Really nice room. Last room it's okay.

[@patcaribou]

John knows what's up! Only the best, for the Wonderhussy!

[@HeyImDiO]

The Rio is pretty lit now, literally and figuratively. Those signs looks way better now with the LED screens and fresh coats of paint. Plus, the rooms aren't too shabby.

[@mattwedelich347]

Happy New year 🎉😊 great video Great channel

[@daveweaston287]

Camping with Steve!!! Love him!!! LOL ...and you, Sarah!!! Great channel!!!

[@marthaobrien3742]

I saw a news article about Las Vegas removing people from the tunnels long after you got the news out. Thanks for keeping us informed. Love your channel. I am a long time follower. Ty -m

[@emmamcdonald3410]

did they provide them with accommodation or did they make the homeless people even more homeless?

[@christopherkup2112]

Great video Sarah! You always make things fun and interesting. You are quite amazing!

[@fjr3950]

Very interesting. Yes, that was quite the spot once upon a time. The adult pool area was the scene of much debauchery. Loved Buzio's seafood and the Hash House. The bevertainers were excellent. Giant rooms for $53. Those were the days...

[@OakvilleLad]

Cheers from Toronto, Wonderhussy! I haven't been to Las Vegas in decades but every day I drink my herbal tea from my 1994 Rio mug. It's one of two I have from the mid 1990s and the Rio was my fave hotel/casino. I'm digging your vids like crazy, seeing all the changes. Be well!

[@hunnybunny4u259]

I stayed at the Rio when it was “happening “. At the time they had some of the best food in Vegas. Wild beach parties….thanks for the update

[@lewisedison4181]

love your videos wonderhussy sarah vegas is pretty neat I may stay at the rio sometime

[@donaldnye2890]

I have stayed in that same room, nice video room buddy. the parking lot is a very special place to view Vegas from and watch the homeless do strange things.

[@dugwolfe]

It's my lucky time! I get to see you twice in only a few hours. Makes up for the long-ish gaps between vids otherwise. Same love, gal. Dug, Bristol.

[@billrey8221]

Sarah! The redoubtable YOU! pretty, funny, cleaver, inquisitive, sarcastic, inviting and humble. THANK YOU!!

[@pinksparkle258]

Ya should have stayed at the Jockey Club again!! Your favorite cheap-oh place on the Strip!! 🤠🌵💰 Clink 🥂

[@edwardtakenaka5647]

♥️♥️♥️♥️thanks for Rio update♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@jeffsmith7007]

Nice work. Love your content.

[@marshallmartin210]

Glad you got a nice room.I had black beans and hotdogs.😂👍

[@Potts1966]

Glad to know the Rio is being updated. Never stayed there but did a bit of gambling and saw Penn and Teller there 3 or 4 times over the years.

[@torchandhammer]

That was cool that Sarah mentioned Steve Wallis. I've been thinking it would be really cool if they went on a camping adventure together.

[@patbeutler354]

The Rio used to have a fantastic buffet. 0f course, that was 25 years ago.

[@T.W.goodguy]

WOW, I been in the Rio a few times. Never stayed there,but I would for the $70 price. And like you I thought it was out of business. Thanks for the info and video. And 51,000 views. So you are helping out with the new customers, heading to the Rio. ✅✅🍀✅✅😎☮️✌️

[@rickardjohnson4524]

Somebody has be living there, has it all layed out and smooth for a nice night sleep, Thumbs Up My Lady...

[@johnwalkowiak2002]

Wow time flies. some of the best times of my life at t hat resort in the late 90's. Great subject and video thanks!!!!

[@jayster.k.wiseguy]

I feel the dystopian weirdness, downtown LA also has malls that take up the real estate, yet amount to nuthin'~

[@JustinGuyer-hn9tz]

That looks cozy!

[@bdlii]

In Vegas in Aug for a few nights and Treasure Island was dark facing strip. Apparently it was still open though. On way back to CA stopped in Primm at Wild Bills to eat. Looked about same as Rio.

[@skyepilotte11]

Hope your vehicles repair turned out well. Thx for the review of The Rio...

[@timpoolsdad9281]

John is a smart guy. Show you the GOOD stuff.

[@brettcarson1061]

Love you… and the show!❤

[@johnsmircic6650]

Next time in Vegas, the Rio it is!! Thanks WH! Another good one 👍👍👍👍

[@kplante7881]

Thanks for sharing…!

[@nicholasstrauss]

I am thankful that you found some shade 🌴🌴and your car's alignment didn't break the bank 💰💰have a safe drive home.

[@bidensucks6792]

I worked at Rosemary's at the REO back in 2003. Shocking that it looks like this today.

[@newjersey502]

Thank You! This was a good video. The Good and the very Bad of The Rio. The Rio should have honored your same room for the 2nd night. I hope your truck has many more miles and the repair was a good repair!

[@citizensallianceofaustrali697]

I have said it before and I will say it again. I have never had any desire to visit Las Vegas, never. However once again Wonderhussy has shown how great a local can be in selling their city, town or village than any fifth avenue, mad man type, advertising propogandist. This was a top class video which was able to be both entertaining, and which informed potential visitors to LV, why the hotel was looking less than its best. I thought that for $69 both rooms were satisfactory but that upgrade room is just about the best value hotel room I have seen in any major US city. Lots of room, terrific view of the strip and when all the amenities are up and running this should once again be a hot ticket place to stay. Hope the Starship Hussy is fixed and ready for more adventures, as we are!

[@SaltySouthTexan]

Trust……don’t waste your money. Vegas is a dump. Unless you can afford the Wynn or the Venetian/Palazzo……pretty much a dump everywhere else. Food is 100X the price it should be and not always the quality you’d think. Best two meals we had were at Ellis Island for under $40 for two. Paid $300 for steaks and they sucked. We always stayed center strip…..I’d never stay there again. The north end is where it’s at but I can’t afford those hotels

[@desertwaters_808]

Vegas is straight-up creepy and gross. Only redeeming thing about it is that you can get to Red Rock State Park, which is quite beautiful, from the strip in a half an hour.

[@tdhawk167]

Hope your Adventure Chariot is now completely recovered and healthy, ready to carry you onto many more adventures! Safe travels!❤️

[@petermilburn5425]

I remember visiting the Rio in the mid 90s. They boasted the best buffet in Vegas, and it was good!!! They also had the show in the sky, where they did a Mardi gras show on an overhead trolley system. You can see it in the shots of the casino floor. What a shame it is so rundown. Hopefully they can bring some life into it with the renovations!!!

[@kyleh698]

I loved this video!

[@marshalldrummond5487]

The life evolution in Vegas is always interesting. When I was a kid in the 1950’s my family stayed in the Sahara. Seems like many have come and go since then, although Fremont Street seems to go on forever.

[@629GSMITH]

Love you. I haven't been to Vegas in 10 years.

[@tdhawk167]

So interesting! I thought the casino looked great, just eerily empty. And how cool would it be to have one of those stages?!?! You have room in your quanza hut to store it during inclement weather, don't you? Dam, would love one! Lol! And I'm curious - Did the older room have a tub? Love your vids, S! Congrats on your site! Safe travels!