I have never stayed at the Rio as I never wanted to be off the strip. I have enjoyed the MGM, Four Seasons, Alladin, Bellagio, Westin, Hard Rock, Caesars, Hilton, Paris, etc. But I think the Rio is the "funnest" place I've been to in Vegas.

It started with my boss who is a Platinum member at the Rio and invited me to dinner at Antonio's. There are a lot of great restaurants in Vegas and this is one of them. Excellent Italian fare. They brought the regular wine list and I said no, I want the real wine list. This thing went up to $95,000 per bottle! The Osso Bucco is great, but make sure you try the rib appetizer. The bones are removed and the meat just melts in your mouth. For dessert I had a glass of their best Grappa and I think it had a big effect on me.

Later I wandered the Casino and saw a group of Blackjack tables with extremely scantily-clad female dealers. This is near the excellent Bikinis club. I sat down and proceeded to take the Rio for an awful lot of money. This is single deck blackjack with no blackjack bonus, but I didn't care about style of game. I didn't care about what I was dealt, I was just having fun with a beautiful dealer. I was very high on the wine, beef and Grappa and played blackjack unconsciously. I think I started with $100 and left with $4000.

The next day, as I knew it would be, was not so lucky. However I was given some free passes to the VooDoo lounge at the top of the Rio. I met some people up there and had a great time in the VIP area. Later that night I went back to see my girlfriend/dealer and even though I wasn't lucky that night I managed to fight my way to a $500 profit during the final session.

My boss likes to hang out at a bar in the middle of the casino called Shutters. I wondered why he liked the place when all of a sudden lights and music came on and a beautiful go-go dancer jumped up on the little nearby stage and started singing and dancing. I guess this goes on quite often through the night. This is also a great spot for people-watching. I was very well entertained just sitting there for over an hour.

I was invited to Masquerade too, but I didn't make it. I think I have a lot more to see at this hotel. While I like earning Starpoints at the Alladin or Westin, I think I may stay at the Rio next time.

Stimpy,

You are the luckiest guy I have ever seen in Vegas! I'll never forget the day of the Superbowl at the MGM ^ ^ .

Craig

I am glad you enjoyed the Rio! As a former employee but a
very frequent guest at the Harrahs property due to most of my
friends still employed there? The Rio after all these years since
the resort opened in 1990 and addition of The Masquerade Tower
in 1997. Has been able to keep customers coming back to the
fact you stated that there are so many entertainment options.
If you are a meat lover? Fiore`s Steakhouse is an excellent option
as well and seafood dining at Buzios is another great option.

I have to admit that I laughed when reading your entry about
you boss hanging out at "SHUTTERS" bar right outside the high limits
gallery. All I will say to keep this clean is? Hanging out at Shutters
from midnite til about 5am Wed-Thurs-Fri-Sat. nites are quite an
entertainment in itself and will leave it at that. Also you wouldn`t
expect anything less than 2 piece bathing suit beauties dealing
at the blackjack tables outside BIKINIS??? The Masquerade Bar is
another good option but seeing that ++++ing "show in the air"
one more time might make me go postal. Its no diffrerent that going
on a family trip and hearing your kids say "are we there yet" on
& on & on !!!!! Glad you had alot of fun

.....

The Rio use to be my favorite in LV. I really miss those days!!

Off the strip, The Vodoo Lounge, and the "outfits" and buffets (when I was in to buffets!) . Nice large rooms and very reasonable prices.

Unfortunately the Rio seemed in need for a room update that never came. I could excuse that but I had two consecutive very poor service trips.

Including a wait of 2.5 hours for a hamburger from room service.

So I went from a 5 times a year guest at the Rio to a once a year visit to the Vodoo Lounge to celebrate a special occasion.

THE Hotel gets my current visits on the strip and JW Marriott w-a-y off the strip.

I can understand why many folks still love Rio

The Rio, my home away from home in Vegas. The newly renovated Cariocas suites in the Ipanema Tower are awesome. The Diamond Lounge for Diamond players is great. All of the restaurants, including the coffee shop, are expensive but you do get decent quality food. I love Fiore's - the atmosphere, the rack of lamb, the caviar. Buzio's is great for seafood in a casual atmosphere. Once I ate teppanyaki at Hamada's. I was the only one. Having your meal prepared for you, and you alone, in front of you was quite an experience.

I don't care for the BJ and concentrate on the VP. I'm not a high roller - $1 VP is my game. Still, they have rewarded me well for my loyalty. Can't wait for the takeover of Caesars to be completed. When that happens and assuming the Harrah's Total Rewards program is implemented there, according to my host, he'll be able to make the same arrangements for me at Caesars that I presently enjoy at the Rio and all other Harrah's properties - comp RFB and limo.

Harrah's has by far the best customer service in the industry and you don't have to be a whale to experience it. As long as you realize that playing the worst Blackjack rules in the world makes the game about five times as expensive as with normal rules, enjoy the cleavage.

QL