I'm seeing some great prices for the Rio in September. Is there something wrong at the place? Construction or pool closed or something? Any help would be appreciated.

Nothing wrong with it, but definitely showing its age. Overall capacity and the off strip location are probably reasons for the special prices (heck, Venetian/Palazzo are practically giving away comp rooms to almost everyone who can breathe)

IMO, location is fine, as you are walking distance to the Gold Coast (great low-roller gaming) and Palms.

Gaming is typical Harrah's, which means don't expect to find much of anything good, with regard to lower denomination (less than $5) video poker.

I've always felt a very decent vibe playing dice @ RIO --- and the Big Baccarat game, while seldom very busy, has been lucky for me, with regard to hit and run sessions.

I like Cafe Martorano; and you might just see Steve hanging by the pool.

The Wine Cellar is also another great spot on property --- totally underrated, IMO.

Be sure to ask for a recently (last 2 years) renovated room in the Ipanema Tower with a view of the strip. As far as I know, the rooms in the Masquerade tower have NOT been renovated yet, though, I might be a bit off on this.

Harrahs runs a shuttle bus from rio to caesars, ballys, paris and harrahs--which can make getting to the strip easier (than walking--doable, but a about a mile to the stirp.)

Things to like about Rio.

Large rooms with minibars, fridges, coffeemakers, huge tubs.
Fast, reasonably priced room service.
Huge pools (but they are quite distant from your room).
2 buffets, one seafood.
Lucky Strike bowling lanes.
Gaylord's Indian restaurant.
Chinese menu in coffee shop.
The Diamond Lounge & other Diamond perks.
Chippendale's
Penn & Teller

Quirks:
Few blackjack (3/2 not single deck 6/5) tables. Lots of empty 6/5 tables.
Minimum craps bet usually $15 even when uncrowded.

The rooms in the tower that have not been remodeled are bad, I think its the Masquerade tower. I found a way to avoid these rooms, not sure it this still works. Ask them at check-in if the room has internet service as you need it for work. The rooms that have not been remodeled also don't have internet service, you have just been upgraded. If this does not work there is a good chance that your room safe will also not work when you get to the room and a call to the desk should also work. If not I know there will be a few things broken in the room and or a few holes in the wall , no joke.

Thanks BBBB. That should come in handy. Do I need a $20 stuck in there too?