You are across trom Palms and Gold Coast and early trip (not walk) to Strip
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I was checking room rates last week and Rio is almost priced like a budget property which makes me suspect it’s no longer got the reputation it used to have. The "All Suites" idea was fairly unique when Rio first opened.

Anyway… the rooms at Rio are very similar to the rooms in the Venetian. The property itself (casino and public areas) isn’t as luxurious though. I stopped by Rio in August 2007 and bought a hat at a gift shop and ate lunch at the Starbucks. It’s the same as I remember from when I stayed there (mid 90s and December 2000) – it isn’t luxurious like Venetian or Wynn or Bellagio but it also isn’t trashy or run down at all. It’s very similar to Luxor without the Egyptian theme, and has more of a party atmosphere (the parade in the sky with people throwing beads, Rio Rita walking around the casino with fruit on her head.)

Rio is a Harrah’s Entertainment property which means you can check in at the airport instead of waiting in line at the check in desk in Rio’s lobby. I used the airport check in when I stayed at Paris in 2007 and Bally’s in 2005, there was no line at all. The check in office is behind you and to your right as you enter the baggage claim area.
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