Trip Report: My Stay at the Rio Las Vegas

One of the biggest changes at Rio Las Vegas is its recent partnership with World of Hyatt. Historically, Rio has been seen as a bit of an outlier in the Vegas resort scene—an off-Strip property known for its large suites but not much else drawing visitors in. With its shift to Hyatt management, the hotel is undergoing a multi-phase renovation, bringing some much-needed updates to the property.

For Hyatt loyalists like me, this means earning and redeeming Hyatt points and, for those with elite status, accessing perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, and late checkout. While the hotel isn’t fully transformed yet, I enjoyed the ability to earn Hyatt nights and take advantage of my Globalist benefits during my stay.

The renovation process is ongoing, with newly updated rooms rolling out in phases. If you stay at Rio today, you might get a room that still has its old-school Vegas charm, while others have been revamped with modern décor. The casino is also evolving, with some table games being relocated and changes to its layout. Hyatt’s influence will likely continue to shape the property, so it will be interesting to see how it looks a year from now.

Location: Off the Strip, But Well-Connected

A major consideration when staying at Rio is its location. The hotel sits just west of the Strip, near I-15, meaning it’s not within easy walking distance to major attractions. Unlike some off-Strip resorts that at least have a pedestrian bridge or monorail connection, Rio is a bit isolated.

That said, Uber and Lyft are plentiful in Vegas, and I never had trouble getting a ride. From Rio, a rideshare to the Strip was around $10-$15, depending on traffic and demand. If you’re planning to bounce around different casinos, this cost can add up, but it’s still more convenient than trying to walk.

Alternative Transportation Options

• There used to be a free shuttle that connected Rio to the Strip, but that service is no longer running.

• Walking to Caesars Palace or the Flamingo takes about 20-30 minutes, but it's not a pedestrian-friendly route.

• If you have a rental car, parking at Rio is free, which is becoming rare in Vegas.

If you prefer staying on property and aren’t worried about moving around much, this might not be an issue. But if you enjoy walking from casino to casino, this isn’t the ideal home base.

Dining: A Limited but Functional Selection

One area where Rio falls a bit short right now is its dining options. The hotel is still in transition, and while more options are expected to open in the future, the selection currently feels limited compared to Strip resorts.

The Food Court & Casual Options

Rio has a small food court with quick-service dining, which is good for a quick bite before heading out or after a long night at the casino. I grabbed one meal there, and while it wasn’t anything special, it was convenient.

Breakfast at Hash House A Go Go – A Must-Try

The highlight of my meals at Rio was breakfast at Hash House A Go Go, which was free every morning thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status. If you’ve never been, Hash House is known for:

• Massive portions (think pancakes the size of your head)

• Hearty comfort food with a Midwest twist

• Their signature Chicken & Waffles, which is a must-try

It was a great perk to have breakfast covered every morning, especially at a spot as popular as Hash House A Go Go.

Dining Outside of Rio

Since Rio’s dining options are currently limited, I found myself venturing out to other hotels for most dinners. The Strip is full of fantastic restaurants, and with Uber rides being quick and easy, it made sense to explore Vegas’ broader food scene.

Amenities: Gym, Pool (Closed), and Casino Vibes

Gym: Surprisingly Well-Equipped

One of the highlights of my stay was the gym. For a hotel of this size, it was better than expected. It had everything I needed:

• Treadmills, ellipticals, and cardio machines

• Free weights and strength-training equipment

• Plenty of space to get a solid workout

If you like to keep up with your workouts while traveling, Rio’s gym will meet your needs.

Pool: Closed for the Season

Unfortunately, the pool was closed for the season, so I didn’t get to experience it. However, here’s what I noticed:

• The pool area is large, but not as extravagant as Strip hotel pools.

• There’s potential for future upgrades as part of the Hyatt transition.

• If you’re visiting in summer, check to see if the pool is open.

Casino: Dead by Day, Alive by Night

One thing that stood out about Rio was how different the vibe was depending on the time of day:

• Daytime: The casino felt dead—very quiet and empty compared to the Strip.

• Nighttime: The casino came to life with table games, slots, and a good energy.

This could be a pro or a con, depending on your preferences. If you want non-stop energy, the Strip casinos are better. But if you like a quiet daytime vibe and an active casino at night, Rio is a good fit.

The Room: Spacious, All-Suite Accommodations

One of the biggest perks of staying at Rio is that every room is a suite. This means you get:

• More space than a standard Vegas hotel room

• A separate living area

• Floor-to-ceiling windows with Strip or mountain views

The newly renovated rooms have:

• Modern décor with dark wood furniture and a contemporary look

• Comfortable beds with fresh linens

• Updated bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers

That said, not all rooms are renovated yet—so you may end up in a room that still has the older décor.

Special Rates for Airline Staff

One thing I always check when booking hotels in Vegas is whether a property offers special rates for airline employees and crew members. As of now, there are no known airline staff discounts at Rio Las Vegas, but we have reached out to the property to inquire about any potential industry rates in the future.

That said, Rio’s rates are generally reasonable—especially mid-week. Pricing fluctuates based on seasonality, events, and conventions, but compared to Strip properties, Rio often comes in as a more affordable option, particularly if you don’t mind staying off the Strip.

Resort Fees & Additional Charges

Like most Vegas hotels, Rio does charge a resort fee, which covers amenities such as Wi-Fi access, fitness center usage, and local phone calls.

Currently, the resort fee is around $40 per night, which is standard for Vegas but still something to factor into your total cost. One advantage of Hyatt Globalist status is that it waives resort fees on stays, so that’s something to keep in mind if you are chasing Hyatt status this year.

If we hear back from Rio about airline-specific discounts, we’ll be sure to update!

Final Thoughts: A Good Fit for the Right Traveler

Rio isn’t going to be for everyone, but it does have its advantages. If you’re looking for:

• A quieter, all-suite hotel experience

• Affordable rates compared to Strip hotels

• The ability to earn Hyatt points & elite nights

• A solid gym and decent casino scene at night

…then Rio is worth considering.

If you're not someone who is committed to a hotel in Vegas—meaning you don’t desire spending a ton of time on property—then Rio is a solid, affordable option. If your Vegas trips are more about exploring different casinos and dining out, you might find this to be a great base at a lower price point than some of the major resorts.

Would I stay again? Probably. I liked the Hyatt perks and spacious suites, but I found myself spending much of my time elsewhere. If Hyatt continues to improve the property, it could become a much more attractive option in the future.

Have you stayed at the Rio Las Vegas?