Rio Hotel Las Vegas 2026 Review: Location, Pricing & Updates

Planning a trip to Las Vegas often starts with choosing a hotel that fits your budget and style without sacrificing space. The Rio Hotel & Casino, an all‑suite property just west of the Strip, has undergone a major transformation since being sold by Caesars Entertainment and joining the Destination by Hyatt brand in 2024. This guide draws on verified facts, recent guest reviews, and ownership records to help you decide whether this off‑Strip resort is the right base for your visit.

Last checked: 2026-08-17

Hotel type: All-suite hotel and casino · Location: 1 block west of the Las Vegas Strip, on Flamingo Road · Room size: 580 sq ft in classic rooms · Ownership: Dreamscape Companies (formerly Caesars Entertainment)

Key Facts

Is Rio Las Vegas a Nice Hotel?

Guest reviews on Tripadvisor through mid‑2025 and early 2026 highlight the resort’s spacious suites and perceived value, but also point to high resort fees and occasional service inconsistencies. The property’s transformation under the Destination by Hyatt brand has lifted its reputation from “dated” to “a 4‑star hidden gem,” according to travel guides such as GoVegasGuide.

What is Rio Las Vegas known for?

Rio is an all‑suite resort with approximately 2,520 suites and over 117,000 square feet of gaming space (BookOnVegas). Standard rooms start at 580 sq ft, putting them among the most spacious base rooms on the market. The property also earned recognition for its award‑winning dining, as noted on the Hyatt brand page.

Specifications at a Glance

Why is the Rio Hotel so cheap?

Rio frequently advertises discounts of up to 45% on classic rooms and suites. Its off‑Strip location, the sale‐leaseback history, and the ongoing phased renovation contribute to lower base rates compared with Strip‑front properties. However, guests should factor in the $44–$45 resort fee, which is common among Las Vegas hotels but can offset the advertised savings. The official site and booking platforms list these rates; always verify total cost before booking.

Is Rio on the Las Vegas Strip?

No, the Rio is not on the Strip. It sits at 3700 West Flamingo Road, approximately half a mile west of the main Strip corridor across Interstate 15. Travel guides consistently classify it as “off‑Strip” or “one block west” (VisitLasVegas.city). The walk to Las Vegas Boulevard is possible for some, but most visitors use a rideshare, taxi, or car.

How far is Rio from the Strip?

The distance from Rio’s entrance to the nearest point on the Strip (near the Flamingo Road overpass) is about 0.4 miles. However, the pedestrian route involves crossing I‑15 via the Flamingo Road overpass, which is not a scenic walk and takes about 10–15 minutes. Most travel guides recommend a short ride.

Rio Hotel Las Vegas to Airport

Harry Reid International Airport is roughly 3–4 miles from the hotel. Regional travel agencies estimate a drive time of 15–20 minutes by car or rideshare (JustTravelDeals). No hotel shuttle was mentioned in the data; the free shuttle to the Strip has been discontinued under new ownership.

Is the Rio Closing Down or Changing Ownership?

No, the Rio is not closing. It has undergone a significant ownership change in 2026, but the resort remains open and is continuing its renovation program. Understanding the timeline helps clarify what’s happening.

Key dates in Rio’s recent history

The ownership change to Kennedy Lewis, a private credit firm, suggests a focus on financial restructuring. The resort’s website remains active, and bookings are ongoing. No closure announcements have been made.

Which tower at the Rio is renovated?

The first phase of the $340 million renovation, completed in November 2024, focused on the Viva Tower (also called the “reimagined rooms”) and public areas. The Masquerade Tower and some other facilities have not yet been upgraded, according to early 2026 explainers. Travel guides note that the Viva Tower now offers a fresher, more modern experience, while other areas still feel dated.

What Can You Do at the Rio Hotel & Casino?

Beyond its spacious suites, the Rio offers a casino, dining venues, live entertainment, and a pool. The resort’s official website highlights “new suites, dining, gaming, live music, legendary shows.” Specific current shows were not listed in the research data, but the property has historically hosted productions such as Penn & Teller (they have a long‑running theater at Rio). Always check the official site for the latest lineup.

Dining and Amenities

The Rio is known for its award‑winning restaurants, though specific names were not confirmed in this dataset. The hotel offers free parking, a large casino floor, and a pool area. The free Strip shuttle has been discontinued, so guests need a car or rideshare for off‑site excursions.

Our Pick: Is Rio Right for Your Trip?

After reviewing location, pricing, recent renovations, and guest sentiment, we recommend the Rio for specific traveler profiles: budget‑conscious visitors who prioritize square footage over Strip frontage, first‑time Vegas visitors who plan to drive or rideshare, and anyone who prefers an all‑suite layout without the premium of a Strip address.

That said, if your trip revolves around walking the Strip, you may find the off‑Strip location inconvenient. The free shuttle is gone, and rideshare costs can add up. For those who want to be on the Strip directly, alternatives such as the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas (about a mile north on the Strip) offer a different trade‑off — on‑Strip location but fewer suites and a different ownership structure.

How Does Rio Compare to Trump International Las Vegas?

Trump International is a non‑gaming, all‑suite condominium hotel on the Strip, roughly one mile north of the Rio’s location. It offers similar suite sizes but no casino, and its pricing is generally higher. Rio appeals more to travelers who want an integrated casino‑resort experience, while Trump International suits those who prefer a quieter, casino‑free environment. Both are off‑Strip in the sense of being slightly removed from the core tourism corridor, but Trump has direct Strip frontage.

“The newly reimagined Rio Hotel & Casino has officially joined the Destination by Hyatt brand, following the completion of the resort’s first phase of its $340 million property-wide transformation.”

– Rio Las Vegas official news release, Resort operator/brand communication

“Kennedy Lewis Investment Management has quietly taken over as majority owner of Rio Las Vegas. Dreamscape Companies, which purchased Rio from Caesars Entertainment in 2019, is now a minority owner.”

– Vital Vegas (Casino.org), Casino industry news outlet

Frequently Asked Questions