Riv Versus Rio

The biggest complaint I heard from others about The Rio was the cost of everything. The second biggest complaint was the distance to the convention room where the pool tourney was held.

I didn't think it was that far, but then again we stayed in the closest tower, the Ipanema. The Masquerade Tower was much much farther.  My elderly friends did use scooters and they said were lifesavers. They told me they would not have made it back and forth without them.

Most players didn't really complain about the distance, though.

A lot of people complained about the cost (of everything, really).  I had a Player's Card already and even tho I hadn't gambled at a Harrah's establishment in a long time (years), I was able to get 10 days at only $250. While that was not common, it was a hell of a good rate. The rooms in the Ipanema tower were updated/renovated, the Masquerade tower was much older (and again, farther).

While the food was expensive, I admit, there were A LOT of choices and every meal could be shared no matter which restaurant!  But, they had a Burger King and snack areas, too, but also high end restaurants. I was VERY happy with the food, though. It was all very, very tasty (except the Seafood Buffet).  I anxiously couldn't wait to try every restaurant again, but we ran out of time.  I didn't get to eat at any of the Asian places (there are about 3-4 dif ones).

Every room is a suite, which is real nice.  PLEASE NOTE: Rooms with 1 bed have a pull out coach, rooms with 2 beds, the couch does NOT pull out. $30 a night for a roll away, fyi.

One thing I noticed remarkably different was the cell-phone service. At The Riv, I could never get a signal to text or make phone calls from the room.  At The Rio, I had cell service EVERYWHERE; great service in the rooms and everywhere else.  It sure was nice to be able to use my phone and not have my battery life go down fast trying to find a signal.

The rooms were huge and the bathrooms super nice. We didn't pay for the upgrade; not sure what that would have brought us, but we only slept (barely) in the room anyway.

While many other complaints were that nothing was close by to stay at cheaper or that we weren't on the strip, we would simply dedicate certain nights to go to the strip. And we would get cabs when we were at the Riv, also, so that wasn't anything unusual for us.  While you couldn't walk to the Slots of Fun or the Peppermill (which I missed most, lol), the Gold Cost was cheap and next door and the Palms was close, too.

The Riv was already starting to change a lot and didn't feel "comfy" anymore; and outdated.

I went to the pool one day and it was awesome!  Waterfalls and two separate pools. There was even another adult pool only open on weekends that I didn't even get to see.  Nor the TWO clubs they have on the premises.  The pool doesn't allow you to bring your own drinks in (like the Riv did) but I admit I didn't know that was an option at the Riv (but my fellow pool-side enthusiasts weren't happy about that part).

I honestly felt like it was about time us pool players got an upgrade and were treated with respect. I felt good to finally be in a modern casino with fine amenities. I felt special; catered; it felt good to be respected.  We deserve it finally!

Overall, I was VERY pleased.  I can't wait to go next year!!