Not as good as it used to be
Written: Apr 01 '00 (Updated Aug 17 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great selection on the buffet
Cons: Average quality of food; bad location
The Bottom Line: I wouldnt recommend it because you can get the same or better at a better location.
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| pgmark's Full Review: Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino |
I went to Las Vegas 2 or 3 years ago and while there I visited (did not stay at) the Rio. They have all the usual casino stuff and a ton of rooms but two things really stick out, one especially. The first is that there is a carnival atmosphere all around, even affecting the people. This overflows into the stores in the hotel which form something of a mall. That is all well and good but is is vastly overshadowed. The second and main thing that stands out in my memory is the buffet. This is by far the best buffet I have ever been to in my life. It is a huge thing offering food from all over the world. American, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, whatever; you name it, they have it, and it is good too! It is really huge. The selection is unbelievable. I had to make 3 or 4 trips to the buffet just to cover the thing once and I think I might have skipped a few places. The buffet costs more than other buffets, but it is worth it. If you plan on going, plan accordingly. If you want to eat there for lunch, don't eat breakfast. If you want to eat dinner there, eat a small breakfast and don't eat lunch. This place is unbelievable. You must go there if you are in Vegas!
Update: I wrote that first paragraph in 2001. Its now 2008, and I have to update this review. I have been there on 2 separate trips to Vegas within the past year, drawn mainly by the buffet. About that buffet, it costs about $25 per person. Not cheap, but you are [potentially] getting a lot. There is now a separate seafood buffet at the other end of the gaming floor that costs like $39, though the one I wrote about, World Carnival, does have things like fried shrimp, clams, scallops and also crabs legs. Anyway, the main thing I want to say in this review is that the quality has slipped. Yes, the World Carnival buffet still has the variety it did 10 years ago, but its just not as good. Dont get me wrong, its not bad, its just kind of there. Even now though, the dessert section of the buffet is still great, with a good selection of high quality cakes and things, and they also have great gelato.
A few other thoughts on the Rio: when entering from the parking garage, the World Carnival is hard to find, all the way at the other end of the casino. There is also a cool looking bowling alley next to it. There are stores on the 2nd floor above the gaming area. They do have free shows in the gaming area every so often, so you can check that out. I did find the decor to be rather gaudy, considerably more so than at other casinos. Finally, there is a place on the roof of the casino where you can get a great view of the Strip. However, its part of a club, which means you will have to wait in line and pay $30-40 to see it. I was told I could see it without waiting (or maybe even paying?) if I came between 7-8PM, though that might not always be possible; I know I tried at least once unsuccessfully. There are cards you can easily get for free admittance to the club, called the Voodoo Lounge, but you still have to wait in line and there is a dress code.
In the end, its 2008, the casino has a large but mediocre buffet, it looks gaudy, and its location off the Strip makes it inconvenient to get to. You wouldnt be missing anything by skipping it.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
pgmark
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Member: Mark Antunes
Location: Prince George, VA
Reviews written: 80
Trusted by: 7 members
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