Golden Nugget or Rio

RIO was a great place 10 years ago. Its gone downhill fast. The casino is one of the worst in Vegas with high limits, bad rules, and tight machines. There is still some good entertainment and clubs to be found at the RIO but otherwise its a pass.

Golden Nugget is a higher class hotel with more elegant furnishings. The crowd will be a litle older and with less energy.

It has been a long time since Rio's heyday. It was the absolute best about 12-15 years ago, having not only orginated the "all-suite" concept that started the big-room boom that folowed but also because of the wide variety of dining options it once offered (also a new concept at the time). Now about all you can say about the Rio is that the rooms haven't shrunk.

If your buddy refuses to accept our suggestions that you go with the Golden Nuggest over the Rio, then maybe suggest an off-Strip RESORT location that would top them both like M-Resort, Red Rock or even Green Valley Ranch. Got to do a lot of driving for those though.

Golden Nugget Rush tower is excellent, much nicer than the standard rooms at Rio. Downtown is great!! Rio is a good location as well with Palms and Gold Coast being walking distance plus free shuttles to the strip. Gaming at both sucks...

I love the Golden Nugget , both the casino and hotel.

Although Rush Tower is newer, I personally like the North Tower rooms, because elevator down and you are in the casino.

Cheers.

I love the Golden Nugget , both the casino and hotel.

Although Rush Tower is newer, I personally like the North Tower rooms, because elevator down and you are in the casino.

Cheers.

I should point out that LVA has negotiated a 30% discount for rooms at the Rio in November and December.

We just got back from 3 nites at the GN in the Gold Tower rooms. While the room was nice, housekeeping was pretty spotty. If you're staying at the GN, try the Rush Tower rooms.

I have stayed at the golden nugget twice this year in the carson tower, the rooms have been redone and a descent size. I enjoy the downtown area alot but it can be a pain getting to the strip on the bus.

I stayed at the Rio a couple weeks ago ( 7th floor Ipanema Tower) and found the room to be more than adequate. The bathroom area ( included a Kuerig coffee maker) was large. I suggest bringing your own k cups ( they want $8 for 3 ). The beds were comfortable and the room was quiet when I finally went to sleep. I found the slots to be not as tight as everyone claims and the bar service was excellent! The Sunday champange brunch at the buffet was very good ( 2 for 1 LVA coupon) and the service was great.
I would definitely go back again. I did take a trip downtown to the GN and will probably stay there next time I go. I love the pool area and the downtown atmosphere.

A Kuerig coffee maker in the room is pretty cool (as long as you bring your own K cups as you say).

This may be the only upgrade they have made to the rooms in years. Of course it is not so much an upgrade as a profit center.