FYI...it's just as easy to walk across the street to the Palms which, along with the shuttle to the strip and great VP options, makes GC a great place to stay. We will be doing just that later this month.
Thank you for all the replies. We have decided not to stay at the Rio after all, but I am sure these answers will be helpful to others down the road. Thanks.
PLEASE...Ladies...do not walk thru the Gold coast garage alone. there have been some purse snatching happen so if you or a group of woman are together just walk to the corner and cross over and then thru the Parking lot (not the garage)
I myself walk thru it with my wife but I try to make sure I walk in open areas not between cars...