Rio Trip - Hotel and Platinum updates too

Hi Everyone!

We just returned from the Rio. We stayed 12/24 to 12/30 and were sad to leave as usual.

A few things we noticed while there: 1. The buffet still has one sign for the VIP line that says platinum but the new sign at the entrance of the line says Diamond, Seven Stars and VIP Access (That sign doesn't mention platinum). (I am guessing by the time we go back in April, that they will change it and remove Platinum.) 2. Buzio's area has the new sign covering the area saying that coming soon will be the Guy Fieri restaurant (We were told by employees at the Rio that it will open in early March). 3. Platinum is still listed on the VIP check in area too (I hope this stays this way as there is rarely a line here!) 4. We ate several times at the Buffet (because it was free and we couldn't pass it up - Boy the lines were long - Thankful they still had the platinum line) and the Seafood buffet area seemed to be running smoothly. It has a separate entrance from the main buffet. There is a person that checks your hand when you go back and forth between the seafood and regular buffet. My hubby noticed that the scallops are no longer on the regular buffet, we are guessing they are on the seafood side now. (However there was still fish, crab legs and shrimp still available on the regular side) 5. Not many new slot machines or video poker at the Rio. Same old same old in that respect. 6. If you haven't bet anything at the Sports Book recently they have changed their minimum bet from $5 to $10. 7. They have removed the Keurig coffee makers from the rooms. Sad!! They also removed all the minibars. 8. Starbucks locations will now accept Starbucks gift cards (they previously wouldn't - WOOHOO!)

We really like the bartenders at the Rio, especially at Shutters. So nice! Fun times!! Can't wait to go back!

Thanks for the info, haven't been to the Rio recently, will check it out next trip.

This is interesting re Platinum as I asked them a while back what will Plat get in 2016 as you can get it by spending 5K on their credit card. They said they did not decide yet. If you spend 10K you get Diamond but not for the lounges, so I did 5 K to see what Plat will bring in 2016. If no special lines for Plat buffets or check in I do not see any benefit for gaining Plat for 2016 I should have done 10K or none at all. Anyone else cone to that conclusion?

V

Hey V, I agree. We spent about $7000 on the card. We were trying to get one of ours at least to the Platinum level. (PS - Has your platinum level renewed yet? Mine has not although in the fine print it says it could take up to 30 days).

If they get rid of the check in lines and the food lines for platinum we will stop using the card. As that is the only benefit to us. I mean it's nice to earn the money back to use, but there are better cards for cash back than this one.

Slags 68,

Keep the card to keep your points active if you cannot get to a Harrah's within 6 months.

No not renewed yet it says I need 5000 points to get Platinum. I sent a message to CET complaining about how they sold me a product undefined and when they defined it they diluted it from last year.

The benefit of Plat over Gold is a 10 % discount at the gift shops and the ability to gift someone else 5 K in points that is all, not worth it at all.

V

Good point V