Why Is the Rio Caesars' Red-Headed Stepchild?

What’s the reason the Rio is Caesars' red-headed stepchild?

While it probably has a lot to with the Rio being Caesars Entertainment’s only off-Strip casino in Las Vegas, there are other possible reasons.

For one thing, capital maintenance (of the Rio or any other casino) was never a high priority during ex-CEO Gary Loveman’s tenure and the Rio got the worst of it. The paint on the exterior has been peeling in long strips for over a decade and Caesars doesn’t seem motivated to do anything about it. Same for other obvious maintenance issues.

Loveman also put the Rio on the market several times during his tenure, but could never find a taker for his rumored half-billion-dollar asking price. The Rio’s fixer-upper condition might have had something to do with that.

It doesn’t sound like new CEO Mark Frissora has made the Rio a priority item yet either, even though he’s announced a stronger commitment to the company’s Vegas properties.

Caesars treats the Rio as its token locals casino these days, but there’s an upside: You can still park for free. After all, think of the customers it might lose to the Gold Coast or Palms if it started imposing paid parking.

Also, let's not forget that the World Series of Poker is played at the Rio every year. So the property might be a stepchild, but perhaps it's a little more fair-haired than the typical animated Cinderella.

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Dan McGlasson Mar-26-2018

The good side of the Rio

Disclaimer - I am not a CET employee!  Yes, the Rio has some cosmetic issues, but I believe it is one of the best values in Vegas.  The rooms are clean and well kept, and the views are tremendous.  What I really like about the Rio is the friendliness of the employees.  Very customer focused.  You can park free and still walk - a long walk but still walk - to the strip if you want.  Or catch the bus that goes down Flamingo.  The Video Poker is still "strip" pay, which needs improvement since Coast and Palms have full pay, and the comp drinks at the bar use the blue light, green light system.  All in all, however, the room rates are a steal and the Rio provides good value with friendly people.

Mar-26-2018

The Rio--why bother?

It's pretty obvious why the Rio is the family embarrassment. It's an un-Strip casino, which is to say, it charges Strip prices without being on the Strip (though parking is free for now). The gambling is typical CET--lousy. The food, while good, is dramatically overpriced. It's right next to a casino that offers much better value (GC) and one that offers a much better experience for somewhat less. Lastly, you do have the WSOP--but that's only for six weeks out of the year, and it's inconveniently sited and not a pleasant experience at all: a twenty-minute walk from the main casino, $10 sandwiches at the snack bar, and...porta-potties. The convention area clearly cannot handle the crowds.

James Z Mar-26-2018

A Bargain, I Guess

I stay at the Rio, but I can't say I particularly enjoy it. Each year, it feels a little more run-down, and I don't think I've ever been there when I didn't have an issue with hot water. I disagree that the food is good, but the free and easy parking are a HUGE plus and the main reason I continue to stay there. If you have a car, it's so easy to get in and out, and it's hard to beat the overall price, especially if you catch one of the awesome Caesar's sales on this site.

Question of the Day - 26 March 2018

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