Hotel Reviews: Rio Las Vegas

3700 W. Flamingo Road

Location:  Off-Strip

What makes it Special? Hosts the World Series of Poker (WSOP)

Entertainment Attraction: Penn & Teller Magic Show

Number of Rooms: 2,563

Overview:

Every serious poker player will be familiar with the Rio Las Vegas, which since 2005 has hosted the sport’s most famous tournament, the World Series of Poker (WSOP). The event is held every year in June and July before climaxing with the November Nine. Unsurprisingly, at these times the Rio is packed with poker aficionados. The WSOP can either be a star-attraction or a deterrent, depending on how passionate you are about poker.

If you are hot for Hold’Em, you’ll appreciate the Rio even when the WSOP isn’t being held, as its casino is a cut of cards above the competition. The Rio’s poker room is the only one in Vegas to boast 100% WSOP-certified dealers. The casino also features more than 1,200 slots, over 80 table games and a race and sports book.

If your world doesn’t revolve around gambling, the Brazilian-themed Rio doesn’t neglect you. The hotel’s range of dining options takes in the culinary diversity of the planet – from the Carnival World Buffet, offering the best grilled-meat platters north of Rio de Janeiro, to the Pho Da Nang Vietnamese Kitchen via the Royal India Bistro. The Rio’s entertainment offerings are equally varied, ranging from the world-renowned magic of Penn & Teller to Michael Jackson and Rat Pack tribute shows.

The hotel’s vibrantly-decorated rooms and suites may be out of the price ranges of many visitors while those with higher budgets may prefer to be right on the Strip rather than nearby, but the Rio’s still a reasonable choice for poker fans, especially those attending the WSOP.