The Rio: From Carnival to Construction Zone (But Hopefully Back to Carnival Again!)
The Rio in Las Vegas has been through more twists and turns than a Cirque du Soleil acrobat. Once a vibrant resort bursting with Brazilian flair, it hit a bit of a rough patch. But fear not, fellow Vegas enthusiasts, because there's a glimmer of sequined hope on the horizon!
What Happened To The Rio In Las Vegas |
From Samba to Snoozers: The Rio Hits a Low Note
Let's be honest, the Rio wasn't exactly setting the Las Vegas strip on fire in recent years. The rainforest showers in the rooms were more like drizzles, and the buffet lines felt longer than the Amazon itself. Owned by Caesars Entertainment, whispers swirled that the Rio was the forgotten stepchild, while the big bucks were being spent on flashier casinos.
Sold! But Not to a Carnival Barker (Thankfully)
In 2019, Caesars finally packed up their showgirls and sold the Rio to Dreamscape Companies for a cool $516 million. Dreamscape, a bunch of East Coast real estate guys with more suits than slot machines, took the reins. Cue the confetti... maybe hold off on the confetti cannons just yet.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
There were whispers of a total rebrand, ditching the Rio theme altogether. But thankfully, those fears were samba-ed away. Dreamscape decided to keep the Rio vibe alive, while giving the whole place a much-needed makeover.
Under Construction: Hard Hats & Hope
Because, let's face it, the Rio needed more than a fresh coat of paint. We're talking a full-on Vegas-style transformation. Think ripped up carpets, jackhammers, and enough dust to make a showgirl sneeze glitter.
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
The good news? The renovations kicked off in August 2023 and are in full swing. The legendary architect who brought the Rio to life in the first place, Tony Marnell, is even back on board to lead the redesign. So, you know it's gonna be good!
What's Next for the Rio? Stay Tuned!
While the exact details are still under wraps (probably to keep the construction surprises exciting!), we can expect a refreshed Rio. Think modern amenities, a revamped casino floor (because who doesn't love shiny new slot machines?), and maybe even a pool area that won't make you miss that pristine Caribbean beach vacation you can't afford anymore.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
The official word is that the renovations are expected to be completed by the end of the year. So, keep your calendars marked for a sparkling new Rio ready to reclaim its place in the Las Vegas spotlight!
Rio Renovation FAQs:
How to visit the Rio now? The Rio is still open for business during the renovations! So, grab your swimsuit (hopefully the pool updates are done by then) and head on down.
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
How to find out about the renovations? Keep an eye on the Rio's website
How to score a deal on a future Rio stay? Once the renovations are complete, you can bet there will be some grand opening deals to lure you in. So, keep an eye on travel websites and sign up for the Rio's email list.
How to avoid the construction noise? If you're looking for a zen Vegas getaway, maybe hold off on your Rio visit until the dust settles. But if you don't mind a little construction chaos, then book your stay and embrace the transformation!
How to be the first to know when the Rio reopens? Follow them on social media! They're pretty active on Twitter and Instagram, so you'll be the first to know when the party starts again.