Hotel Review

Experience the fun and excitement of Brazil at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Located just minutes west of the famed Las Vegas Strip, on Flamingo Road, it's a perfect location if you want to be close to all the action and major attractions in Las Vegas. Plus, the Rio itself comes packed with shops, theaters, bars and restaurants.

The hotel has a vibrant atmosphere with brightly colored carpeting, signage and décor that will make it seem as if you've arrived in the middle Carnival season. The Show in the Sky, a free attraction, even feels like a contemporary version of a Mardi Gras parade. Whimsical floats loaded with entertainers -- and some spectators (consider purchasing a ticket to ride!) -- glide overhead while Latin and pop music waft through the air.

The Rio is known for hosting the main event in the prestigious World Series of Poker annually. Thus, gaming takes precedence on the sprawling casino floor, which has 1,200 slot machines and 80 different table games.

The two top crowd-pleasers at the resort, however, are the buffets. The Carnival World Buffet has been winning awards and acclaim since the Rio opened in 1990. This massive spread features more than 300 dishes prepared fresh daily. And seafood lovers are sure to enjoy the catch at the Village Seafood Buffet. Imagine loading your plate with unlimited lobster, crab legs, shrimp, sushi and more! Both of these buffets are usually packed with patrons, but don't lose heart if you see a line. Service is quick as well as friendly, so you'll be surprised at how short the wait time really is.

Fine meals can be had at the Rio as well. Tough, tattooed Philadelphia chef Steve Martorano is at the helm of Martorano's, where rich, Italian-American favorites are served in excess. Or indulge in a succulent steak and one of the most striking views of Las Vegas at VooDoo Steak and Rooftop Nightclub, situated on the 50th and 51st floors of the resort's Masquerade Tower. Other delights include the dry-aged Angus beef at the All-American Bar & Grille, the fresh oysters at Buzio's Seafood Restaurant and the one-of-a-kind dim sum menu at KJ Dim Sum & Seafood Chinese Restaurant. You can grab a quick meal at the BK Whopper Bar, São Paulo Cafe or the Sports Deli, which situated near the six giant screens in the busy race and sports book.

In addition, the entertainment alternatives are excellent. Penn & Teller, the quirky and frequently gruesome magic duo, have their own theater at the Rio, as do the hunky Chippendales dancers. The Crown Theater hosts an array of acts, including "MJ Live," a tribute to Michael Jackson starring impersonator Michael Firestone. 

For a spirited evening, swing by the sexy Flirt Lounge in the lobby of the Chippendales Theatre or the high-tech iBar, where you can order drinks from a touch-screen computer built into your tabletop.

Accommodations at the Rio range from the spacious 600-square-foot standard suites to the opulent, one-bedroom Masquerade suites, boasting 1,600 square feet and a 180-degree view of the city. All of the suites include stylish furnishings, a large flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board, and a complimentary in-room safe.

For sun and relaxation, spend an afternoon at the pool complex with golden sand areas and cascading waterfalls. Plenty of shops -- including The Wine Cellar & Tasting Room, Fashion 101 and a Harley-Davidson store -- are located throughout the premises. Pampering treatments are offered at the Rio Spa & Salon to refresh your mind and body. And the resort provides shuttle service to and from Harrah's.

An eye-popping place to stay, guests at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino will enjoy superior service, comfort and value just a short distance from the Strip.

-- By Renée LiButti