LAS VEGAS (September 30, 2024) – The Rio Hotel & Casino is proud to announce the completion of the first phase of its multi-year property-wide transformation. Since Dreamscape Companies took over the resort’s operations in late 2023, the Rio has undergone extensive renovations, including the addition of eight new food and beverage destinations, the remodeling of 220,000 square feet of meetings and convention space, a revamped pool district with four distinct pools, and a new exterior art installation. The renovation is part of a larger vision to create a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle experience at the intersection of affordability and luxury.
“When we took over operations of the resort, our first priority was to modernize and revitalize the property while preserving the vibrant atmosphere and excitement that made the Rio Hotel & Casino a pioneer in Las Vegas hospitality,” said Patrick Miller, President and CEO of Rio Hotel & Casino. “With the addition of new dining destinations, refreshed spaces throughout the resort, and one of the city’s most rewarding loyalty programs, these renovations mark the beginning of a new era—one that offers an elevated yet approachable luxury experience for both locals and visitors.”
Phase One of the Rio’s transformation includes:
Canteen Food Hall
Opened in January 2024, Canteen Food Hall is a culinary marketplace featuring a dynamic and approachable lineup of first-to-market concepts and Las Vegas favorites. Designed to deliver an exciting dining experience that appeals to a wide variety of people. Canteen Food Hall is a lively place where vibrant flavors and approachable cuisine unite through six unique concepts: Attaboy Burger, a no-nonsense burger destination by Chef Alex Resnick that focuses on packing as much beefy flavor as possible without any unnecessary toppings or additions; Nama Nama, a bustling Japanese street-style sushi concept inspired by the alluring alleyways found throughout Japan; Tony Luke’s, a legendary sandwich shop from South Philadelphia serving up mouthwatering cheesesteaks and roasted pork sandwiches; Shogun Ramen, a local favorite helmed by Master Chef Foo Kanegae serving up an ever-evolving lineup of innovative ramen meant to be savored to the very last drop; Tender Crush, a first-to-market chicken tender concept by Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer offering fried or grilled chicken tenders accompanied by a lineup of unique sauces inspired by the five boroughs of New York; and Southland Burrito Co., Chef Marco Herrera’s Sonoran-style burrito restaurant featuring Mexican American flavors wrapped with a crepe-like regional variation of the flour tortilla.
Casino Floor
Boasting 117,000 square-feet of gaming space, the Rio’s casino floor underwent a stunning refresh featuring brand-new carpeting and over 900 new slot machines with wagers ranging from $.01 to more than $500, 30 individual gaming tables and video poker machines throughout the resort.
Exterior
A one-of-a-kind partnership between the resort and legendary lighting designers Chris Kuroda and Andrew Giffin, the Rio’s exterior lighting is an expansive art installation that utilizes over three miles of programmable LEDs to create an ever-evolving lightshow that can be seen from all over the Las Vegas valley. Drawing on Kuroda’s visual work with Phish spanning almost 1,800 live shows, the Rio’s exterior serves as the canvas for a dynamic, live art piece where no two shows will ever be the same.
Lapa Lounge
One of the last pieces of the Rio Las Vegas Phase One renovations, Lapa Lounge opened in July 2024. Located in the heart of the resort, the lounge is a sophisticated and vibrant cocktail destination inspired by the iconic Lapa neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. Much like its namesake, the cocktail menu features familiar cocktails and flavors reimagined with a lively, upbeat twist. From classic cocktails like the Lapa Sunset Mai Tai to exclusive originals like The Tiki Tango, each sip echoes the energetic rhythms and rich bohemian history of the neighborhood that inspires it. Bathed in a warm glow and centered by a honey onyx bar, Lapa Lounge sets the stage for an incredible evening where music plays, laughter flows and every moment is a celebration.
Luckley Tavern & Grill
Operated by restauranteur and founder of A Perfect Bite Oliver Wharton, Luckley Tavern & Grill is a “come as you are” casual dining destination serving mouthwatering bites and expertly crafted cocktails. The all-American menu is centered around an approachable, yet thoughtfully curated dining experience meant to highlight the contrasting flavors and textures of ingredients harvested at the peak of freshness. Guests can expect familiar dishes like prime steaks and buffalo wings, all reimagined with a Las Vegas twist. The cocktail menu reflects the same attention to detail, featuring a wide selection of beverages meant to mirror the restaurant’s steadfast dedication to quality and taste without compromise.
Meetings and Conventions Space
Rio Hotel & Casino features over 220,000 square-feet of newly renovated meetings and conventions space, boasting a total of four unique ballrooms ranging from 11,000 square-feet to 55,000 square-feet. The meetings and conventions space can be accessed by guests via the casino floor, or directly via the entrance located on the north side of the resort. Created with flexibility in mind, the meeting and convention space can accommodate events of varying sizes ranging from intimate gatherings of 10 up to 5,000-person corporate events. Comprised of the Pavilion, Brasilia, Amazon, Miranda and Tropical Ballrooms, each space is fully customizable with the ability to separate into 78 smaller breakout rooms, and three dedicated ground-level loading docks with elephant doors.
Newly Refreshed Rooms
Early 2024 marked the completion of over 1,400 renovated rooms within the Ipanema Tower. Inspired by the contemporary and stylish apartments near Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, each room reflects the handcrafted elements and timelessness of Brazilian design. A collaboration between the Dreamscape Companies and Marnell Architecture Planning and Design, each standard room offers 580 square-feet of space designed with work and play in mind, featuring all new furnishings, separate living and sleeping zones, a state-of-the-art 65-inch television and a sectional sofa with a queen-sized pull-out bed.
Updated Pools
A vibrant oasis hidden amongst the city skyline, the revamped pool area within the Rio channels the essence of Ipanema and Copacabana, blending fun, eclecticism and mid-century charm. Comprised of the Nautilus, Fish, Lagoon and Shell pools, each pool offers its own distinct charm and atmosphere. The main deck boasts a plethora of chaise lounges, umbrellas, daybeds and cabanas, providing ample space for relaxation for large groups and families. Meanwhile the adult deck offers guests a tranquil retreat featuring brand-new loungers, daybeds and cabanas exclusively tailored to those over 21 years old.
Phase two of the renovations are expected to start later this year.
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Media Contacts
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Kirvin Doak Communications