The red-and-blue neon lighting at the Rio Hotel & Casino had been a landmark just west of the Las Vegas Strip since the property opened in 1990. Guests were drawn by the excitement of the World Series of Poker (at the Rio for 17 years), an ambitious buffet, a free regularly scheduled show above the Mardi Gras-themed Masquerade Village and the jazz-tinged, comedic magic of Penn & Teller.
Now only Penn & Teller remain as the 2,500-key resort is refreshed. Dreamscape Cos., which purchased it in 2019, took over operations from Caesars Entertainment in October, setting into motion a $350 million renovation. The famed duo, who recently celebrated 23 years at the Rio, have extended their run through 2026.
Among the first things guests will notice is the exterior's reboot. The towers' old neon was removed, and more than three miles of programmable LED lighting was installed, creating an evolving light show that can be seen from all over the Las Vegas valley.
Dreamscape Cos. founder Eric Birnbaum spoke with Las Vegas editor Paul Szydelko, sharing details about the $350 million refit and his vision for the hotel and casino.
The installation is a partnership between legendary lighting designers Chris Kuroda and Andrew Giffin. Kuroda's visual work with the band Phish spanned more than 35 years and almost 1,800 live shows. Kuroda and Giffin are applying the same methods used in Phish's live shows, deftly programming every pixel to create dynamic art.
"The transformation of the Rio Hotel & Casino has reached a key milestone with the recently renovated exterior," said Trevor Scherrer, Rio's president. "Led by the creative vision of Chris Kuroda, this new lighting experience is sure to reinforce to both visitors and locals alike that something truly special is happening at the Rio.
The Impanema Tower, the five-acre pool area and 220,000-square-foot convention center have also received many upgrades.
The property remains open throughout the continuing renovations, which are now focusing on the casino floor. The first phase is expected to be finished by the end of the year. Phase two will include a renovation and redesign of the hotel's 1,012 Masquerade Tower guestrooms and associated public areas.
Enhancements to the 1,501-room Ipanema tower at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas have been completed. Photo Credit: Dreamscape Cos.
What's new to eat and drink
The buffet area, which for decades helped define Las Vegas' restaurant culture, has been replaced by the Canteen Food Hall, which opened in January with six new restaurants.
The options include Tony Luke's, the South Philadelphia mainstay famous for its cheesesteaks; Nama Nama, an original Japanese street food experience; and Attaboy Burger, chef Alex Resnick's first-to-market burger place.
"The launch of the Canteen Food Hall reflects the dedication and innovation of our restaurant partners and the Rio team," Scherrer said. "We eagerly anticipate welcoming both locals and visitors to experience these unique offerings."
Other enhancements underway or being planned include the arrival area, the lobby, gaming floor, sports book and several food and beverage outlets throughout the resort.
Those include the Lapa Lounge, to open in June, inspired by Rio de Janeiro's lively Lapa neighborhood. Guests can anticipate "an eclectic fusion of Rio De Janeiro's Tijuca National Forest charm and the chic allure of local high-end establishments," according to a news release announcing the concept.
Golden-textured brass monkeys and jaguars will adorn the ceiling around the warm lighting of a blown-glass chandelier. The honey onyx bar top, reclaimed teak accents and animal-inspired patterns in red and green fabrics will also help set the mood.
The Rio's buffet area has been replaced by the Canteen Food Hall. Photo Credit: Dreamscape Cos.
The cocktail program will include bohemian-inspired drinks, and Las Vegas-brewed craft beer will be featured.
"This lounge has greeted every guest that has entered the resort since the first day the Rio opened," Scherrer said. "Although the lounge will have a new name and a striking new design, the Lapa Lounge will continue to create even more memories with an even better experience for years to come."
The Luckley Tavern & Grill is set to debut in late May in the former All-American Bar & Grill space.
The Cotswold hills of the English countryside provided the inspiration for a convivial pub atmosphere at the Luckley, and the menu will include playfully reinterpreted, hearty American classics. Lollipop-style buffalo wings, tuna pizza and scallops Benedict will be offered with lobster pot pie, a 32-ounce tomahawk steak and a tableside ice cream sundae cart.
The Wine Cellar Tasting Room has reopened and is now also serving tequilas, whiskeys and specialty bourbons. Photo Credit: Dreamscape Cos.
Tasting room is back
The storied Wine Cellar Tasting Room has reopened. Down a winding staircase from the casino floor, its rock features make it one of the city's most distinctive places to sip.
"We couldn't be happier to announce that the Wine Cellar is back," Scherrer said. "We recognize how many memorable occasions happened in this iconic wine cellar, and guests can expect more of the same when it reopens. Not only will we have an outstanding selection of wines, but we are excited to now serve some of the best tequilas, whiskeys and specialty bourbons."
The Wine Cellar is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday to Sunday, and reservations can be made online.
The Rio's announced a partnership with Hyatt on March 1.
The World of Hyatt loyalty program is offering members 500 bonus points for every qualifying
night's stay through June 30.
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Editor's note: On April 23, the day this story was posted, Dreamscape announced that Trevor Scherrer, president of Rio Hotel & Casino, will be stepping down because of a recent health concern. He will remain with the company until a successor is named and will continue to assist with the transition of his responsibilities.