What to expect: Although complimentary shuttle service is available to The Strip, the Rio supplies enough excitement and relaxation to be a destination itself. Guests find entertainment in Penn & Teller's unique comedy, a Brazilian Carnaval parade in the sky, men's and women's adult entertainers, 17 eating choices including a Italian-wedding dinner show, a big pool complex, a pampering health-and-beauty spa, and an extra-large casino. All this and more create a 24-hour swirl of pleasure for adults as well as families.

Amenity highlights: Open seasonally, the resort's expansive pool complex features four pools: one for children with waterfalls cascading from a rock formation and a sand beach; a second shaped like a clam with its own waterfall; a third shaped like a fish; and a fourth, lagoon-style pool. Within the complex are five spas (three secluded in a rock garden and two in a grotto behind a waterfall in the lagoon pool), two pool bars, and a snack bar. For-rent cabanas on the sundecks come with television, phone, ceiling fan, refrigerator, and padded lounges.

Insider tip: Styled after Brazil’s Carnaval celebration, elaborate state-of-the-art floats—suspended from ceiling tracks—wind through Masquerade Village, and performers toss bead necklaces from the floats. When this free event happens seven times a day, the best places for close-up views and to catch souvenirs are from balconies in the two-story shopping/dining village that resembles a Rio de Janeiro neighborhood.

Dining at Rio Suites

The Rio boasts one of largest buffets and an impressive room service menu. But if you've worked up a big appetite and desire something other than room service, you have a choice of a wide array of restaurants to choose from, right within the hotel. You will, no doubt, find something that appeals to you.

Búzio's - Casual, seafood-centric restaurant overlooking pool with exhibition kitchen and lobster tanks, serving inventive fare such as prime rib and onion ring panini.

Antonio's Italian Ristorante - Classic Italian dishes plus specials such as lobster fra diavolo and sea bass Livornese.

Gaylord India Restaurant - Northern Indian cuisine, including tandoori and mughlai cooking with multi-course, fixed-priced dinner options. Weekday lunch buffet.

Rosemary's - This restaurant, with a pool view from second floor, is acclaimed for fresh, local ingredients prepared with French flair.

Fiore Steakhouse - Steaks, seafood, poultry, and adjoining cigar lounge.

All-American Bar & Grille - Steaks, chops, and seafood at dinner. Twenty-two burgers, including a 20-ouncer for two, featured at lunch.

Bamboleo's - Mexican fare with comfy booth and margarita bar.

Sao Paulo Cafè - Open 24 hours for snacks and full meals; long menu with American, Mexican, Chinese, and Italian choices.

Carnival World Buffet - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets featuring 11 ethnic and specialty stations.

Village Seafood Buffet - Lunch and dinner buffets prepared from fresh seafood.

JW's Tavern - American tavern food and more than 100 international beers.

Hamada's Asiana Restaurant - Asian food from a popular local chain.

Rio Java Coffee Hut - Coffee drinks and pastries.

Star Deli Express - Sandwiches and salads.

Entertainment at Rio's
Three times in the afternoon and four times at night, gaudy Brazilian-style Carnaval floats suspended from ceiling tracks swing through the two-story Masquerade Village shopping/dining arcade and above the casino. Called Masquerade Show in the Sky, the extravaganza features performers dancing in the floats and tossing bead necklaces to spectators while a band plays Latin beats on a stage below. For a fee, spectators can ride in the float parade.

Renowned for their quirky comedy and cerebral humor, Penn & Teller entertain nightly (except Tuesday) in the 1,500-seat Samba Theatre. Following them in the theater is the late-night adult revue Showgirls.

Chippendales, the men's dance-and-strip show, appears in 750-seat Club Rio nightly (except Tuesdays), followed by live and DJ dance music. Ipanema Bar also offers live entertainment.







eROCKtica
From Greg Thompson, producer of "Skintight" and Playboy's "Wet & Wild Live", eROCKtica features sexy, topless cabaret dancers choreographed to classic rock and today's hottest hits. The beautiful Mistinguett dancers perform several dazzling choreographed numbers wrapped in luxurious silk sheets and the audience can get up close and personal in the red velvet love pit which is located down center stage inches away from the audience. The new costumes are sensual, but revealing.

Platters, Cornell Gunter Coasters & Marvelettes
The Platters, The Cornell Gunter Coasters & The Marvelettes transport their timeless performances to the stage of The Crown Theater.

Crown Theater
Vegas' Hottest New Nightclub has been Crowned. When it comes to experiencing Vegas nightlife, get ready to be treated like royalty.

VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub
Party 51 floors up at VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub!

Flirt Lounge
Flirt Lounge is the perfect spot for men and women alike to enjoy a little fun, fantasy and, of course, flirting!

The 120,000-square-foot casino supplies slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, pai gow poker, and roulette and includes a high-limit area, a keno lounge, and a race-and-sports book.

Free Total Rewards membership cards earn points for slots and table-games play at all Rio, Harrah's, Showboat, and Harveys casinos nationwide, with rewards including cash and comps.

Rooms at Rio Suites Hotel

The Rio Hotel offers 2,540 suites in two towers of 35 and 50 stories clad in red, blue, and purple glass. Guest suites include floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views. Decor features cream, rose, and green color schemes and semi-canopy beds. Rooms are furnished with L-shape couches, glass coffee tables, and desks with two chairs. 36-inch televisions offer Internet access.

Standard Suite
One king bed or two queen semi-canopy beds. 630 square feet. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Cream, rose, and green color scheme. Bathroom with tub/shower combination. TV Internet access and wireless keyboard. Video-game console.








Cariocas Suite
At approximately 1100 square feet, this one bedroom suite includes all the amenities of a Standard Suite and more.