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.
The Rio's new owner on what’s happening with the hotel's renovations
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.
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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
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