We will be at the Rio in Las Vegas just after Thanksgiving for a conference that my husband is attending. I've read mixed reviews about the hotel--oh well, it's more convenient to stay where the conference is.

To those that are familiar with the area, what's the area like? I know the Palms is nearby, but I like to walk and am wondering since it's off the strip if it becomes more residential or industrial and would I be safe venturing out alone (using common sense)? Is there a grocery or convenience store within walking distance? Are there cheap eats nearby, like a deli or Subway or even a restaurant where the locals go?

We were thinking about trying T-Bones Chophouse in the Red Rock Resort for dinner one night--any comments? How far is this from the Rio? We will have a car.

In case you're wondering, I'll gamble a little but we'll be in Vegas for 8 days and I'm trying to even out the sensory overload.

Thanks in advance!

The Palms and the Gold Coast are just a crosswalk away. Gold Coast has cheap, decent coffee shop and a liquor store with snacks & some convenience items...also a little burger stand with sandwiches. Palms & Gold Coast both have low-priced buffets decent for breakfast and lunch. You will usually find other guests using the crosswalks between these casinos, yes it is safe in the area though there is a lot of traffic so always drive and walk with a lot of caution.
All 3 casinos have free shuttles to the strip, the Gold Coast's is very frequent. Leave your car at the Rio if you're headed to center strip, the shuttles are easier. Thanks to the shuttles, these casinos, though off-strip, are more convenient to center strip than many of the casinos that are situated on the north or south ends of the strip.

The Cortez Room at the Gold Coast is a "locals" steakhouse, casual but good food. You can also hop on the Orleans Hotel shuttle from the Gold Coast...Orleans has the "Prime Rib Loft" which is a casual, popular spot.....a good buffet...and 16 movie theatres if you need to kill a few hours while your husband is at his conference.

As for your love of walking, heading to the strip and then seeing casino after casino is all the walking you'll probably need....you can do miles and miles a day just checking out the sights. But yes, the area around your hotel is sidewalked and you'll see walkers. More fun, though, to head for Caesar's Palace Forum Mall for a walk, or through the Aladdin Hotel's Desert Passage Mall.
You CAN walk to the strip from the Rio, but the sidewalk crosses a busy freeway and if you do it, use extreme caution as there are lots of near-misses as people try to enter the freeway in the vicinity.

The area around the Rio starts to get a little industrial, you can walk and will be safe usuing common sense. The Red Rock Resort is about 20 minutes by car from the Rio. It is in a nice residential area called Summerlin. There is a fantastic restaurant out that way called Rosemary's. It is on West Sahara. I actually learned about it from this board, but I think it is mainly a "locals" place. It is a nice little husband & wife owned restaurant. They used to be excutive chefs to Emeril in New Orleans...excellent food and service!
As far as grocery stores near the Rio, I can't think of any that is really in walking distance. Will you be renting a car, if so, they are a few just up Flamingo more or over on Tropicana.
Have fun.

I walked from Harrah's to Rio while DH was in conference one afternoon. It was a pretty long walk, and as was mentioned, it went through an industrial area that was a bit unnerving and crossing that freeway was not something I would do again. I took shuttle back.

Debi

Is it ok to just butt in and say what great advice was given? Thanks.

It sure is okay to say that Bikom! It is always nice to hear from someone who appreciates what folks answer to Q's on here.
Debi

Many thanks to everyone for your help. I haven't been to Vegas but my husband has. My overall plan was to start south and "wander" north along the strip. I know the hotels are huge so I know I'll probably only see a fraction of what's there. Good reason to return. Oh...I'm sure I'll hit the outlet malls too!

Thanks again!