I will be staying at the Rio my 3rd time this September. You can't beat it on a hoilday weekend. The pool is just crowded enough, but not so crowded you can't get a chair. The view from the Voodoo is the best in Vegas, and with the free shuttles every half hour to Caesar's, Bally's/Paris/,
I like the Gold Coast. When I stay at the Rio and the limits get out of hand, I know I can stumble across the street and get $5 Craps and Blackjack all day long. When I want the amenities of a Strip casino, all I have to do is head back over to the Rio or Plams across the street.
For location on the srip it can't be beat and it has one of the best after hours clubs in Vegas. I liked it more when it was Barbary Coast, but it will do for a low limit casino on the strip