The seafood buffet at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is known as the Village Seafood Buffet. It offers an extensive selection of fresh seafood, sushi, soups, salads, and desserts in a casual atmosphere with Brazilian flair. Determining the exact price per person for the Village Seafood Buffet can be complicated, as the pricing varies based on the day of the week, time of day, seasonal promotions, and other factors.
Basic Pricing
In general, the standard adult price for the Village Seafood Buffet is $54.99 per person. However, this rate is only applicable on weekdays during non-peak hours. The standard pricing for weekends and peak times is higher:
- Weekday Lunch (Monday – Friday, 11am – 3:30pm): $54.99 per adult
- Weekday Dinner (Monday – Thursday, 3:30pm – 10pm): $54.99 per adult
- Friday Dinner (Friday, 3:30pm – 10pm): $64.99 per adult
- Weekend Brunch (Saturday – Sunday, 8am – 3:30pm): $64.99 per adult
- Weekend Dinner (Friday – Sunday, 3:30pm – 10pm): $64.99 per adult
Children’s pricing is available at discounted rates:
- Ages 4 – 8: $29.99
- Ages 9 – 12: $39.99
There is no charge for children under age 4. Nevada state sales tax of 8.38% is added to all buffet purchases.
Discounts and Promotions
The Rio regularly offers discounts and promotions for the Village Seafood Buffet to provide cheaper pricing options. Here are some of the most common discounts available:
- Local Nevada Resident Discount – Nevada residents with valid ID can get up to 50% off the standard buffet pricing. The exact discount varies.
- Military Discount – Active duty and retired military members get 10% off with valid ID.
- Senior Discount – Guests age 55+ receive up to 30% off standard pricing.
- Children Eat Free – Sometimes offered as a seasonal promotion. Allows kids under 12 to eat free with the purchase of an adult buffet.
- Email Club – Joining the Rio email newsletter provides access to periodic discount offers.
Average Cost
With the various seasonal discounts and promotions, the average cost per person for the Village Seafood Buffet typically ranges from $30 – $50. Nevada residents and seniors generally pay on the lower end of that range, while visitors paying full weekend rates would be on the higher end.
The following table shows approximate pricing for different guests/scenarios:
| Guest Type | Typical Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Nevada resident with discount | $30 |
| Senior with discount | $35 |
| Military member with discount | $40 |
| Out-of-town visitor on a weekday | $45 |
| Out-of-town visitor on a weekend | $50 |
As shown, the average per person price can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Locals and veterans generally pay around $30-40, while visitors unfamiliar with the discounts will end up closer to $50 per person for weekend prime time dining.
Drink Packages
The Rio offers optional drink packages that can be added onto the Village Seafood Buffet purchase. These provide unlimited drinks for one flat rate. Options include:
- Soft Drink Package – $9.99 – Unlimited soda, coffee, tea
- Beer and Wine Package – $19.99 – Unlimited beer and house wine
- Deluxe Drink Package – $24.99 – Unlimited beer, house wine, and call liquor
Adding one of the drink packages increases the overall buffet cost per person. However, they can still provide good value for those who plan to consume multiple drinks with their meal.
Other Fees and Charges
Beyond the base buffet price and optional drink packages, there are a few other fees to be aware of at the Village Seafood Buffet:
- Gratuity – A recommended gratuity of 18% is automatically added to the check for parties of 6 or more.
- Buffet To-Go Fee – $10 fee for taking leftovers home in a to-go container.
- Corkage Fee – $25 fee for bringing your own bottle of wine into the buffet.
Accounting for these miscellaneous fees and charges can help provide an accurate estimate of the total price per person.
Insider Tips to Save
Here are some insider tips to get the best value at the Village Seafood Buffet:
- Go during lunch hours – Lunch pricing is cheaper than dinner.
- Attend on a weekday if possible – Weekends are more expensive.
- Check for discounts and coupons online – Can find promo codes for $10-$20 off.
- Sign up for the Rio players club card – Provides email offers and buffet discounts.
- Share entrees and avoid wasting food – Helps maximize value from the fixed price.
- Come hungry and pace yourself – Allows you to get your money’s worth over multiple trips.
Conclusion
The specific cost per person for the Rio’s Village Seafood Buffet can vary from around $30 up to $65 depending on the timing, applicable discounts, and other factors. However, with a little planning and strategic use of available deals, most people can expect to pay an average all-in price somewhere in the $40 to $50 range. While not necessarily cheap, the expansive seafood selections and rotating seasonal dishes help provide plenty of value from the extensive Vegas buffet.
