Circus Circus Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

The Circus Circus's reputation precedes it: This huge, chaotic hotel was immortalized in the book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever. Its casino is one oldest in town, dating back to 1968 -- which counts as real history in a city that consistently tears down the old to make way for the flashy and new.

The name Circus Circus is derived from the property’s Bigtop-theme. But the hotel’s name also appropriately describes its atmosphere: pure bedlam. With rock-bottom rates and tons of family-friendly entertainment -- the huge indoor theme park is the standout here -- Circus Circus attracts lots of multigenerational families and groups traveling together. The atmosphere is chaotic, with thousands of guests constantly moving throughout the property’s main thoroughfares. The hotel’s dark interiors and dingy decor are common frustrations with past guests, as are cleanliness issues, in both rooms and common spaces. Overall, although rates are affordable, this hotel doesn't offer the best value until its rooms and common areas are updated.

Although more expensive, The Mirage Hotel & Casino and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino are both better alternatives for families with kids and groups.

Circus Circus is located on the northern side of the strip, far from most of the action on the famous boulevard. The area around Circus Circus feels somewhat desolate, and doesn’t have the same thrilling feeling as points farther south. To get around, the majority of guests rely on cabs or ride-sharing services -- as the nearest monorail stop is a 12-minute walk away at the SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Circus Circus is a 15-minute drive from McCarran International Airport. 

Travelers expecting huge Vegas-style suites or outlandish decor won’t be impressed by rooms at Circus Circus, where decor more closely resembles a motel than a themed Vegas resort. Rooms feature one king or two queen-size beds, and basic amenities like flat-screen TVs and electronic safes. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and shower curtains. 

There are multiple room types at Circus Circus, but none of them are great. In a city known for cheap hotel rooms, it’s worth spending a bit more money to avoid the dingy rooms at Circus Circus. All guests should know that the hotel’s cheapest rooms (called “Manor Motor Lodge Rooms”) are not located within the hotel’s main towers. Instead, these rooms are housed in motel-style buildings located behind the main hotel complex. Not only are these rooms shabby, motor lodge-style accommodations, they’re far away from the resort’s amenities, like the casino, arcade, and circus ring. 

Within the main towers, the hotel has a few basic room types and several one-bedroom suites. Decor isn’t circus-themed, as one might assume. It’s actually the opposite of a Circus: dull, drab, and monotone. Beige walls, carpets, and bedspreads are not only boring, they’re not good at hiding stains. Like the rest of the property, rooms at Circus Circus are clearly rundown. During our visit we noticed broken lamp shades, worn-out pillows, stained furniture and carpets, and a musty smell in bathrooms. 

Circus Circus is best known for its family-friendly amenities, particularly its indoor Adventuredome that's popular with hotel guests and other local visitors. It’s free to enter, but guests must pay for each ride and attraction. The Adventuredome has a few small roller coasters, a mini-golf course, boardwalk games, bumper cars, and 4-D interactive rides. Outside, hotel guests have exclusive access to the property’s two pools and waterslides. On warm, sunny days, the pool area is absolute mayhem, with tons of kids splashing around the entire space. The 50-foot waterslide tower features racing slides and a serpent tube slide. There’s also a kiddie splash zone with jets and fountains. The pool and water park are free for hotel guests, but it’s usually so crowded, there’s a line to get in. 

On the second floor of the casino is a circular arcade called the Midway. The Midway is lined with arcade games and a food court. In the center, the hotel’s hourly circus performances take place. The “circus” is mostly acrobatic acts that last about 30 minutes. For anyone who’d like to snag a great seat, we’d recommend arriving 20-30 minutes prior to the performance, as seating fills up quickly. On the casino floor, you’ll find more retired folk than stiletto-clad 20-somethings. It’s not the type of Vegas casino that attracts high rollers or professional gamers. Instead the penny slots and five-dollar tables are most popular. 

Unlike some of its neighbors on the strip, Circus Circus isn’t a destination for great dining. The hotel is home to six restaurants, along with multiple bars and quick-service eateries. Circus Circus has the compulsory Vegas buffet, a well-regarded steakhouse, burger joint, Tex-Mex eatery, pizzeria, and 24-hour deli. There are also several fast-food options, like McDonalds, Krispy Kreme, and Starbucks. The restaurants at Circus Circus aren’t anything to write home about. For great food, guests are better off dining somewhere else on the strip. Bars are dispersed across the hotel, so alcohol is never far from reach.  

Circus Circus doesn’t have a spa, but there is a ho-hum beauty salon and a fitness center that’s way too small for the size of the hotel. Wi-Fi is free, but daily resort fee and parking fees are sometimes more than the hotel’s nightly room rate.