Frommer's Review
This is the last bastion of family-friendly Las Vegas -- indeed, for years, the only hotel with such an open mind. But even it isn't what it ought to be, thanks to a reconfiguration a few years ago that took the pervasive (and for some, nightmare-inducing) Jumbo the Clown decorating scheme and turned it into somewhat more tasteful, more commedia dell'arte Harlequins. Like everyone else, even the venerable Circus Circus, once the epitome of kitsch, is trying to be taken more seriously.
That is not to say that this is an adult atmosphere; the circus theme remains, and the kid appeal along with it. (Which is also not to say that you should confuse this with a theme-park hotel. All the circus fun is still built around a busy casino.) The midway level features dozens of carnival games, a large arcade (more than 300 video and pinball games), trick mirrors, and ongoing circus acts under the big top from 11am to midnight daily. The world's largest permanent circus, it features renowned trapeze artists, stunt cyclists, jugglers, magicians, acrobats, and high-wire daredevils. Spectators can view the action from much of the midway or get up close and comfy on benches in the performance arena. There's a "be-a-clown" booth where kids can be made up with washable clown makeup and red foam-rubber noses. They can grab a bite to eat in McDonald's (also on this level), and since the mezzanine overlooks the casino action, they can also look down and wave to Mom and Dad -- or, more to the point, Mom and Dad can look up and wave to the kids without having to stray too far from the blackjack table. Circus clowns wander the midway, creating balloon animals and cutting up in various ways.
The thousands of rooms here occupy sufficient acreage to warrant a free Disney World-style aerial shuttle (another kid pleaser) and minibuses connecting its many components. Tower rooms have newish, just slightly better-than-average furnishings. The Manor section comprises five white, three-story buildings out back, fronted by rows of cypresses. Manor guests can park at their doors, and a gate to the complex that can be opened only with a room key ensures security. These rooms are usually among the least expensive in town, but we've said it before and we'll say it again: You get what you pay for. A renovation of these rooms added a coat of paint and some new photos on the wall but not much else. All sections of this vast property have their own swimming pools, additional casinos serve the main tower and sky-rise buildings, and both towers provide covered parking garages.
Adjacent to the hotel is Circusland RV Park, with 399 full-utility spaces and up to 50-amp hookups. It has its own 24-hour convenience store, swimming pools, saunas, whirlpools, kiddie playground, fenced pet runs, video-game arcade, and community room. The rate is $22 and up, with peak rates around $80.
The very reasonably priced Pink Pony is Circus Circus's cheerful bubble-gum-pink-and-bright-red 24-hour eatery, with big paintings of clowns on the walls and pink pony carpeting. It offers a wide array of coffee-shop fare, including a number of specially marked "heart-smart" (low-fat, low-cholesterol) items. For gorging, there's always the Circus Circus Buffet.
In addition to the ongoing circus acts, there's also the upgraded Adventuredome indoor theme park out back. There are three full-size casinos, all crowded and noisy, where you can gamble while trapeze acts take place overhead.
FacilitiesCasino; circus acts; midway-style carnival games; wedding chapel; 7 restaurants and several fast-food outlets; 2 outdoor pools; video-game arcade; tour desk; car-rental desk; shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive-level rooms.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
