Circus Circus Hotel & Casino

This is the last bastion of family-friendly Las Vegas -- indeed, for years, the only hotel with such an open mind, 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.

The thousands of rooms here occupy sufficient acreage to warrant a free Disney World-style aerial shuttle (another kid pleaser) 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. 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. All sections of this vast property have their own swimming pools and additional casino space serves the main tower and sky-rise buildings.

The fact that all of this feels kind of dated and a bit worn in spots is really more of a function of changing times than any particular slam against the hotel. Compare it to places like The Cosmopolitan or Aria and it looks like a joke, but on its own it's a perfectly acceptable option and, as mentioned, one of the few places on the Strip for families.

Adjacent to the hotel is Circusland RV Park, which is KOA run, 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, community room, and Wi-Fi. The rate is $55 and up, with peak rates around $100. For gorging, there's always the Circus Circus Buffet, party bar/restaurant Rock & Rita's, and, for a classic steakhouse experience, try the appropriately, if unimaginatively, named The Steakhouse.

In addition to the ongoing circus acts, there's also the upgraded Adventuredome indoor theme park out back.

Facilities:
7 restaurants; several fast-food outlets; casino; circus acts and midway-style carnival games; executive-level rooms; 2 outdoor pools; room service; wedding chapel

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.

Back to Top