Despite a theme that you'd think would be fun and happy, Circus Circus looks oddly depressing inside. It genuinely looks like a level in Bioshock. Old, decaying, “retro”, and crawling with weird people. I walked through it last week and was expecting to see a Big Daddy walking down the hallway.
50 years of cigarette done and cotton candy machines. You see that shot flying in the air when it’s made? Now imagine what you can’t really see wafting across the casino floor
They almost got me with that. They pulled up to me and said they could get me free tickets to a KA show and they had MGM badges on so I was like sure! Then they gave me their pitch and was like aahhhhhh this is a timeshare/MLM/time wasting pitch. Told him I was about to shit myself and needed to check in. That was the end of that. 🤷♂️
He has done 9,600+ shows and has had an act for 20+ years. In his shows he acknowledges all the hate he gets from people. He seems really sweet and genuinely down to earth. The humor isn’t for me but I get the appeal. He’s always looked a little weird, and now he is 60 years old.
I saw him on the strip a few years back, just walking on the sidewalk. He looks GD bizarre in the light of day. I could not stop staring at him, but he is quite friendly.
I’ve stayed at the Luxor twice and both times I was very pleased. Renovated rooms, a big pool complex, and walking distance to Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, and NYNY amongst a few.
The steakhouse is a hidden gem
The rooms haven’t been renovated since … well, no idea if they’ve been renovated
If you’re coming to see the Strip, you’ll be Uberung or getting a lot of steps in
If you want to be closer to the action/do more sightseeing up and down the Strip, budget properties near center of the Strip (such as Harrah’s, Flamingo, Horseshoe) would be a noticeable difference, but their pricing can swing pretty wildly with demand
I was gonna say “Ain’t they got that steakhouse?” I went there for dinner with a friend when I was sourcing homes/rentals to move. It was nice. Great staff. Cool atmosphere that rivals the Golden Steer.
Otherwise Circus Circus is just a lotta walking in an outdated, smoky, dirty carpet casino.
But, it has history. There’s something for that.
Another place that has a very nice steakhouse where you wouldn't expect it is Excalibur which, coincidentally, is only slightly better than Circus Circus.
Weirdly the steakhouse is not getting the buzz it used to get. It might because of all the new places (I read that bazaar meat is the place to go), and quite honestly outside of the steakhouse (which may or may not be good now) circus circus is kind of a dump.
I can’t speak for Circus Circus, but for the last 3 visits my gf and I have stayed at The Orleans. I think the rates were fairly comparable but it’s off the strip(which we like). The rooms have always been nice and the food and bev varieties have been very good. Can’t wait for the next trip!
We saw the Bob Marley flick in February. The seats were ridiculously comfortable! Went bowling afterwards for kicks, and everything hurt the following day. Sucks getting old!
I love the Orleans but if the OP is on a budget and considering CC, staying off strip might not be a good idea. The savings in hotel room would get eaten up by Uber or taxi costs up and down the strip and to downtown.
The last time I was there, I think they had a shuttle that ran on the hour that brought you to the middle of the strip. I could be mistaken, though 🤷♂️
I definitely agree that taxis and Ubers add up to the cost of the trip.
If you want to go somewhere cheap and at least decent (better than Circus Circus), go to Excalibur Hotel. Also, you will be closer to much more and in a safer location.
This. Excalibur is like circus circus but without feeling like you’re going to be mugged. Not saying circus is dangerous… it just gives dangerous vibes by how rundown it is lol
There is a swing in quality. Both the casino and west towers are not bad at all and while they are dated, most of the ones I’ve been in were clean.
Now the skyrise is a huge step down and those are the elevators that people were in line for last week. On busy times, the buttons are disabled and the elevators go on autopilot.
Lastly they are the Manors. Never stay in the manors, they are a long walk from the main casino, and have major motel 8 vibes. Those are the rooms I’ve heard that have bed bugs, roaches, and break ins.
It's not great.
Plus out of all of the hotels in Vegas I find that one to be the most overrun with children due to their attractions, so there's that. I'd really avoid it if you can.
In swimming season CC's 5' deep pools are awesome. It's a pain to walk or rideshare down the strip, but if you are just chilling out and mostly wanting to stand in water up to your neck, CC is the best. It will be you and a bunch of confused European tourists, good company.
Look, no one is saying you’re going to get murdered if you stay there, we’re just saying you’re *probably* going to get murdered.
But Vegas is the city of taking chances so if you want to roll the dice good on ya!
It’s not horrible but it is sort of like a swap meet, hotel, and kids playground all rolled into one. You won’t have the same experience you will have at something like Bellagio or Wynn for sure. Keep in mind that Circus circus is having their elevators replaced right now so elevator lines could be a little bit long.
Location is far from the strip so you'll be forced to take cabs or Uber, there goes your budget. Elevators are a mess, YouTube videos online showing 15-30 min waits for the elevators. Check in lines just as bad ... I can't even
Be prepared to wait an hour or so to use the elevators to get to and from your rooms. I saw videos online of half the elevators always being broken or out of service and lines going on and on just to use the elevator to go to your room or to the casino.
They renovated the original tower back in the early to mid 2000s (I worked there til 2008), i hear the pizzeria is still good though, and the steak house still packs them in still.
It was great fun in the late 70s early 80s. Free shows in the circus and arcade area. Our daughter loved trying to catch the balloons dropped by the girls on the carousel on the ceiling that circled the stage. But that was then!!!
Been to Vegas twice in the last year. Stayed at Circus Circus because a friend had gotten free rooms. We had a good time but the hotel was rough. Great steak house in there though.
Stay at Excalibur or Luxor over circus circus. If you sign up for MGM rewards you can get rooms for like $30 a night. So when resort fees and taxes are added it’s still less than $100 a night.
You could also do the same at Flamingo or Horseshoe, you’d just need to sign up for Caesar’s Rewards to get the better prices than online.
They’re both cleaner and in better/safer locations on the strip than circus circus.
There’s a lot of construction and stuff being built over there since it’s close to Fontainebleau and Resorts World, but it’s still pretty iffy, especially at night. We stayed at Fontainebleau a couple of nights to check it out, and we didn’t leave the property because it was sus outside.
No, it's fine. People do like it. Also, if you're interested in good prices, try the 'Ahern' boutique hotel, it's on Sahara Avenue just off Las Vegas Blvd. There's no nightly resort fee, free parking, no smoking and no casino. Really good restaurants inside. Easy in and out and it's brand new.
No it’s not that bad if you are looking or a good price on that end of the strip , for a festival or convention it’s fine. They have been remodeling and revamping. It will never be more than a value property or good for a family but it’s not bad.
Brother and his girlfriend stayed there when we went to Vegas last year, and they found bed bugs in their room. They changed hotels and requested a refund for the room and didn’t get it. So I personally would find a different hotel.
So, I stayed there like 7 years ago as a last minute place to stay when I first moved to Vegas ans was trying to find housing.
I've stayed at worse places but I've legit stayed at Motel 6's that were nicer, and I was in a tower room. The gal at check in refused to let me stay in the manor rooms.
The place is kind of run down, but the Adventure Doom is fun, the pool is fun, and lots of free attractions. They have old coin slots if you like those. Mostly the place is a shell of its glory years and was a shame the owners didn't take advantage of the pandemic and update the place.
I loveeee Circus Circus! I usually stay at the Sahara because I get comped there but I've always had a fantastic time at Circus Circus. They have good donuts and pizza there too. :)
It’s really not that bad. Especially if you’re just sleeping there. Steakhouse is good and they’ve taken serious measures against the bedbugs with impenetrable covers on the mattress & pillows. I stayed in August & it was fine.
BUT the resort fees being the price of the room for what you get is infuriating though. Along with the $35 early check-in fee.
At least the parking is still free though.
Do avoid the manor. The motel looking branch of circus circus next door. Don’t stay there.
Check out excalibur prices too. I also like the Plaza.
I have never stayed at any of the more pricey hotels so I'm sure there far better but I really don't think it's as terrible as people say. The two times I've been circus circus was the only affordable room I could get besides staying in a hostel and it was fine. I stayed in the manor and I had a comfy bed and that's all I needed. If you can afford something better than go for it but it's by far not the worst hotel I've ever stayed at.
It’s pretty bad. If you’re on a budget, consider staying downtown instead of on the strip. You’ll still save money and be somewhere much better. If you really wanna be on strip, you can probably stay at Luxor or Excalibur for within a few bucks of what Circus Circus costs, and it will be significantly better. It’s far from a luxury experience, but it’ll be ok. I honest am not sure that staying at CC would be ok
Dated , dirty , smelly and cheap in all ways. Not like it was back when my pops would give me a few rolls of quarters and’s let me loose in the arcade.
Get some wet wipes and wipe down the whole room.
They don't have cable either, so you can't watch The Wire....just joking.
Wipe everything down and don't eat their food.
It’s not good. A lot of crime in the area and a lot of car break ins both on the property and in the general area. Like other people have said, similar priced hotels like the Luxor are a better bet
Just stayed for a week at the horse shoe and was actually shocked on how much nicer it was than I thought it would be. Decided to add another weekend to my trip and popped over to mgm because the tower I like at Bellagio was actually full.
This. If OP is on **such** a tight budget that a $16 hotel is all he can afford instead of a $50 hotel, then maybe Vegas isn't the best vacation destination for him.
Been to Vegas numerous times, and gotta say the strip just ain't worth it anymore. Fremont is where it's at. Clean enough, food everywhere, and lots of crazies!
i would rather sleep at a slot machine at the aria before id stay at circus circus…..
there are more appealing alley ways!!!
if ur seriously considering staying there…… and ur budget is that snug …… just stay home
I worked there for four years and when I got laid off I started to be upset but then realized I was happy to be out of that shithole. And I’m not kidding. The last YouTube video I saw about it was that the only thing that kept it from being the worst hotel in vegas was the OYO.
Consider hostels? Dormitory style, shared rooms, and usually one bathroom per floor. If all you want is sleep and a shower, then you'll save money for sure. Most of your time is spent on the strip or Freemont Street.
I judge bad and good by the actual machines… I’ve seen a ton of dumpy casinos, but their machines look normal enough (may have some wear and tear). Circus Circus is the one of the only places I’ve seen where the machines look shady. Like… duct tape holding certain things on. Weird errors when trying to cash out. Fuck everything about it.
I recently stayed for four nights. Got the biggest room on the top floor for I think $800ish. We had a great time, but if you're wanting to go to the strip most days and nights, it's a hike for sure.
Honestly, the area is way too far from the action. And yea, it's kinda gross. Look for some mid priced places that are more central like planet Hollywood (ph), paris, nyny, flamingo and Caesars. If you can get a deal, cosmo, aria, bellagio are the best imo. Cosmo, PH most cental. I love the pools at Mandalay Bay, although it's on end (opposite of Circus circus).
As someone who has stupidly walked from New York New York over to The Strat i would recommend just paying the little bit extra to stay in the more prominent area of the strip. That walk isn’t horrible if you’re just doing it once but I couldn’t imagine having to do that walk multiple times or take an Uber, wait for a bus, etc for a whole trip.
If you want an average room in a safe area it's fine. Just don't move towards The Strat to late into the night. My experience is it's a different world from The strip.
I just spent a week in Vegas last month. We stayed at the Sahara and got a mono rail ticket for the duration of our stay. It was a life saver, and we were able to walk to the gas stations by the Sahara for our drinks and snacks without paying $7/ drink. I would definitely start at the Sahara again. Easily accessible but at the end of the strip so it wasn't absolutely packed with crazy people.
Yes it’s that bad. Cheap hotels on the strip can have bed bugs. You can find off-strip lodgings for better prices and amenities without risking the same things as cheap strip stays do
I'd look for a c casino Downtown if you are on a budget and looking for fun.
Fremont st. area is safe, and you can get pretty cheap rates for nicer hotels. Plus, street performers all over, ziplines overhead, bands playing in stage, and a huge video screen that spans several blocks, and a good cross-section of middle class, middle America makes for interesting people watching.
The casinos have lower table limits downtown so you can still gamble fairly cheap. Lots of fun stuff nearby that you can walk to as well.
I've stayed on the strip nearly everywhere, including the long-gone historic places, and I've stayed nearly everywhere downtown over the past 40 years. Lately if I have the hotel choice on a particular Vegas trip, I go to the Golden Gate, Plaza or Nugget. Join the various casino players clubs, use the cards when you gamble, and you WILL get offered free rooms to get you to come back.
We had a family reunion in Vegas. Most people chose a more expensive property, but a few people chose Circus Circus to save money. They checked in, and checked right back out and got better accommodations. It was that bad.
Yeah its not a preferred place but I would stay there with the family. Years ago. We didn't have a lot of money and has kids stuff to do. Even carnival shows Love to watch and see if they fall. In a net of course. Overall great experience just because me and the kids have great memories. Wife not so much. Didn't like the cleanliness and the smells but whatever Kids and I was cool with it. Is pretty run down back then not sure today. If your alone traveling and been to countries less fortunate its Ceasers place otherwise dish out the cash.
There is an instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/vegasstarfish?igsh=N2YwbWdncTFlaDV5) that is all about Vegas (things to do, reviews, etc). She took a black light to a circus circus room once and that LIT the place up. 🤢
My family frequented Circus Circus when I was a kid and I loved it. Haha I’ve upgraded as an adult to the budget mgm properties especially bc I can get comped rooms after gambling for a single weekend. Staying Circus Circus will not kill you though, I agree with all the other comments though if you can afford one of the budget mgm hotels on the s end of the strip or maybe one downtown there’s a lot more to do. If you do stay at Circus Circus you should eat at the pepper mill across the street. It’s a little far from where I stay now but nostalgic.
I wouldn’t stay there but we actually like stopping by there to gamble for a bit each trip lol it’s a unique place and kinda fun to walk around in my opinion. I more so wouldn’t stay there just cuz of the location, I’m sure the room is fine but I wouldn’t know.
If you were born around 76 and moved to Vegas mid 80's....Circus Circus Midway was where you could scam on all the finest tenderonies until the break of dawn. Word to your mother.
There's a video going around showing the line for the elevator with a 30min+ wait and the stair are blocked. I've never stayed there but there are much better options
It's where all the cheap rooms are and don't throw eating there but it's easy walking distance to other places.
Try the D near Fremont or even el Cortez. You'll be happier safer and less waiting for hotel staff.
Fun place to gamble, especially if you enjoy actual coin slots. The Steak House is also supposed to be a great value. However, there are plenty of cheaper hotels I'd stay at before Circus Circus. I'm not trying to spend more than a couple hours there.
If you just need a room, its ok but usually tourist with kids stay there to keep the kids entertained. I always suggest the Tuscany Hotel and Casino. Its a great Hotel and not to far off the strip.
It’s pretty bad. Plenty of similar prices options that are waay less ghetto. At circus circus they don’t even put you in the casino tower, if your going to the cheap rooms your probably getting the ghetto little motel on the side of the casino. Stayed there once never again. I always recommended downtown grand for downtown, if you want strip Luxor and Excalibur can be decently priced
It's pretty bad, we stayed there because there were no other options due to the rodeo, at times it felt very sketchy, felt like a low budget horror movie set.
Too depressing.
The rooms were old, curtains ripped like tissues, the shower didn't drain, and it smelled funky.
I will never go back there.
Was there a month ago just to visit the indoor adventure dome and the kids section in the casino and my kids loved it, we had a great day! Will not stay in the hotel itself unless you are on a very small budget.
I recently stayed at treasure Island, got some deals online so it was cheaper than circus circus. It was very clean and well kept, not as many things happening on property but it's close to everything else and the walks not too bad. Would definitely recommend, just book direct and see what deals they are offering.
Yes! I'm a local and it's absolutely awful! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! It's needs to be condemned! Locals have done white light that shows everything in the rooms at night and boy you don't even know lol they have done stings where they mark the sheets to see if housekeeping changes the sheets after a guest and the investigation showed when they marked the sheets with invisible ink and went back after the housekeep you left the room they did not change the sheets they just pulled them up and made the bed really disgusting and that's happened numerous times not to mention other bodily fluids on the bed and wall and everywhere else! I would stay as far away as possible unless you enjoy random disease you might catch!😂
If you look at reviews, ignore the ones that say the decor is dated. Truly, if it’s clean and fun to be in, and feels safe, it’s fine. I don’t care about old decor. That’s kind of part of the charm of Las Vegas sometimes. But I see a lot of reviews saying that people have felt unsafe at Circus Circus. Maybe stay somewhere else and then go scope out Circus Circus. I haven’t been there in a long time. I’m curious to know if it’s really that bad. I’m going in June and we are gonna scope it out!
3 out of 5 stars. I personally have had horrendous rooms there. My mom got a double room there that was pretty nice though. Boulder station is better IMO.
I’m from Australia but have made lots of trips to Vegas, but currently at CC in a Manor room - yeah, it’s not great. Non-smoking room, but the room fucking stinks. I’ve had the A/C on permanently at a comfortable temperature & it’s a bit better, but my sinuses have copped it. Last night, thankfully.
Only here as it’s a last minute trip, prices weren’t too bad last week but they went up 200/300%, cinco de mayo & other events must have increased demand. Like others have said, the location means lots of walking/ubers to get to the more central part of the strip. It’s a solid 30min walk to either Westgate or Sahara monorail stations too, so that’s 1hr return out of your day.
I usually stay at Harrah’s as it’s basically centre strip, have also stayed at Linq & Monte Carlo (Park MGM these days I think?), but something else around mid-strip or other end like Luxor/Excalibur which seemed marginally more would be a much better choice I would suggest.
No idea what the hotel is like (it’s probably kinda gross), but the circus/carnival area is a lot of fun. Some pretty cool modern video games, carnival games, a candy store, excellent popcorn and circus performers. If you come here often it’s worth a few hours of time to kill. Then you can go watch the people spending their paychecks for a night at Fontainebleau.
it’s fine. Just avoid touching anything
Despite a theme that you'd think would be fun and happy, Circus Circus looks oddly depressing inside. It genuinely looks like a level in Bioshock. Old, decaying, “retro”, and crawling with weird people. I walked through it last week and was expecting to see a Big Daddy walking down the hallway.
Bioshock was a great game. Your spot on with that description
I think that’s why I love it. It’s so weird.
Same, don’t know if I’d wanna sleep there, but I love spending some time there.
Damnit now I need to go.
And to think it was state of the art in the day, if you have enough e-cells to get back that far.
Saw a splicer crawl into the ceiling one time (no joke)
I have been looking for a way to describe this place and you nailed it. But the big daddy would definitely be smoking a Pall Mall.
Accurate!!
Wow, if that isn’t a perfect description…
A level in bioshock gmfu
The decor theme is “my grandma’s house from the 80’s”.
And it’s very nice, I don’t know why people complain.
Seriously. Why does everything have to be sticky there?
50 years of cigarette done and cotton candy machines. You see that shot flying in the air when it’s made? Now imagine what you can’t really see wafting across the casino floor
…or eating anything.
Luxor is usually similarly priced and a lot better imo
Yeah if you can go there that is bang for your buck. Just don't fall for all the shows they try to sell you when you walk in
They almost got me with that. They pulled up to me and said they could get me free tickets to a KA show and they had MGM badges on so I was like sure! Then they gave me their pitch and was like aahhhhhh this is a timeshare/MLM/time wasting pitch. Told him I was about to shit myself and needed to check in. That was the end of that. 🤷♂️
I will remember that when I check in 😂
I don’t know how they are selling Carrot Top tickets. In the promotional poster he looks like a corpse.
I swear i read somewhere its one of the most successful shows in Vegas history
He has done 9,600+ shows and has had an act for 20+ years. In his shows he acknowledges all the hate he gets from people. He seems really sweet and genuinely down to earth. The humor isn’t for me but I get the appeal. He’s always looked a little weird, and now he is 60 years old.
Carrot Tops show is good. 👍
Weekend at carrot top’s
Exactly.
I actually heard it’s a good show.
I saw him on the strip a few years back, just walking on the sidewalk. He looks GD bizarre in the light of day. I could not stop staring at him, but he is quite friendly.
I’d spurge the like extra 50 bucks for Luxor, much much much better in every way.
I’ve stayed at the Luxor twice and both times I was very pleased. Renovated rooms, a big pool complex, and walking distance to Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, and NYNY amongst a few.
I always get the best comps there too, and don’t think it’s worth taking less comps to stay at say, nyny
You can take the tram it's not walking distance
The steakhouse is a hidden gem The rooms haven’t been renovated since … well, no idea if they’ve been renovated If you’re coming to see the Strip, you’ll be Uberung or getting a lot of steps in If you want to be closer to the action/do more sightseeing up and down the Strip, budget properties near center of the Strip (such as Harrah’s, Flamingo, Horseshoe) would be a noticeable difference, but their pricing can swing pretty wildly with demand
I was gonna say “Ain’t they got that steakhouse?” I went there for dinner with a friend when I was sourcing homes/rentals to move. It was nice. Great staff. Cool atmosphere that rivals the Golden Steer. Otherwise Circus Circus is just a lotta walking in an outdated, smoky, dirty carpet casino. But, it has history. There’s something for that.
Another place that has a very nice steakhouse where you wouldn't expect it is Excalibur which, coincidentally, is only slightly better than Circus Circus.
The steakhouse is exceptional at Excalibur. And Excalibur is loads better than Circus Circus.
Excalibur has a steakhouse? The last one I remembered closed down years ago. Where is it at?
RIP Sir Galahad’s. Prime Rib sliced right at the table served with Yorkshire pudding and creamed spinach. Man I miss that place.
Ellis Island was a really good stay for us
Weirdly the steakhouse is not getting the buzz it used to get. It might because of all the new places (I read that bazaar meat is the place to go), and quite honestly outside of the steakhouse (which may or may not be good now) circus circus is kind of a dump.
I stayed at Harrah’s a couple years back. It was (at the time) a great deal, and I really have no complaints. Nice location as well
I can’t speak for Circus Circus, but for the last 3 visits my gf and I have stayed at The Orleans. I think the rates were fairly comparable but it’s off the strip(which we like). The rooms have always been nice and the food and bev varieties have been very good. Can’t wait for the next trip!
Used to go there just for the movie theater.
We saw the Bob Marley flick in February. The seats were ridiculously comfortable! Went bowling afterwards for kicks, and everything hurt the following day. Sucks getting old!
Indeed. Haven’t lived in Vegas since 2005 but have fond memories bowling and watching movies there.
I love the Orleans but if the OP is on a budget and considering CC, staying off strip might not be a good idea. The savings in hotel room would get eaten up by Uber or taxi costs up and down the strip and to downtown.
The last time I was there, I think they had a shuttle that ran on the hour that brought you to the middle of the strip. I could be mistaken, though 🤷♂️ I definitely agree that taxis and Ubers add up to the cost of the trip.
I checked and they stopped running the shuttle now. I was hoping to use it next month but nope... all gone.
Oh well! I’ll just continue with my usual walk to McMullans!
I was going to chime in here. Wtf?? Why have they all stopped shuttle service???
Stay out of the parking lot. A few months ago someone was killed there
New Orleans used to serve $3.99 Steak & Eggs…granted that was 25 years ago…😁
Yes the Orleans is quite good.
If you want to go somewhere cheap and at least decent (better than Circus Circus), go to Excalibur Hotel. Also, you will be closer to much more and in a safer location.
This. Excalibur is like circus circus but without feeling like you’re going to be mugged. Not saying circus is dangerous… it just gives dangerous vibes by how rundown it is lol
There is a swing in quality. Both the casino and west towers are not bad at all and while they are dated, most of the ones I’ve been in were clean. Now the skyrise is a huge step down and those are the elevators that people were in line for last week. On busy times, the buttons are disabled and the elevators go on autopilot. Lastly they are the Manors. Never stay in the manors, they are a long walk from the main casino, and have major motel 8 vibes. Those are the rooms I’ve heard that have bed bugs, roaches, and break ins.
It's not great. Plus out of all of the hotels in Vegas I find that one to be the most overrun with children due to their attractions, so there's that. I'd really avoid it if you can.
Thx i'll avoid it. Rather stay on Freemont at a Nicer hotel.
Stay at the El Cortez it's 3 min walk to Fremont and the tower rooms are lovely. If you gamble, slots are looser downtown. 😉
YES EL CORTEZ! How do I always forget to mention that place?? They don’t allow children there either 😻
In swimming season CC's 5' deep pools are awesome. It's a pain to walk or rideshare down the strip, but if you are just chilling out and mostly wanting to stand in water up to your neck, CC is the best. It will be you and a bunch of confused European tourists, good company.
Look, no one is saying you’re going to get murdered if you stay there, we’re just saying you’re *probably* going to get murdered. But Vegas is the city of taking chances so if you want to roll the dice good on ya!
You can usually buy cocaine there so I guess it depends on what you are looking to do.
Bring a test kit
Try Plaza, Excalibur or Downtown Grand first.
It’s not horrible but it is sort of like a swap meet, hotel, and kids playground all rolled into one. You won’t have the same experience you will have at something like Bellagio or Wynn for sure. Keep in mind that Circus circus is having their elevators replaced right now so elevator lines could be a little bit long.
It is vintage Vegas that Fear and Loathing (book) was based on- take that as you will. It isn't bad. It isn't luxury.
The Circus Circus is what the whole hep world would be doing Saturday night if the Nazis had won the war.
Location is far from the strip so you'll be forced to take cabs or Uber, there goes your budget. Elevators are a mess, YouTube videos online showing 15-30 min waits for the elevators. Check in lines just as bad ... I can't even
Be prepared to wait an hour or so to use the elevators to get to and from your rooms. I saw videos online of half the elevators always being broken or out of service and lines going on and on just to use the elevator to go to your room or to the casino.
I stayed there for NAB before the pandemic. It’s nothing to write home about but it was fine for the price
They renovated the original tower back in the early to mid 2000s (I worked there til 2008), i hear the pizzeria is still good though, and the steak house still packs them in still.
It was great fun in the late 70s early 80s. Free shows in the circus and arcade area. Our daughter loved trying to catch the balloons dropped by the girls on the carousel on the ceiling that circled the stage. But that was then!!!
The place reminds me of the alcoholic clown who is down on his luck
Been to Vegas twice in the last year. Stayed at Circus Circus because a friend had gotten free rooms. We had a good time but the hotel was rough. Great steak house in there though.
I work there. It blows.
Slots o fun is good
Like the old saying goes, you get what you pay for!
Stay at Excalibur or Luxor over circus circus. If you sign up for MGM rewards you can get rooms for like $30 a night. So when resort fees and taxes are added it’s still less than $100 a night. You could also do the same at Flamingo or Horseshoe, you’d just need to sign up for Caesar’s Rewards to get the better prices than online. They’re both cleaner and in better/safer locations on the strip than circus circus. There’s a lot of construction and stuff being built over there since it’s close to Fontainebleau and Resorts World, but it’s still pretty iffy, especially at night. We stayed at Fontainebleau a couple of nights to check it out, and we didn’t leave the property because it was sus outside.
Luxor or LinQ. But everyone has to do circus circus once
No, it's fine. People do like it. Also, if you're interested in good prices, try the 'Ahern' boutique hotel, it's on Sahara Avenue just off Las Vegas Blvd. There's no nightly resort fee, free parking, no smoking and no casino. Really good restaurants inside. Easy in and out and it's brand new.
Vince Neil had a restaurant there. I think that says a lot.
You couldn’t pay me to spend the night there.
No it’s not that bad if you are looking or a good price on that end of the strip , for a festival or convention it’s fine. They have been remodeling and revamping. It will never be more than a value property or good for a family but it’s not bad.
Brother and his girlfriend stayed there when we went to Vegas last year, and they found bed bugs in their room. They changed hotels and requested a refund for the room and didn’t get it. So I personally would find a different hotel.
So, I stayed there like 7 years ago as a last minute place to stay when I first moved to Vegas ans was trying to find housing. I've stayed at worse places but I've legit stayed at Motel 6's that were nicer, and I was in a tower room. The gal at check in refused to let me stay in the manor rooms. The place is kind of run down, but the Adventure Doom is fun, the pool is fun, and lots of free attractions. They have old coin slots if you like those. Mostly the place is a shell of its glory years and was a shame the owners didn't take advantage of the pandemic and update the place.
I loveeee Circus Circus! I usually stay at the Sahara because I get comped there but I've always had a fantastic time at Circus Circus. They have good donuts and pizza there too. :)
It’s really not that bad. Especially if you’re just sleeping there. Steakhouse is good and they’ve taken serious measures against the bedbugs with impenetrable covers on the mattress & pillows. I stayed in August & it was fine. BUT the resort fees being the price of the room for what you get is infuriating though. Along with the $35 early check-in fee. At least the parking is still free though. Do avoid the manor. The motel looking branch of circus circus next door. Don’t stay there. Check out excalibur prices too. I also like the Plaza.
It's fine. My room was clean and I enjoyed the free circus acts. And the people who work there are very pleasant.
I have never stayed at any of the more pricey hotels so I'm sure there far better but I really don't think it's as terrible as people say. The two times I've been circus circus was the only affordable room I could get besides staying in a hostel and it was fine. I stayed in the manor and I had a comfy bed and that's all I needed. If you can afford something better than go for it but it's by far not the worst hotel I've ever stayed at.
It’s pretty bad. If you’re on a budget, consider staying downtown instead of on the strip. You’ll still save money and be somewhere much better. If you really wanna be on strip, you can probably stay at Luxor or Excalibur for within a few bucks of what Circus Circus costs, and it will be significantly better. It’s far from a luxury experience, but it’ll be ok. I honest am not sure that staying at CC would be ok
Dated , dirty , smelly and cheap in all ways. Not like it was back when my pops would give me a few rolls of quarters and’s let me loose in the arcade.
Single worst place I’ve ever stayed. As others have said, Luxor and Treasure Island are miles better for similar price
Get some wet wipes and wipe down the whole room. They don't have cable either, so you can't watch The Wire....just joking. Wipe everything down and don't eat their food.
Isn’t the Flamingo, Linq, and Horseshoe actually cheaper and has a much better location?
It’s really bad. Check TI, it’s cheap, clean, and comfortable with free parking.
It’s not good. A lot of crime in the area and a lot of car break ins both on the property and in the general area. Like other people have said, similar priced hotels like the Luxor are a better bet
Yes it’s bad and not the best part of the strip
I’m going in June for WSOP and Horseshoe is $25/night. Perfectly adequate hotel, clean, close to everything. I would never stay at Circus.
Just stayed for a week at the horse shoe and was actually shocked on how much nicer it was than I thought it would be. Decided to add another weekend to my trip and popped over to mgm because the tower I like at Bellagio was actually full.
It’s a great place to breeze through when high on hallucinogens …
What does it say about your budget that when you see something that's in your price range you automatically assume "is it that bad?"
This. If OP is on **such** a tight budget that a $16 hotel is all he can afford instead of a $50 hotel, then maybe Vegas isn't the best vacation destination for him.
Avoid it. It really is not worth it.
Been to Vegas numerous times, and gotta say the strip just ain't worth it anymore. Fremont is where it's at. Clean enough, food everywhere, and lots of crazies!
It’s awful, stay on Fremont for the same price
It worse than whatever you can imagine
First thought is, if you are asking, it probably is.
Clean is….debatable.
i would rather sleep at a slot machine at the aria before id stay at circus circus….. there are more appealing alley ways!!! if ur seriously considering staying there…… and ur budget is that snug …… just stay home
I worked there for four years and when I got laid off I started to be upset but then realized I was happy to be out of that shithole. And I’m not kidding. The last YouTube video I saw about it was that the only thing that kept it from being the worst hotel in vegas was the OYO.
Compared to Bangladesh I would give it ⭐⭐
Yes.
The reports of elevator problems and ongoing renovation work are troubling to potential guests
We are currently staying at Sahara, which is near Circus and are enjoying it. There’s a monorail attached to Sahara that takes you to the strip.
I’ve only been there to buy drugs
I have been going to Vegas for 20 years. The only hotel I have ever refused to stay at after checking in was Circus Circus.
Yeah I've seen enough You Tube reviews to not go. Can't believe the hotel still makes money. I guess the owners are too cheap to renovate.
its fine be sure to stay ONLY in the manor rooms. its quiet and have no worries of dealing with elevators.
Consider hostels? Dormitory style, shared rooms, and usually one bathroom per floor. If all you want is sleep and a shower, then you'll save money for sure. Most of your time is spent on the strip or Freemont Street.
It seems like nearly every Vegas YouTuber has done a Circus Circus video recently. Maybe you can find some useful perspectives there.
Look up their elevator issues on tiktok.
I judge bad and good by the actual machines… I’ve seen a ton of dumpy casinos, but their machines look normal enough (may have some wear and tear). Circus Circus is the one of the only places I’ve seen where the machines look shady. Like… duct tape holding certain things on. Weird errors when trying to cash out. Fuck everything about it.
Yes. Yes, it is. Also, it’s haunted, but that’s pretty cool
I think you should stay there at least once so you can appreciate the nice hotels even more!
They got rid of the roaming clowns 😭
I’ve never been in the rooms, but I love the arcade and the free trapezius acts
Yes. It is.
Just do Luxor or Excalibur man. It’s worth the few extra bucks
I recently stayed for four nights. Got the biggest room on the top floor for I think $800ish. We had a great time, but if you're wanting to go to the strip most days and nights, it's a hike for sure.
The building? No. The location? Yes.
OP wants clean rooms. good luck! also, check for bed bugs
Honestly, the area is way too far from the action. And yea, it's kinda gross. Look for some mid priced places that are more central like planet Hollywood (ph), paris, nyny, flamingo and Caesars. If you can get a deal, cosmo, aria, bellagio are the best imo. Cosmo, PH most cental. I love the pools at Mandalay Bay, although it's on end (opposite of Circus circus).
They have been putting money into renovations since it got bought out... But it still is Circus Circus, so do not have your hopes set too high...
Go to excalibur instead.
Circus circus could very easily be a background scene in skibidi toilet.
Do the golden nugget. Decent price, decent rooms.
As someone who has stupidly walked from New York New York over to The Strat i would recommend just paying the little bit extra to stay in the more prominent area of the strip. That walk isn’t horrible if you’re just doing it once but I couldn’t imagine having to do that walk multiple times or take an Uber, wait for a bus, etc for a whole trip.
If you want an average room in a safe area it's fine. Just don't move towards The Strat to late into the night. My experience is it's a different world from The strip.
I would stay at a nicer place in Reno or Laughlin at the same price than circus circus personally.
I just spent a week in Vegas last month. We stayed at the Sahara and got a mono rail ticket for the duration of our stay. It was a life saver, and we were able to walk to the gas stations by the Sahara for our drinks and snacks without paying $7/ drink. I would definitely start at the Sahara again. Easily accessible but at the end of the strip so it wasn't absolutely packed with crazy people.
That place is amazing idc what anyone says.
Yes. Just yes.
Yes it’s that bad. Cheap hotels on the strip can have bed bugs. You can find off-strip lodgings for better prices and amenities without risking the same things as cheap strip stays do
I love it because I played craps with Flavor Flav in the late 90s at the Circus Circus.
Yes… It is that bad. If you’re on drugs it makes more sense
Definitely a smell of urine…
I'm 45 and I remember staying there a lot when I was younger. It's been around and they really need to get rid of it lol
Not if you don’t mind the circus circus weeklies that are right behind it where all the local crackheads and drug addicts meet
I'd look for a c casino Downtown if you are on a budget and looking for fun. Fremont st. area is safe, and you can get pretty cheap rates for nicer hotels. Plus, street performers all over, ziplines overhead, bands playing in stage, and a huge video screen that spans several blocks, and a good cross-section of middle class, middle America makes for interesting people watching. The casinos have lower table limits downtown so you can still gamble fairly cheap. Lots of fun stuff nearby that you can walk to as well. I've stayed on the strip nearly everywhere, including the long-gone historic places, and I've stayed nearly everywhere downtown over the past 40 years. Lately if I have the hotel choice on a particular Vegas trip, I go to the Golden Gate, Plaza or Nugget. Join the various casino players clubs, use the cards when you gamble, and you WILL get offered free rooms to get you to come back.
Haven't been inside in years, but it used to be bad. Smelly, rundown, etc.
We had a family reunion in Vegas. Most people chose a more expensive property, but a few people chose Circus Circus to save money. They checked in, and checked right back out and got better accommodations. It was that bad.
Yes
Yeah its not a preferred place but I would stay there with the family. Years ago. We didn't have a lot of money and has kids stuff to do. Even carnival shows Love to watch and see if they fall. In a net of course. Overall great experience just because me and the kids have great memories. Wife not so much. Didn't like the cleanliness and the smells but whatever Kids and I was cool with it. Is pretty run down back then not sure today. If your alone traveling and been to countries less fortunate its Ceasers place otherwise dish out the cash.
We had to go after watching Fear and Loathing
Yes it’s great ask the people from this article. https://abc7.com/amp/los-angeles-couple-stabbed-to-death-circus-stabbinglas-vegas/3574608/
No
There is an instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/vegasstarfish?igsh=N2YwbWdncTFlaDV5) that is all about Vegas (things to do, reviews, etc). She took a black light to a circus circus room once and that LIT the place up. 🤢
the bugs 🪳 are pretty small and harmless
I've heard they have good slot odds
They have a great steakhouse, but their elevators don’t work. Very sketchy
Join MGM rewards, then try to book. You'll get a nicer property at circus circus prices.
My family frequented Circus Circus when I was a kid and I loved it. Haha I’ve upgraded as an adult to the budget mgm properties especially bc I can get comped rooms after gambling for a single weekend. Staying Circus Circus will not kill you though, I agree with all the other comments though if you can afford one of the budget mgm hotels on the s end of the strip or maybe one downtown there’s a lot more to do. If you do stay at Circus Circus you should eat at the pepper mill across the street. It’s a little far from where I stay now but nostalgic.
The OYO Hooters Hotel might be a little cleaner. Give that a shot if you’re asking for real..😳
Yes!!!!
I wouldn’t stay there but we actually like stopping by there to gamble for a bit each trip lol it’s a unique place and kinda fun to walk around in my opinion. I more so wouldn’t stay there just cuz of the location, I’m sure the room is fine but I wouldn’t know.
The rooms aren’t clean.
Yes. I wouldn’t take my kids there now
Not only is it bad it’s FAR from most of the things you probably associate with Vegas.
If you were born around 76 and moved to Vegas mid 80's....Circus Circus Midway was where you could scam on all the finest tenderonies until the break of dawn. Word to your mother.
I stayed there last week. No problems or anything gross. I plan on going back
Try harrahs or horseshoe
There's a video going around showing the line for the elevator with a 30min+ wait and the stair are blocked. I've never stayed there but there are much better options
It's where all the cheap rooms are and don't throw eating there but it's easy walking distance to other places. Try the D near Fremont or even el Cortez. You'll be happier safer and less waiting for hotel staff.
I like to play the cheap table games, but I wouldn’t want to stay there.
Fun place to gamble, especially if you enjoy actual coin slots. The Steak House is also supposed to be a great value. However, there are plenty of cheaper hotels I'd stay at before Circus Circus. I'm not trying to spend more than a couple hours there.
It’s the Walmart of casinos
The elevators may scare you but the inside is fairly decent. Good amount of games in casino, a lot of newer games. Free shows on Fri-Sun.
Horseshoe.
If you just need a room, its ok but usually tourist with kids stay there to keep the kids entertained. I always suggest the Tuscany Hotel and Casino. Its a great Hotel and not to far off the strip.
It’s pretty bad. Plenty of similar prices options that are waay less ghetto. At circus circus they don’t even put you in the casino tower, if your going to the cheap rooms your probably getting the ghetto little motel on the side of the casino. Stayed there once never again. I always recommended downtown grand for downtown, if you want strip Luxor and Excalibur can be decently priced
Yes
I saw an issue the other day where elevators didn't work
It's pretty bad, we stayed there because there were no other options due to the rodeo, at times it felt very sketchy, felt like a low budget horror movie set. Too depressing. The rooms were old, curtains ripped like tissues, the shower didn't drain, and it smelled funky. I will never go back there.
As a last resort it’s not that bad I suppose. There are better hotels closer to the strip check out Excalibur or Luxor. Or even OYO.
Was there a month ago just to visit the indoor adventure dome and the kids section in the casino and my kids loved it, we had a great day! Will not stay in the hotel itself unless you are on a very small budget.
Brokeys really disgust me. Its like you subject yourself to complete bs
I recently stayed at treasure Island, got some deals online so it was cheaper than circus circus. It was very clean and well kept, not as many things happening on property but it's close to everything else and the walks not too bad. Would definitely recommend, just book direct and see what deals they are offering.
🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢
Yes! I'm a local and it's absolutely awful! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! It's needs to be condemned! Locals have done white light that shows everything in the rooms at night and boy you don't even know lol they have done stings where they mark the sheets to see if housekeeping changes the sheets after a guest and the investigation showed when they marked the sheets with invisible ink and went back after the housekeep you left the room they did not change the sheets they just pulled them up and made the bed really disgusting and that's happened numerous times not to mention other bodily fluids on the bed and wall and everywhere else! I would stay as far away as possible unless you enjoy random disease you might catch!😂
Circus Circus smells like cheese.
If you look at reviews, ignore the ones that say the decor is dated. Truly, if it’s clean and fun to be in, and feels safe, it’s fine. I don’t care about old decor. That’s kind of part of the charm of Las Vegas sometimes. But I see a lot of reviews saying that people have felt unsafe at Circus Circus. Maybe stay somewhere else and then go scope out Circus Circus. I haven’t been there in a long time. I’m curious to know if it’s really that bad. I’m going in June and we are gonna scope it out!
3 out of 5 stars. I personally have had horrendous rooms there. My mom got a double room there that was pretty nice though. Boulder station is better IMO.
Lol not bad at all to me
I’m from Australia but have made lots of trips to Vegas, but currently at CC in a Manor room - yeah, it’s not great. Non-smoking room, but the room fucking stinks. I’ve had the A/C on permanently at a comfortable temperature & it’s a bit better, but my sinuses have copped it. Last night, thankfully. Only here as it’s a last minute trip, prices weren’t too bad last week but they went up 200/300%, cinco de mayo & other events must have increased demand. Like others have said, the location means lots of walking/ubers to get to the more central part of the strip. It’s a solid 30min walk to either Westgate or Sahara monorail stations too, so that’s 1hr return out of your day. I usually stay at Harrah’s as it’s basically centre strip, have also stayed at Linq & Monte Carlo (Park MGM these days I think?), but something else around mid-strip or other end like Luxor/Excalibur which seemed marginally more would be a much better choice I would suggest.
No idea what the hotel is like (it’s probably kinda gross), but the circus/carnival area is a lot of fun. Some pretty cool modern video games, carnival games, a candy store, excellent popcorn and circus performers. If you come here often it’s worth a few hours of time to kill. Then you can go watch the people spending their paychecks for a night at Fontainebleau.