Circus Circus Las Vegas is a family-fun vacation destination located on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Known for its expansive indoor theme park, The Adventuredome, and circus-themed acts, Circus Circus has become a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike.
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This iconic hotel offers a variety of amenities and entertainment options, including a lively carnival Midway with over 200 games for all ages, refreshing pool experiences with waterslides, and world-class circus acts performed nightly for free. The hotel boasts comfortable tower rooms with pillow-top mattresses, Wi-Fi, and cable TV, providing guests with a relaxing stay amidst the excitement of Las Vegas.
Established over 50 years ago, Circus Circus changed hands in 2019 when it was sold by MGM Resorts International to Phil Ruffin, owner of the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, for $825 million. Ruffin has since embarked on a $30 million renovation project, ensuring that Circus Circus remains a vibrant and exciting attraction for years to come.
History and Ownership – More Than 50 Years on the Las Vegas Strip
Circus Circus Las Vegas was initially established by Jay Sarno and Stanley Mallin who wanted to create the first family-oriented casino in Las Vegas. Opening on October 18, 1968, the unique casino was designed by Rissman and Rissman Associates and catered to grown-ups at the time. Themes in various casinos were greatly popular in Las Vegas, with many choosing to represent ancient locations such as Egypt and Rome.
Shortly after its opening, Circus Circus became an iconic symbol for the city, providing a significant entertainment destination for families who wanted to experience the excitement of Las Vegas. The casino floor offered a wide range of games for adults, while the second floor was designed to host carnival games for children.
Throughout its history, Circus Circus has undergone a series of ownership changes. Most notably, in 2019, billionaire Phil Ruffin purchased the historic Circus Circus casino hotel from MGM for $825 million. Since then, Ruffin has continued to maintain the casino’s iconic status and family-friendly atmosphere.
Location and Accessibility
Circus Circus Las Vegas is a hotel and casino situated on the northern part of the Las Vegas Strip in Winchester, Nevada. Boasting a big top facade, it’s a family-friendly destination that is easy to find along 2880 South Las Vegas Boulevard. For added reference, Circus Circus is approximately one mile from the Las Vegas Convention Center and about two miles from the Rio All-Suite Hotel.
Transportation Options
There are various transportation methods available for those visiting Circus Circus Las Vegas. Some of the options include:
- Taxis and Ride-sharing services: Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, as well as local taxis, can be easily hired to and from the hotel.
- Public transportation: The Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Express (SDX) and Deuce on the Strip buses stop directly outside Circus Circus, providing convenient access to other areas of the city.
- Car rentals: Many car rental companies operate in Las Vegas, and visitors can rent a car to navigate the city at their own pace.
With numerous transportation options, visitors can easily explore the lively city of Las Vegas while staying at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino.
Hotel Accommodations
At Circus Circus Hotel, Casino & Theme Park in Las Vegas, guests have a diverse selection of accommodations tailored to their preferences.
Room Types
The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites to choose from, including:
- Manor Motor Lodge Rooms,
- Skyscraper Tower Rooms,
- Resort Tower Rooms, and
- Junior Suites.
Each room type differs in terms of size, amenities, and location within the hotel complex to suit the needs of various guests. Prices can vary depending on the room type and booking date.
Amenities
Guests at Circus Circus Las Vegas enjoy several amenities to make their stay comfortable and entertaining. Some of the most notable amenities include:
- Two outdoor pools,
- Five on-site restaurants, including THE Steak House,
- An expansive casino,
- Access to the Adventuredome Theme Park,
- Free self-parking, and
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
In addition to these amenities, the hotel also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, providing a well-rounded experience for its guests.
Dining and Entertainment
Restaurants
At Circus Circus Las Vegas, guests can indulge in various dining options. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, The Steakhouse, offers mesquite-grilled steaks, prime rib, lobster, and crab legs in a traditional steakhouse setting. Additionally, guests have the option to dine at the Circus Buffet, which provides a variety of international cuisines for an all-you-can-eat experience.
Bars and Lounges
Circus Circus features several bars and lounges where visitors can unwind and enjoy drinks. Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store is a popular spot among guests, offering a mix of American and seafood dishes in a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can also explore other bars and lounges within the hotel’s vicinity to suit their preferences.
Shows and Performances
Entertainment is a crucial part of the Circus Circus experience. The hotel offers shows and performances catering to all age groups. One of the main attractions is The Adventuredome, an indoor theme park that showcases thrilling rides and games, ensuring an exciting time for visitors.
Casino Experience
At Circus Circus Las Vegas, the casino experience is one that offers various gaming and entertainment options for all visitors. With a mix of modern and classic casino games, Circus Circus provides an engaging environment for both experienced players and first-time gamers.
Gaming Options
The casino at Circus Circus features an extensive array of gaming options for guests to choose from. With over 2,200 slots and video machines, there is a game for everyone, regardless of their experience level. Notable offerings include popular slot machine titles and various denominations catering to different budgets.
In addition to slot machines, Circus Circus offers classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps. For poker enthusiasts, the casino also provides poker rooms for players to compete in various poker games and tournaments.
Lastly, the Carnival Midway offers circus and trapeze acts, as well as carnival games, allowing guests to indulge in a fun and interactive gaming experience.
Casino Promotions
Circus Circus Casino also offers exciting promotions for its guests. The special One Club membership program provides promotional offers and discounts at other properties, such as Mandalay Bay, the Luxor, Monte Carlo, Excalibur, and Slots-A-Fun. Members can take advantage of these promotions to enhance their overall experience at Circus Circus and other Las Vegas Strip locations.
Periodically, the casino also runs special events and promotions for players to win additional prizes or credits. These events and promotions not only create a sense of excitement for patrons but also showcase the casino’s commitment to providing a comprehensive gaming experience for its guests.
Family Fun and Attractions
When visiting Circus Circus Las Vegas, families can expect a fun-filled experience with a variety of attractions suitable for all ages.
Adventuredome
The Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park is a major highlight of Circus Circus Las Vegas. This world-renowned attraction offers a wide range of rides and activities for the entire family. Some of the popular rides include roller coasters, carousels, and thrilling water rides. With its climate-controlled environment, Adventuredome ensures an enjoyable and comfortable experience for all visitors.
Midway Games
For those who love carnival-style games, the Midway area of Circus Circus provides an exciting opportunity to enjoy a variety of skill-based games. Suitable for children and adults, these games offer a chance to win prizes and create lasting memories. Some popular Midway games include ring toss, basketball challenges, and the classic balloon popping game.
Arcade
Apart from the rides and games, Circus Circus also offers an extensive Arcade area, featuring state-of-the-art video games for all ages. Visitors can try their hand at popular titles, as well as classic games like air hockey and pinball machines. The Arcade provides hours of entertainment for children and adults alike.
Shopping and Services
Circus Circus Las Vegas offers a multitude of shopping options to choose from. With a 40,000 square foot shopping Promenade, guests can spend their day exploring the various stores and boutiques available at this esteemed destination.
As visitors stroll down the charming cobblestone walkways, they will find fashionable apparel, unique gifts, and Las Vegas collectibles. Circus Circus has an array of stores filled with must-have souvenirs and items, guaranteeing a memorable and enjoyable shopping experience.
Located nearby, the Fashion Show Mall provides even more shopping opportunities. The mall features popular brand names such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Dillard’s, making it a convenient stop for those seeking additional options.
Apart from retail therapy, Circus Circus Las Vegas also offers other services to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay. The hotel provides easy access to:
- ATMs
- Foreign currency exchange
- Safe deposit boxes
- Car rental services
With the variety of shopping and services available, visitors to Circus Circus Las Vegas can be certain to have a delightful and satisfying experience during their stay.
Conclusion – The Circus Circus Hotel Casino Theme Makes for a Fun Time
Circus Circus Las Vegas continues to be a popular hotel and casino for families seeking a fun-filled vacation experience. With its permanent circus acts, Carnival Midway, and the iconic Adventuredome, the resort offers a wealth of activities for both children and adults alike.
Under the ownership of Phil Ruffin, and with a property refresh in progress, there is anticipation that the resort will soon return to its glory days. Guests looking for a wide range of dining options will not be disappointed, with the addition of The Steak House as one of the highlights of the venue.
While some negatives may still exist, the overall experience at Circus Circus remains unique and entertaining. As the resort continues to evolve and update, there is potential for it to remain an iconic destination on the Las Vegas Strip for years to come.
