Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Reno

...in other hotels), however in Circus Circus you needed 50 cents each and everytime you wanted to open it, which became rather annoying after a while and unsafe as it tempts you to just carry your valuables with you.

We did not eat in the hotel as I felt that there was only "stodge" on offer. My partner is vegan and it was totally impossible to eat anything in any of the restaurants, except for a piece of fruit, as all of the ...
...then you totally realise that Circus Circus is a budget hotel without any classy or luxurious feel about it, unlike the others as mentioned above. You also get a distinct sense that this hotel is visited mainly by white working class American travellers who are in love with the idea of an all you can eat buffet for 10 bucks!

Checking out was easy as the hotel offers an automatic check out service via the television which was convenient ... more

My partner and I have just returned from a 2 week trip from the west coast of the USA, driving from Los Angeles to Vegas and back again. Las Vegas was our last port of call and we checked into this hotel for 3 nights.

We were glad to see ample parking at the rear of the hotel. We parked ourselves, although valet parking was another option. When we entered the lobby, I must admit I became a little disappointed.

There was a queuing system (similar to that of security at an airport), just to check in. I suppose it was the start of the holiday season and the lobby was throbbing with tourists, mainly American families with several children. We queued for 25 minutes and the reception staff seemed very friendly and welcoming. The lobby was very dimly lit, maybe to hide the ageing decor. It was not until we explored other Las Vegas hotels, did we realise that our hotel was run-down and in bad need of a major re-fit.

We opted for a smoking room, which was great and the room was good value. Two large double beds, tv, wardrobe but no coffee making facilities. The room and bathroom were clean and nicely decorated and the airconditioning worked. I was slightly disappointed at having to pay $10 per day for use of wifi on my laptop. When we called our friends on their hotel room extension, we were surprised that each call cost $1, as in every other hotel that I have ever stayed in, this was a free service! There was also a safe in the room, (which again is normally free in other hotels), however in Circus Circus you needed 50 cents each and everytime you wanted to open it, which became rather annoying after a while and unsafe as it tempts you to just carry your valuables with you.

We did not eat in the hotel as I felt that there was only "stodge" on offer. My partner is vegan and it was totally impossible to eat anything in any of the restaurants, except for a piece of fruit, as all of the food on offer in the restaurants, was cheap and highly processed. The hotel offer several restaurants including an Italian/Mexican diner, Steakhouse and all you can eat buffet breakfast/lunch dinner for around $10. But when we came down from our rooms one morning to have a look at the buffet breakfast, there was a huge queue. At the back of the queue, there was asign which read "waiting time at this point 30 mins". To hell with that! I would recommed not eating in this hotel if you have any special dietary requirements or care about what you are eating....

Walking around the hotel, from the casino to the shops, you get a sense that this place has seen better days. The corridors and lobbys are always throbbing with people. If you go to Caesar's Palace, The Bellagio, The Venetian or any other hotel in Las Vegas - then you totally realise that Circus Circus is a budget hotel without any classy or luxurious feel about it, unlike the others as mentioned above. You also get a distinct sense that this hotel is visited mainly by white working class American travellers who are in love with the idea of an all you can eat buffet for 10 bucks!

Checking out was easy as the hotel offers an automatic check out service via the television which was convenient as we did not want to face another queue in the lobby again. After checking out via your tv, you can then just deposit your room key in a box beside the elevator.

Location wise - Circus Circus is on the edge of the main strip - however a 15-20 minute walk away from the hub of Las Vegas. Make sure to wear sunglasses when walking down the strip as sand easily gets into your eyes - or better still for $10 get a cab from the front entrance ( there are always some parked) - and it will save you from walking in the lethargic heat.

The adventuredome inside the hotel was great and has an array of rides for all ages and adventure tastes. It costs $25 for an unlimited day pass to enter, however, upon checking in you are given a "buy one get one free" entrance voucher, which we used - so we saved $25 on a day's fun!

Overall, this hotel served it's purpose - rooms were great and it is located quite well to all attractions. Having said that, if we return to Vegas, I think it is worth paying another $50 per night to stay in another hotel which has better amenities to offer and which is more centrally located. 

...less