You either love it or you really, really don't. There’s basically no middle ground when it comes to Circus Circus in Las Vegas Strip. For some, it’s a nostalgic neon cathedral where you can still find a $10 blackjack table and smell popcorn in the lobby. For others, it’s a relic of a bygone era that feels wildly out of place next to the ultra-sleek glass towers of Resorts World or the Wynn.
But here’s the thing.
It works. It actually works. While other "themed" hotels like the Mirage get gutted for Hard Rock guitars or the Tropicana gets leveled for baseball stadiums, Circus Circus just keeps chugging along. Since 1968, it has survived corporate buyouts, the rise of the mega-resort, and a global pandemic. It’s the ultimate underdog of the North Strip. If you’re planning a trip, you need to know what you’re actually walking into, because this place is its own weird, wonderful, and sometimes chaotic universe.
The Big Top Reality Check
Let's get one thing straight: Circus Circus is not the Bellagio. Honestly, if you go in expecting 500-thread-count sheets and a quiet spa atmosphere, you’re going to have a bad time. This is a high-energy, loud, kid-friendly (or kid-tolerant) environment. The resort is split into several distinct areas: the Casino Block, the Skyrise Tower, the West Tower, and the Manor Motor Lodge.
The Manor is basically a motel. It’s detached from the main building. It's often the cheapest room on the entire Las Vegas Strip, but you have to walk outside to get to the action. If you’re on a shoestring budget, it’s a godsend. If you want a more traditional "hotel" feel, you aim for the towers. The rooms are dated—there’s no way around that—but they are massive compared to the cramped "boutique" rooms popping up elsewhere.
What’s Actually Happening at the Adventuredome?
You’ve probably seen the pink glass dome from the highway. That’s the Adventuredome, a five-acre indoor theme park. It’s impressive because it’s entirely climate-controlled, which is a literal lifesaver when Vegas hits 115 degrees in July.
They’ve got the Canyon Blaster, which is a double-loop, double-corkscrew coaster that still holds up. Then there’s El Loco. It’s one of those "beyond-vertical" drops that makes your stomach end up in your throat. They also have the usual suspects: bumper cars, a carousel, and a lot of arcade games that use those reloadable cards.
The crowd here is a mix. You’ve got families, obviously. But you also have locals who just want to ride a coaster on a Tuesday and teenagers hanging out. It gets loud. Screams from the coasters echo off the pink glass. It’s not "relaxing," but it is arguably the best value for entertainment if you have kids in tow.
The Midway and the Free Shows
If you head upstairs from the casino floor, you hit the Midway. This is where the "Circus" part of Circus Circus in Las Vegas Strip really happens. They have a massive stage where world-class circus acts perform every hour or so.
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The best part? It’s free.
In a city where a bottle of water can cost eight bucks, getting to watch a professional trapeze artist or a high-wire act for the price of "standing there" is a rare win. The acts come from all over—Russia, China, Brazil. It’s legit talent. Around the stage is the Midway, packed with those classic carnival games where you try to knock over milk bottles or throw a ring on a bottle. It’s loud, it’s brightly lit, and the smell of sugar is everywhere.
The Steakhouse Secret
Here is the biggest "if you know, you know" in all of Las Vegas.
The Steakhouse at Circus Circus.
It sounds like a joke. Why would one of the best steakhouses in the city be located inside a budget-friendly circus hotel? But ask any long-time local or seasoned Vegas traveler, and they’ll tell you: it’s the real deal. It has been voted the best steakhouse in Las Vegas multiple times by Las Vegas Review-Journal readers.
Inside, it’s like a different world. It’s dark, wood-paneled, and smells of mesquite charcoal. They dry-age their beef on-site in a glass-walled room you can see from the entrance. The service is old-school—waiters in tuxedos who know exactly how to de-bone a fish or flambé a dessert tableside. If you want that classic, 1970s Vegas vibe without the pretension of the newer spots, this is your place. It's also surprisingly affordable compared to the celebrity-chef spots down the street.
Gambling for the Rest of Us
The casino floor at Circus Circus is one of the few places left where the "low roller" is king. Most Strip properties have moved to $15 or $25 minimums for blackjack, even on weekdays. At Circus Circus, you can still find $5 or $10 tables if you time it right.
They also have a decent selection of "old school" slots. You won't find as many of those massive, immersive 4D machines as you would at the Aria, but you’ll find plenty of classic reels. It’s a "grind" joint, meaning people are there to actually gamble, not just to be seen. The cocktail service is generally pretty fast because the floor is usually packed and the servers are pros.
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The RV Park: A Vegas Rarity
Did you know there’s a full-service RV park on the property? It’s basically the only one right on the Strip. Operated by KOA, it has all the hookups, a pool, and a dog park.
It’s a bizarre sight—giant Class A motorhomes parked in the shadow of multi-billion dollar skyscrapers. But for travelers doing the cross-country thing who want to experience Vegas without leaving their "home," it’s a brilliant setup. You can literally walk from your RV to a craps table in five minutes.
Dealing with the Location
Location is probably the biggest hurdle for Circus Circus in Las Vegas Strip. It sits on the far north end. Ten years ago, this was a bit of a "no man's land." You had the Sahara, and then a whole lot of nothing.
Things have changed.
The opening of Resorts World right next door brought a lot of foot traffic back to this end of the Boulevard. The Fountainblue is finally open nearby too. However, you are still a long walk from the "center" of the Strip (Bellagio/Caesars area). You’ll likely want to use the Deuce bus or rideshares. Walking is possible, but the blocks in Vegas are deceptively long, and in the heat, it’s a marathon.
Why it Survives
People ask why Phil Ruffin (who bought the place from MGM) doesn't just tear it down and build something shiny. The answer is simple: demand.
There is a massive segment of the traveling public that wants to see Las Vegas but doesn't have a $5,000 budget. Circus Circus fills that gap perfectly. It’s accessible. It’s unpretentious. It’s a place where you can wear a t-shirt and flip-flops and nobody gives you a second look.
The resort has its flaws. The carpets are tired in spots. The elevators can be slow when the hotel is at 100% capacity. But there is an undeniable soul to the place. It’s a reminder of a time when Vegas was about spectacle and kitsch rather than "curated lifestyle experiences."
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Survival Tips for Your Stay
If you’re going to stay at Circus Circus, there are a few ways to make the experience better.
- Request the West Tower. It’s generally considered the "nicest" of the options. It’s closer to the lobby and the rooms feel a bit more updated.
- Eat at the Steakhouse early. Make reservations weeks in advance. Seriously. Even on a Tuesday, it fills up.
- Use the North Entrance. If you’re being dropped off by an Uber, the main entrance can be a circus (pun intended). The side entrances are often much faster.
- Check the Circus Schedule. The free acts start around 11:30 AM and go until late. Grab a spot on the benches about 10 minutes before the hour to get a good view.
- Manage Your Expectations. Go in for the fun, the cheap gambling, and the nostalgia. If you want luxury, go elsewhere. If you want a story to tell, stay here.
The Future of the Big Top
What happens next? There are always rumors of renovations. Some of the exterior has been repainted recently, and they’ve updated parts of the pool area (the Splash Zone is actually quite good for kids).
The resort seems to be leaning into its role as the "value leader." As prices on the rest of the Strip continue to skyrocket—with resort fees now hitting $50+ a night at some places—Circus Circus remains the last bastion for the budget-conscious traveler. It’s a slice of history that refuses to quit.
Next Steps for Your Trip
If you're ready to book, your first move should be checking the official website directly rather than third-party booking sites; they often have "locals" or "family" packages that include Adventuredome passes.
Once you arrive, head straight to the Circus Act stage on the second level to snap a photo of the daily performance schedule. This is your "home base" for free entertainment.
Finally, if you’re planning on dining at the Steakhouse, book your table the moment you confirm your room. It is the one part of the experience that is decidedly "not budget," and it requires a bit of planning to get a seat at the table. Enjoy the neon, embrace the chaos, and remember that in Vegas, sometimes the most "dated" places are the ones with the most life left in them.