Circus Circus Reno

If the name doesn’t give it away -- or the giant ruffled clown holding the hotel’s sign -- then the circus tent above the entrance should tip off guests to the circus theme. Inside, the hotel and casino are full of noise and commotion, just like a real circus, with much of the decor from an earlier decade. The Courtyard Buffet Restaurant is dark, with a big tree near the cash register, and Kokopelli’s Sushi has a wooden interior with large, wooden cutouts of the flute-playing deity. An inner arcade and performance space is marked by large elephants at its entrance. Inside, the Midway of Fun has coin-redemption as well as carnival-style games. Live circus performances, with acrobats and trained dogs, take place throughout the day. The hotel has a large casino with card tables and popular slot machines like "Wheel of Fortune" and "Sex and the City," and is connected to Eldorado and Silver Legacy Casinos as well. Guests here are predominantly seniors and families.

Circus Circus Hotel and Casino-Reno is located on Virginia Street, the main road in the Riverwalk District where there are plenty of restaurants and shops. It’s connected to two other casinos, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Eldorado Casino, and within walking distance of several other casinos. It’s a three-minute walk to the Reno Events Center and a 15-minute walk to the Nevada Museum of Art. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic, while Lake Tahoe will take about 45 minutes to reach by car.

Rooms are spacious with a 1990s vibe, including dated floral carpeting, tacky striped curtains, and wallpaper borders. Furnishings include wooden headboards and dressers in light wood tones, with black embossed borders and patterns. Some rooms have small seating areas with old-school armchairs and That being said, these rooms are clean and comfortable, and guests don't seem to mind the outdated surroundings (possibly because rooms are far cheaper than many in the area). Each room is equipped with wall-mounted, 42-inch flat-screen TVs that can display information about on-site dining and entertainment options. There’s limited Wi-Fi included in the resort fee, and rooms have work desks and spacious closets. Suites are available with even more space or separate living rooms, and also include mini-fridges. All rooms have coffee- and tea-making facilities. Bathrooms have tile floors, granite countertops and shower/tub combos, and large mirrors. Toiletries are provided. Guests have reported long waits for elevators to reach their floors.

Like any Reno hotel worth its salt, there are plenty of activities on site to keep guests entertained, though the notable amenity lacking here is a pool. There is a casino with card tables and slot machines, as well as an all-coin slot area and the hotel has several bars, including the Race and Sports Book, Bar and Lounge with modern screens where guests can bet on the horses. Dining options on-site include buffets, Mexican, sushi, a steakhouse, a deli, and a diner, though breakfasts are not included with any room rates. Room service is available. The hotel has three areas of arcade games and a midway featuring carnival games and ticketed games. Family-friendly live circus shows are performed throughout the day. There is a small, 24-hour fitness center, but it has limited and dated equipment. Scooter rentals are available for a fee and there’s a chapel and convention center on-site for private events. Wi-Fi is free with limitations. Free airport transfers are included with the resort fee as is valet parking. The hotel does emphasize green practices, and offers services like electric car charging points.