Circus Circus

Reasons for staying at Circus Circus? Let’s see, the main reason is cost. This by far is one of the more economically priced hotels on the strip. With that aside the only other reason wanting to sojourn at Circus Circus is to test self-will. The majority of the patrons staying at Circus Circus fall into two categories, those who have the liability of entertaining a family with kids and those who have indeed come to Vegas with budget being the foremost priority. This test of self-will I previous mentioned was the constant battling through an ocean of kids and families. Which leaves me somewhat bemused at the scenario, kids running through a casino, exposed to the Las Vegas rawness.

The place is swarming with kids, akin to a childcare centre with the perpetual sound of slot machines and neon lights. Circus Circus is probably one of the most equipt hotels on the strip, having it’s own in built theme park among other things capable of keeping the young ones entertained for hours whilst the oldies play the tables.


The hotel itself has a noir, macabre feel to it. It reminds me of an 80s style themeparks, freakshows, House of mirrors, clowns and animals (None of the previously mentioned items were spotted). The decor, despite being well-polished feels of a tackiness only acceptable from the 80s. The disturbing thing is towards the end of the trip I was actually getting used to the place. It had a hauntingly romantic feel, as if the place had not changed one bit from the era it was built.

The rooms themselves are well kept, large living spaces with enough room to swing a cat. Like most things American is it comfortable and clean and bearable. The shower punches out an enormous amount of pressure and hot water which coupled with the dry Nevada conditions does leave your skin as dry as the surrounding deserts.

I don't actually know why I'm even bothering to give a hotel review in my blog, heck I might just stop now...

Las Vegas

7/4/08: Las Vegas, Nevada

BRRRZZZZT!! BRRRRZZT! (That's my best attempt at onomatopoeia) 6:30 am, alarm clock blares off in the corner. It feels like I've slept a total of 1 hour last night, only the pressing issue of missing my flight urges me to get out of bed. I don't know if it's so much as a problem or just more of a trade off, but I'm still feeling jetlagged. Having not adjusted to the new time zones coupled with the lack of regular sleep has made it difficult to push on throughout the day. Checked out from Econolodge hoping that would be the last interaction with dicey accommodation (I would be so wrong).

In my half-awake stupor I carelessly punched in the option "Home" into the GPS unit, within under an hour I was at my destination; an incorrect destination. Carelessness on my behalf, I was on the other side of town with a flight awaiting me elsewhere. What felt like Groundhog day I drove for another 1 and a half hours around the streets of Los Angeles in peak hour traffic. Panic had settled in and there were instances when I passed the same stretch of highway on numerous counts. I had convinced myself that there was somebody messing around with my GPS unit from afar as a cruel morning joke. I eventually found Fox Hire Car and returned the car, $190 USD all up!

Flight to Vegas was pleasant, the plane was full of people who looked like they were going to Vegas, with intention to drink, gamble and of course sin. I am too tired right now, checked into the hotel just after 2 pm, first impressions of our hotel? There are too many kids and families running about. I'm too tired and I predict a short day today. One of the "things to do in the US" was to feast on a US style buffet. Food was ordinary at best, which seems to be a re-occurring theme.

Despite being on the "main" strip of Vegas I probably wouldn't recommend staying as far down as Circus Circus. The time spent commuting up and down the strip to the more "interesting" places is quite the trek. Being on the main strip of Vegas is like being in a pinball machine, plenty of flashy lights, loud noises and gimmicks. The place is so alive and captivating it urges and convinces you to spend money. Played a couple of the tables at the major Casinos: The Ballajio and The MGM. We really need to do some research for daytime activities, I have a gut feeling most of it will be spent sleeping.

8/4/08: We have now officially planned out our evening show itinerary: Spamalot at the Wynn. Circque Du Soleil - Mystere at Treasure Island and Wayne Brady at the Venetian. Second night out on the town we headed to Pure Nightclub at Caesars, we were promptly denied at the door for being under dressed, thankfully shops here don't close until Midnight so we popped into a shop and bought the required dress code for entry.

Definitely an eventful first night out partying in Vegas, as we walked back to our hotel we bumped into some random advertising places to club on the strip. He smelt of liquor and cigars clearly wearing the cologne of a homeless person. In any normal sober case I probably would have ignored him however seeing I shared the same albeit less mature odour we talked and he gave us advice on where to go, at a small fee of course.