Back in the 90's Indian casinos were popping up all over the country. Vegas panicked. Their solution was to steer away from the "sin city" veneer and tried for a "family" look. That idea backfired. Because when mom & dad are putting junior on a roller coaster, they're not dumping money into a slot machine.
Theres more money to be made in gambling than amusement parks. Which is why Vegas has tried returning to the "sin city" motif, like the "what happens here stays here" commercials that have been airing. This has had limited success.

Throughout Circus Circus I observed hundreds of parents walking around the casino area with their children. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU???!!! What parent willingly exposes a child to gambling, excessive drinking, and smoke filled rooms? These are all vices.....ADULT VICES!! You don't expose a kid to these things! And what's more, you shouldn't have your kids in a casino at 2 in the morning!!! Shame on you parents that would even consider that!

And shame on any casino that sets themselves up for the entire family. Sure, there's an arcade, circus acts, and rides. But it's surrounded by gambling, drinking, and smoking. Family fun and adult vices DON'T MIX!!!
The entire joint is filled 24 hours a day with screaming, running, crying, out of control kids, as well as stupid, drunk, smoking parents, who are neglecting them. It's really sick how some of those folks got ticked off when security or the managers told them they had to remove their kids from the gaming areas!

Subtract all the brats and Circus Circus is STILL a lousy place to stay. The hotel itself is old, with really, REALLY bad service, and extremely rude employees. It's also one of the most chintzy places on the strip. Food & booze is expensive, and there are very few comps. There are few free drinks, even when you're dropping big bucks in the casino. I've never been in a casino in Vegas that was this tight with the freebies! The south tower parking garage is a hassle, and the elevators didn't work. Someone got stuck inside, and security had to help them out. (it was night time though, so it was only 90 while they were stuck in there!). The rooms themselves were average. They were clean.

Slice it up any way you want: This place stinks! The hotel & staff is lousy, many of the other guest are lousy. Spend a tad more cash and stay somewhere else. ANYWHERE ELSE!

Recommended: No