Circus Circus Reno is a downtown Reno casino hotel, not the Circus Circus on the Las Vegas Strip. Its strongest appeal is midway entertainment combined with indoor connections to Silver Legacy and Eldorado at THE ROW. I think it makes the most sense for families and travelers who want several dining and casino options within walking distance. The trade-off is the setting: this is a large downtown casino complex, not a quiet, pool-centered resort.
Circus Circus Reno: quick facts
| Address | 500 N. Sierra Street, Reno, Nevada 89503 |
|---|---|
| Property type | Downtown casino hotel |
| Operator | Caesars Entertainment |
| Connected properties | Silver Legacy and Eldorado, as part of THE ROW |
| Minimum gambling age | 21 |
| Hotel | On-site rooms and suites |
| Poker room | No |
| On-property sportsbook | No |
| Family entertainment | Midway games and circus performances |
| Rewards program | Caesars Rewards |
| Phone | 800-648-5010 |
Location and THE ROW: the main reason to stay
Circus Circus sits at the northern end of THE ROW, the connected downtown complex that also includes Silver Legacy and Eldorado. To me, those indoor connections are the property’s most useful feature: you are not limited to the restaurants, entertainment, and gambling options inside the hotel where you booked your room.
That helps when a group wants different things. A casual meal, a sit-down dinner, and an evening of casino entertainment do not all have to involve coordinating a drive.
Connected does not mean interchangeable. A restaurant, game, pool, or other amenity at a neighboring hotel is not automatically a Circus Circus offering or an included benefit of your reservation. Indoor walking is still walking, too.
This is a downtown Reno base, with the Truckee River area to the south. It is neither a lakeside retreat nor a substitute for staying at Lake Tahoe.
Casino floor and games
Circus Circus is worth considering for a casual machine-playing visit. If your trip revolves around a particular game, I would put that game ahead of the hotel name. Establish where it is offered within THE ROW, when it operates, and whether the rules suit you. Indoor connections broaden your choices, but they do not guarantee identical gaming options at all three casinos.
Slots and video poker
Check the actual wager shown on a slot machine, not just the denomination advertised on its cabinet. A penny slot can cost considerably more than a penny per spin once lines, credits, and bonus eligibility enter the picture.
For video poker, the pay table matters more than the familiar game name. Two machines offering the same game can have different payouts, so matching cabinets do not necessarily mean matching returns.
I would disregard claims that a machine is hot, cold, or due. Another player’s bad afternoon tells you nothing useful about your next spin. Keep gambling money separate from your room, food, and ride-home budget.
Table games
If blackjack, craps, or roulette is your main reason for visiting, ask which casino in THE ROW is dealing it before making plans. Open tables and betting limits can change with demand; a casino operating late does not mean every table game will be available.
For blackjack, look beyond the minimum bet. The blackjack payout, doubling rules, and splitting restrictions help determine value. A low minimum is not much of a bargain if the rules are poor.
Poker room and sportsbook
Circus Circus Reno has no dedicated player-versus-player poker room and no on-property retail sportsbook. Video poker and poker-themed table games are not a poker room. Likewise, sports televisions, a mobile betting account, or a facility at a connected hotel are not a sportsbook at Circus Circus itself.
Hotel rooms and the full cost of a stay
The best argument for staying here is convenience: unpack once, then use the connected complex for meals, entertainment, and breaks back in your room. That can simplify a visit when members of your group keep different schedules.
I would give room location more attention than an appealing category name. The route between your room, the garage, the midway, and dinner can matter almost as much as the room itself.
Before booking, check bed configuration, refrigerator availability, connecting-room requests, and bathroom features. For an accessible room, ask for the specific setup you need rather than relying on the word “accessible.”
Compare the final reservation total
A cheap-looking nightly rate is only the start. Compare the full reservation total, including mandatory fees and taxes, then check parking charges if applicable. Ask about the incidental hold: it is not a room charge, but it can temporarily tie up money on your card.
My preferred comparison uses the same dates, guest count, room requirements, and cancellation terms at each hotel. Then weigh the total mandatory accommodation cost against the location and benefits you will actually use.
Check-in, checkout, early-arrival charges, and cancellation deadlines should come from your reservation terms. A prepaid promotion and a flexible booking can carry different restrictions.
Pool and spa expectations
Do not book Circus Circus Reno expecting the pool experience of its Las Vegas namesake. If swimming or a spa treatment is essential, establish which facility you can use, where it is, and whether access costs extra.
An indoor connection to another hotel does not establish pool access, seasonal availability, or eligibility for your group. An amenity you cannot access, or will not use, adds nothing to the value of your stay.
Restaurants and bars
The food court fits the midway setting, giving a group a practical way to choose different meals without turning lunch into a lengthy sit-down affair. For families, that flexibility may matter more than a long restaurant list.
THE ROW adds options for sit-down dining, bars, and an evening meal that feels different from a quick stop between activities. I would make reservations when dinner is the centerpiece of the evening and allow time for the walk. A restaurant in the same connected complex is not necessarily outside your elevator.
Check kitchen hours for late arrivals and early departures. Casino hours are not restaurant hours.
Midway entertainment and visiting with children
The midway is the strongest reason for a family to choose Circus Circus over a more adult-focused casino hotel. Carnival-style games, arcade entertainment, and circus performances provide activities separate from gambling.
There is a useful budget distinction: Travel Nevada lists Carnival Midway admission as free, while arcade and carnival games use purchased card credits. You can visit without paying an entrance fee, then decide how much to spend on games.
Family entertainment does not make gambling areas suitable places for children to linger. Plan supervision while other adults gamble, and use designated routes to permitted family areas.
Check midway hours and performance schedules before promising a show at a particular time. I would also give midway spending its own budget: repeated games, meals, and snacks can make a reasonably priced hotel stay a more expensive family trip.
Parking, airport transportation, and practical details
Circus Circus is in downtown Reno, accessible from the Interstate 80 corridor. Follow directions for hotel arrival and parking rather than assuming the first casino entrance is the best place to unload luggage. Note your garage level and entrance before heading inside.
Airport transportation and rental cars
Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the relevant airport. A taxi or rideshare is an option for reaching downtown. If you plan to use a hotel shuttle, confirm its schedule, pickup point, eligibility, and any charge before relying on it.
I would not automatically rent a car for a visit centered on THE ROW and downtown Reno. A car becomes more useful when Lake Tahoe, skiing, or other regional outings are part of the itinerary.
Smoking and accessibility
A nonsmoking room does not establish a smoke-free casino experience. If smoke sensitivity is a concern, ask about casino-floor conditions and the routes between your room, restaurants, and family attractions before booking.
For accessibility, consider the whole visit: room features, elevator access, walking distances, and the route from parking to registration. Explain specific mobility limitations when requesting accommodations.
Caesars Rewards
Circus Circus Reno participates in Caesars Rewards, which can be convenient if you already use the program and have eligible offers. Compare any offer with the full reservation total, including charges that remain payable.
I would never increase a gambling budget to pursue a room discount or a higher rewards tier. A potential benefit should not become an excuse to spend more than planned.
Who Circus Circus Reno is best for
| Your priority | Main advantage | Practical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Family entertainment | The midway offers activities apart from gambling. | Plan supervision, attraction hours, and a separate games budget. |
| Dining and casino choices | Indoor connections expand the options. | Allow for walking, and distinguish each property’s offerings. |
| A downtown Reno base | Much of the visit can center on THE ROW. | This is an urban casino setting, not a secluded resort. |
| A budget-conscious stay | It is worth including in a same-date hotel comparison. | Judge the final booking total, not the advertised nightly rate. |
| A pool-centered vacation | The downtown connections may still be useful. | Establish actual pool access before making it a reason to book. |
My recommendation
I would shortlist Circus Circus Reno for families who want midway entertainment and travelers who value indoor access to several downtown casinos and restaurants. Its appeal is having choices nearby, rather than delivering a secluded luxury stay. Visitors prioritizing quiet, a pool-centered vacation, or minimal walking should compare other properties, while budget-minded travelers should judge it by the complete reservation price and the activities they will actually use.
For other destinations around the state, see our Nevada casino guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Circus Circus Reno in Las Vegas?
No. It is in downtown Reno. Circus Circus Las Vegas is a separate property on the Las Vegas Strip. Check the city on your reservation before paying.
Is Circus Circus Reno connected to other casinos?
Yes. Circus Circus, Silver Legacy, and Eldorado form THE ROW, with indoor connections between the properties.
Can children visit Circus Circus Reno?
Children can visit permitted family areas, including the midway, but cannot gamble or linger in gaming areas. The minimum gambling age is 21.
Does Circus Circus Reno have a poker room or sportsbook?
No. It has neither a dedicated player-versus-player poker room nor an on-property retail sportsbook.
Do I need a rental car?
Not necessarily for a trip focused on THE ROW and downtown Reno. Consider one if your itinerary includes Lake Tahoe, ski areas, or other destinations outside downtown.
What should I check before booking?
Check the total reservation price, cancellation terms, incidental hold, room features, parking arrangements, and access to essential amenities. Families should also check midway hours and circus-performance schedules.
Sources and traveler information
For individual guest perspectives, browse the Circus Circus Reno traveler reviews and additional review pages: page 2, page 3, and additional reviews. Guest accounts are subjective; consider their dates and room details when comparing experiences.
Poker room and sportsbook
There is no dedicated poker room or on-site sportsbook.