Axel's take: 7.3/10
Good for downtown convenience and arcade fun, less convincing for room quality. A budget-friendly downtown casino hotel with a family arcade, scored for what it is.
Circus Circus Reno is a budget-friendly casino hotel, not the polished four-star resort its listing might suggest. It's a good pick for travelers who want downtown access, plenty of food choices and the Midway arcade without paying for luxury. Recent Expedia guests repeatedly praise spacious, clean rooms and helpful staff, while Tripadvisor and Booking.com put the overall experience firmly in good rather than exceptional territory.
The catch is inconsistency. Recent Tripadvisor guests describe worn carpets, unreliable room equipment and slow responses to requests, alongside the more positive Expedia feedback. Smoke also reaches some shared areas, so don't mistake non-smoking rooms for a smoke-free property. The sprawling layout means potentially long walks between parking, reception and rooms. Add a nightly resort fee and no swimming pool, and we'd skip it for a quiet retreat, a pool-centered family trip or dependable upscale comfort.
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Best for: budget-minded downtown visitors; families who prioritize arcade games; casino and bowling trips
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Watch out for: uneven room maintenance and housekeeping; smoke and long internal walks; nightly resort fee; no pool
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Location: Walkable downtown base near the Reno Events Center, National Bowling Stadium and train station.
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Rooms: Generally spacious, with mini-fridges and coffee makers; recent guests report uneven upkeep.
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Cleanliness: Many Expedia guests praise clean rooms, but recent Tripadvisor guests report carpet and cleaning lapses.
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Service: Friendly staff earn frequent praise; resolving problems can be less reliable.
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Amenities: Casino, Midway arcade, multiple dining options and fitness access; no swimming pool.
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Fees and surprises: Nightly resort fee and incidental deposit apply; Expedia lists self-parking and airport shuttle among fee inclusions.
Axel's opinion of Circus Circus Reno – A Caesars Rewards Destination, from the hotel's website and recent guest reviews. Sources: Hotel website · Expedia · Tripadvisor · Booking.com. Reviewed Oct 10, 2026.