My Stay at Circus Circus Reno Sky Tower What I Loved and What I Didn't

I recently spent a night at Circus Circus Reno, specifically in the Sky Tower, and I wanted to share my honest thoughts. If you’re considering staying at this iconic Reno casino hotel, especially on a budget or just passing through, this review should help you decide if it’s actually worth booking.

Where Circus Circus Reno Is Located

Circus Circus Reno is located in downtown Reno, making it a convenient option if you want to be close to other casinos, restaurants, and attractions in the area. It’s connected via skywalks to other nearby properties, which adds to the overall convenience, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot of time walking or driving around the city. They do also have free included parking in an attached garage.

For a Reno Nevada hotel stay, the location is solid, especially for first-time visitors who want easy access to everything.

Arriving at Circus Circus Reno

Pulling up to Circus Circus Reno feels like stepping into a classic piece of Reno history. The bright lights and circus-themed exterior are hard to miss. It definitely leans into that old-school casino vibe. I will say the parking was a little hard to find because a lot of the roads are one-way only. They also have what appeared to be multiple options for parking which was a little confusing.

Check-in at the Sky Tower was simple and efficient, and the staff was friendly. I will say the check-in is not easy to find if you are coming from one of the parking lots, as you have to take a bridge and escalator to get to it before trekking over to the Sky Tower area. If you have a lot of bags, I would wait to bring them in until you have your room key and an idea of where you are going.

Sky Tower Room Review

We stayed in the Sky Tower, which is one of the main hotel towers at Circus Circus Reno. My room was fairly clean and spacious, which I appreciated after a long day of traveling.

That said, the room definitely showed its age. The decor felt outdated, and the furniture had that slightly worn look you see in older Reno hotels. Everything functioned fine, but if you’re expecting a modern or recently renovated hotel room, this is not that. It's a little confusing because the hotel does mention recent renovations online, but that wasn’t really reflected in our room..

If you’re comparing Reno hotel rooms, this falls firmly into the budget category. It works, but it’s not memorable in a luxury sense and I probably wouldn't stay longer than needed. The room cost us $50.15 for the room and then $55.84 in taxes and fees, bringing the total cost to $105.99 for one night.

Things to Do at Circus Circus Reno

One of the biggest reasons people choose Circus Circus Reno is how much there is to do without ever leaving the hotel.

There’s a full arcade that’s great for kids, but honestly still fun as an adult if you’re feeling nostalgic. The circus acts that take place inside the casino are one of the most unique features. They run throughout the day and add a level of entertainment you don’t typically see in other Reno casino hotels.

There are also multiple dining options, which makes it easy to grab anything from a quick snack to a full meal without leaving the property. Most places in here did not have late night hours, so keep that in mind if you arrive late like we did.

If you’re looking for things to do at Circus Circus Reno, convenience is easily one of its strongest selling points.

Photo From Circus Circus Website

The Smoking Situation at Circus Circus Reno

This was the biggest downside of my stay.

Smoking is allowed in the casino, and the smell is not contained to just that area, despite what they may try to do. It carries into the hallways and even into the Sky Tower area. As someone who doesn’t smoke, this had a noticeable impact on my overall experience. It made the environment feel heavier and less clean, even though the room itself was technically clean.

If you’re researching Reno casino hotels and are sensitive to smoke, this is something you should seriously factor into your decision. It’s common in Reno, but that doesn’t mean it won’t bother you.

The Overall Atmosphere

The overall vibe at Circus Circus Reno is very much old-school casino energy. It’s lively, a little chaotic, and constantly buzzing.

Between the arcade, circus acts, and casino floor, there’s always something happening. That can be fun, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re looking for something more relaxed.

The Sky Tower does offer a bit of separation from the noise, which I appreciated. It gave me a quieter space to come back to at the end of the night. Still, compared to newer or more updated Reno hotels, this one feels dated. It has character, but it also feels like it hasn’t fully kept up with modern expectations.

Pros of Staying at Circus Circus Reno

• Affordable rates compared to many Reno hotels

• Plenty of entertainment options inside the hotel

• Great for a one-night stay or quick trip

• Convenient location in downtown Reno

• Easy access to food, gaming, and activities

Cons of Staying at Circus Circus Reno

• Smoking in the casino affects the overall environment

• Outdated rooms and decor

• Noisy and sometimes chaotic atmosphere

• Not ideal if you’re looking for a modern or luxury hotel experience

Is Circus Circus Reno Good for Families?

Circus Circus Reno is actually one of the more family-friendly casino hotels in Reno because of the arcade and circus acts. If you’re traveling with kids, there are definitely built-in activities to keep them entertained.

That said, the smoking and overall casino environment might still be a downside for some families, depending on your preferences.

Is Circus Circus Reno Worth It?

This really depends on what kind of trip you’re planning.

If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Reno Nevada where you can stay for a night, have everything in one place, and don’t mind an older, more classic casino feel, it works. If you want something clean, modern, and smoke-free, this probably isn’t the right fit.

Circus Circus Reno Review: Final Verdict

By the time I checked out, I felt ready to leave. My stay at Circus Circus Reno was fine for one night, but it’s not somewhere I would personally return to.

The convenience and entertainment options are strong, and I understand why it’s popular with budget travelers. But between the smoking and the outdated feel, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

If you’re considering staying at Circus Circus Reno, go in with realistic expectations. It’s affordable, it’s convenient, and it’s definitely a classic Reno experience, just one that comes with a few trade-offs.