They say you can’t please all the people all the time but Circus Circus, on the edge of the Strip, comes pretty close. This hotel is an old favorite from the Vegas of the 1960s and the vintage sign out front of the clown holding up psychedelic-style lettering says it all. Circus Circus has toned down its emphasis on the carnival-style clowns, and performed an elegant sleight of hand to place the emphasis instead on graceful, beautiful, and friendly Harlequin-style clowns instead. Guest rooms are vibrant and in keeping with the theme; tastefully striped curtains complement cerulean blue bedspreads in some rooms, while others feature simple cherry headboards and muted orange-toned fabrics.

Bring the kiddies if you’ve got ‘em; Circus Circus is a sure-fire favorite for the little ones. The mezzanine level features an expansive gaming area for kids, featuring pinball, arcade games, and more circus acts. Tightrope walkers, jugglers and cyclists keep the kids occupied while you keep an eye on them from the main gaming floor below. But Circus Circus has made its name by going far beyond slots and tables. Out back, Circus Circus has an indoor theme park called the Adventuredome, which boasts three more full-size casinos as well as circus acts and amusement park rides. The main attraction is the Canyon Blaster, a roller coaster that does a double-loop and double-corkscrew, so you can double your money on a bet that you’ll be screaming at the top of your lungs. The Adventuredome is one of Vegas’ premiere family attractions. It features rock climbing, miniature golf, an arcade, bumper cars, carousels and a Ferris wheel. And, in keeping with the omnipresent circus theme, there are usually a few clowns out and about. Circus Circus also has an RV park that holds nearly 400 trailers. If you’re going cross-country and thought you wouldn’t be able to stop in Vegas without being ten miles from the action, guess again. You get a full service hook-up and use of all the facilities.