Hotel Comparisons
SAHARA Las Vegas vs Circus Circus Las Vegas
Compare SAHARA Las Vegas and Circus Circus Las Vegas side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.
The reborn Sahara — historic Vegas (1952) reopened in 2014 as a north-Strip mid-range with Latin/Spanish design influences. vs. The kid-first Vegas resort — free circus acts, the Adventuredome theme park, and free self-parking. — here's how they compare across location, price, dining, and vibe.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| SAHARA Las Vegas | Circus Circus Las Vegas | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Mid-Range | Budget |
| Location | North Strip | North Strip |
| Rooms | 1,616 | 3,767 |
| Year Opened | 1952 | 1968 |
| Resort Fee | $56.63/night | $51.02/night |
Best For
SAHARA Las Vegas
- +Travelers who want north-Strip value
- +Vegas history fans
- +Monorail riders (Sahara is the north terminus station)
Circus Circus Las Vegas
- +Families with kids (the only Strip hotel designed kids-first)
- +Budget travelers
- +Travelers who want free self-parking on the Strip
Not Ideal For
SAHARA Las Vegas
- -Travelers wanting center-Strip walkability
- -Anyone who wants a flashy modern resort
Circus Circus Las Vegas
- -Adults seeking modern Vegas experiences
- -Couples wanting romance
- -Anyone seeking a luxury feel
Top Highlights
SAHARA Las Vegas
- *Bazaar Meat by José Andrés — one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Vegas
- *Original Sahara opened in 1952 — closed 2011, reopened 2014 as SLS, rebranded SAHARA in 2018
- *Las Vegas Monorail north terminus station is on-property
Circus Circus Las Vegas
- *Adventuredome — 5-acre indoor theme park with 25 rides including the Canyon Blaster coaster
- *Free circus acts performing daily
- *Free self-parking — one of very few Strip properties still offering it
Notable Dining
SAHARA Las Vegas
- -Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
- -Casbar Lounge
Circus Circus Las Vegas
- -The Steak House at Circus Circus
- -Westside Deli
- -Pizzeria
Verdict
Edge: SAHARA Las Vegas
SAHARA Las Vegas edges ahead overall thanks to its North Strip location and mid-range positioning. That said, Circus Circus Las Vegas is the better pick if you prioritize families with kids (the only strip hotel designed kids-first).
Choose SAHARA Las Vegas if you want
- +Travelers who want north-Strip value
- +Vegas history fans
- +Monorail riders (Sahara is the north terminus station)
Choose Circus Circus Las Vegas if you want
- +Families with kids (the only Strip hotel designed kids-first)
- +Budget travelers
- +Travelers who want free self-parking on the Strip
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Comparison FAQ
Common questions when deciding between these two hotels.
Which hotel has a lower resort fee, SAHARA Las Vegas or Circus Circus Las Vegas?
Circus Circus Las Vegas has the lower daily resort fee at $51.02/night (after tax), compared to $56.63/night at the other property.
Are SAHARA Las Vegas and Circus Circus Las Vegas close to each other?
Yes, both hotels are on the North Strip, so they're within walking distance of each other. The choice comes down to the on-property experience rather than location.
Is SAHARA Las Vegas or Circus Circus Las Vegas better for a first trip to Vegas?
SAHARA Las Vegas is best for Travelers who want north-Strip value and Vegas history fans. Circus Circus Las Vegas is best for Families with kids (the only Strip hotel designed kids-first) and Budget travelers. For a first trip, consider which vibe matches your group.
Which hotel is bigger, SAHARA Las Vegas or Circus Circus Las Vegas?
Circus Circus Las Vegas is the larger property with 3,767 rooms, compared to 1,616 rooms at the other. Larger hotels generally mean more dining and entertainment options but can feel busier and have longer walks to your room.
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