Four decades later and downtown Las Vegas finally has its first newly built casino-resort. It was worth the wait. Circa Resort & Casino is vintage Vegas with a modern shine.
Owner Derek Stevens pulls out all the stops. In the shadow of the Fremont Street Experience, Stevens has created a Strip-worthy casino that is both boutique and unique. With just 777-rooms, Circa is a Las Vegas destination resort, just on a smaller scale. Circa features a lot of the longest this and the largest that, and several “wow” moments that guests can now experience for themselves (the property opened on Oct. 28, though guestrooms will not be ready until December).
The attention to detail starts in Garage Mahal. Yes, Stevens named the parking structure, but only because it’s part art. Artist installations and large-scale videos dot the walls, while a 22-foot chandelier near the escalator boldly tells guests to prepare for “The time of your life.” With dedicated pick-up and drop-off lanes, the garage is also ideal for visitors using ride-sharing companies.
The sports-viewing experience is first and foremost here, and rightly so for sports fanatic Stevens. The resort is home to Nevada’s longest indoor bar, the 165-foot Mega Bar, and a near equal, Circa Bar, rests under the Fremont Street canopy. A television is nearly always in sight.
But it’s the world’s largest sports book and Stadium Swim pool complex that will get all the attention. The three-level sports book has private boxes and stadium seating for up to 1,000 guests. Stadium Swim is a tiered six-pool amphitheater facing a massive 40-foot tall, high-definition screen. Cabanas, daybeds and lounges are available for reservation.
Vegas Vickie at Circa Resort & Casino
Credit: 2020 Ryan Slattery
Another highlight is the return of the Vegas Vickie neon sign, which was removed from the Glitter Gulch area of Fremont Street a couple years ago, but saved from hitting the Neon Boneyard at The Neon Museum. The vintage kicking cowgirl, now restored, sits proudly near a lounge bearing her name.
"We wanted to preserve and respect the history of Las Vegas,” Stevens said. “We knew she was ready for some much-needed rest and relaxation. The intent all along was to bring Vickie back to her former glory.”
Circa’s restaurant collection includes super-sized sandwiches from Saginaw’s Delicatessen; Victory Burger & Wings Co.; a permanent food truck called Project BBQ; Asian-American fusion cuisine from 8 East; and Barry’s Downtown Prime, a classic Rat Pack-style steakhouse.
Circa is an adults-only resort. Guests under 21 years of age will not be allowed on property except when dining at Barry’s.
The Details
Circa Resort & Casino
www.circalasvegas.com
