Greasyjohn
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April 8th, 2018 at 1:58:30 PM permalink
I saw a YouTube video on "The Top Five Worst Hotels in Vegas." You know who made the top of the list? The Circus Circus Manor Motor Lodge. I didn't even know there was a low rise motel-style motor lodge at Circus Circus. So I looked on a satellite map and there it was. It is located in the northwest section of the Circus Circus complex adjacent to the RV park (which I did know about). As it turns out, I've always felt that Circus Circus was one of the worst properties in Vegas anyway. It has a tacky, cheap feel to it. But I have to give them credit for the huge undertaking to create and manage such a complex, what with the Adventuredome, 3,773 rooms, the circus acts, midway and all the stores and restaurants. A dozen years ago they used to have 3:2, NDAS, SD, H17 blackjack. The place wasn't so obnoxious and overflowing with kids back then. Or maybe it was and just got worse.

What does the name Circus Circus mean anyway?
Ibeatyouraces
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April 8th, 2018 at 2:01:05 PM permalink
I don't know about that hotel, but I've stayed in the regular CC tower and it was perfectly fine. Even the breakfast buffet was pretty damn good.
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billryan
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April 8th, 2018 at 2:03:32 PM permalink
I used to play a lot of BJ at their Slots of Fun annex. They had lots of match plays and extra chip cards plus the dealers worked at keeping the game fun. I don't remember the rules, but I know they weren't terrible. Westward Ho was next door and severely restricted doubles(9-11 maybe).
Now, I only go when I have friends in town that want to see some of the acts.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
Greasyjohn
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April 8th, 2018 at 2:12:01 PM permalink
When I played BJ at Westward Ho 15 years ago they had SD, S17, DAS. The player had a + .13% expectation. The best game in the U.S.
Ibeatyouraces
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April 8th, 2018 at 2:14:25 PM permalink
Quote: Greasyjohn

When I played BJ at Westward Ho 15 years ago they had SD, S17, DAS. The player had a + .13% expectation. The best game in the U.S.


Slots-O-Fun had the same or similar game that was listed the early 2000's American Casino Guide.
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
billryan
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April 8th, 2018 at 2:26:43 PM permalink
Quote: Greasyjohn

When I played BJ at Westward Ho 15 years ago they had SD, S17, DAS. The player had a + .13% expectation. The best game in the U.S.


The one time I stayed there( November 2001) they had double 9-11 only. Never played before or after. I don't think it was open all that much longer after that.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
AxelWolf
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April 8th, 2018 at 4:47:10 PM permalink
Quote: Ibeatyouraces

I don't know about that hotel, but I've stayed in the regular CC tower and it was perfectly fine. Even the breakfast buffet was pretty damn good.

Perhaps its way better now. I know their regular buffet is a lot better than it used to be. I have said it before, and I'll say it again, back in the 90's it was horrible. I will never forget the fact that all the cooked food tasted like the metal pans they used. Even when I first started playing and didn't have much money, I wouldn't eat their buffet for free. The El Cortez 49/99 cent breakfast was good, it was a lifesaver for me many times when I had a 9 to 5 and almost no money right before payday. They had delicious pumpkin pie as well. I don't know how long it's been since I have eaten there, but it has been many years.

Nowadays, I can make my own breakfast food the way I like it on the super cheap, or have my GF whip me up some, unfortunately, I oftentimes get sick of breakfast food (now I want some but I probably don't have any frozen hashbrown).

p.s. Home fries suck and they are usually dry as hell.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
AxelWolf
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April 8th, 2018 at 4:51:29 PM permalink
Quote: Greasyjohn

When I played BJ at Westward Ho 15 years ago they had SD, S17, DAS. The player had a + .13% expectation. The best game in the U.S.

They used to let you place the cut card on their double deck. Im sure you know what you can do with that. At one time I could cut off an exact amount of cards each time.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Boz
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April 8th, 2018 at 5:10:31 PM permalink
Quote: billryan

I used to play a lot of BJ at their Slots of Fun annex. They had lots of match plays and extra chip cards plus the dealers worked at keeping the game fun. I don't remember the rules, but I know they weren't terrible. Westward Ho was next door and severely restricted doubles(9-11 maybe).
Now, I only go when I have friends in town that want to see some of the acts.



And they would bring donuts around to the tables in the morning. The good old days.
ck1313
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April 8th, 2018 at 5:11:10 PM permalink
I stayed there when I turned 21 with some friends for my first visit to Las vegas. We nicknamed it the "pink nightmare."
megapixels
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April 8th, 2018 at 5:23:52 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf


Nowadays, I can make my own breakfast food the way I like it on the super cheap, or have my GF whip me up some, unfortunately, I oftentimes get sick of breakfast food (now I want some but I probably don't have any frozen hashbrown).



Have you tried dehydrated hash browns? Drained and rinsed they cook up crispy like hash browns are supposed to. I've never had luck with frozen ones.
Greasyjohn
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April 8th, 2018 at 5:27:28 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

They used to let you place the cut card on their double deck. Im sure you know what you can do with that. At one time I could cut off an exact amount of cards each time.



One of the things I try to incorporate into my play is to know my position at the table and how many cards I would have to cut off from the bottom in order to steer an ace to myself, or a five to the dealer (assuming of course that the dealer exposes the bottom card before offering the cut).

billryan, perhaps I'm mistaken. I'm certain the Wetward Ho had great rules up till about 2000. I don't recall them making them worse until they closed about 2005.

Edit: I just reviewed my records and the last time I gambled at the Wetward Ho was 12-04. So I'd assume they still had great rules, but I could be mistaken. I can't see myself playing there if you couldn't soft double.

An aside: As great a game as the Westward Ho had I did not do well there. My records indicate I lost $2,179 after all the times I played there.
Last edited by: Greasyjohn on Apr 8, 2018
Venthus
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speedycrap
April 8th, 2018 at 7:02:02 PM permalink
I remember trying to do that once... And took so long deciding where to cut that the dealer was like "If you really want that ace, cut over here." Whoops.
Ibeatyouraces
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April 8th, 2018 at 7:34:04 PM permalink
Everyone knows you cut "thin to win."
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AxelWolf
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April 8th, 2018 at 7:55:46 PM permalink
Quote: megapixels

Have you tried dehydrated hash browns? Drained and rinsed they cook up crispy like hash browns are supposed to. I've never had luck with frozen ones.

I don't know, I mean I haven't dehydrated them myself. Or perhaps I have, I baked a potato once part way and then used a cheeses grader and attempted to make hashbrowns. I think it turned out ok, but that's way too much work. For those who don't know, you cant just grade a raw potato and try to make hash browns, it just won't work well, they will taste nasty probably end up slimy and never cook right or get golden brown.

The frozen ones I get I assume they are partly precooked or somthing like that(i don't remember the name, I just know what the package looks like). They are just as good as the ones you get from restaurants that have good hash browns. I thaw them out first and add lots of butter and a little bit of salt and cook then untill they are slightly golden brown. There's only been a few places that have seriously good hash browns and I don't know why they are so much better tasting. I have a feeling most people don't even notice any real difference in their hash browns.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
gamerfreak
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April 8th, 2018 at 7:59:32 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

I don't know, I mean I haven't dehydrated them myself. Or perhaps I have, I baked a potato once part way and then used a cheeses grader and attempted to make hashbrowns. I think it turned out ok, but that's way too much work. For those who don't know, you cant just grade a raw potato and try to make hash browns, it just won't work well, they will taste nasty probably end up slimy and never cook right or get golden brown.

The frozen ones I get I assume they are partly precooked or somthing like that(i don't remember the name, I just know what the package looks like). They are just as good as the ones you get from restaurants that have good hash browns. I thaw them out first and add lots of butter and a little bit of salt and cook them untill they are slightly golden brown. There's only been a few places that have seriously good hash browns and I don't know why they are so much better tasting. I have a feeling most people don't even notice any real difference in their hash browns.


The dehydrated ones come dry in a box, they work ok.

To make them fresh you shred the raw potatoes and then soak them in water. They will fry nicely that way.
AxelWolf
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April 8th, 2018 at 8:14:13 PM permalink
Quote: gamerfreak

The dehydrated ones come dry in a box, they work ok.

To make them fresh you shred the raw potatoes and then soak them in water. They will fry nicely that way.

I haven't ever seen them in a store(I haven't really looked) I seem to remember seeing them somewhere. If I happen to see them I will give them a try. I tried the soaking thing but it just didn't do it for me. And again, it just seems like too much work for hash browns. I guess if you had a bunch of rugrats to cook for, it might be cheaper and worth the effort. Let them wash it down with some PopRocks and soda in front of your mom and watch her call 911.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Greasyjohn
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smoothgrh
April 8th, 2018 at 8:20:30 PM permalink
So here's how Circus Circus got its name: Two years after the opening of the ultra-sophisticated Caesars Palace Casino Hotel Resort, Sarno decided that a casino should be opened that attracted all members of the family. This casino was to be built next to Caesars Palace and would have been called The Roman Circus* blending in with the decor of Caesars. When Sarno had to find another site he decided to scrap the plans for a Roman circus, and build a circus like we're all familiar with - a circus circus. That is not only how the casino was named, but that's why there's no hyphen between the two words.

* The Roman circus (from Latin, "circle") was a large open-air venue used for public events in the ancient Roman Empire.
Venthus
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April 9th, 2018 at 3:19:03 AM permalink
I feel like that's up there with one of the two legends as to how Kodak got it's name-- the founder was losing in Scrabble and just plunked it down with his remaining letters. (The other being otomotopoeia for a camera shutter.) Neither are true, but they're interesting and reasonable enough. On the other hand, it has the right kind of ridiculousness to be how it actually broke down too.

"We're to make it a circus circus. You know, not like a coliseum circus."</Brooklyn-accent>
GlenG
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April 9th, 2018 at 4:11:54 AM permalink
Surprisingly enough, the steakhouse there is top notch, one of the best in Vegas.
SiegfriedRoy
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April 9th, 2018 at 7:48:20 AM permalink
The steakhouse is excellent. From what I hear, Mlife doesn't like to associate Circus Circus as one of their resorts in Vegas, but it sure brings in a lot of profit to ignore.
MrV
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April 9th, 2018 at 7:56:32 AM permalink
After Pennington and Bennett bought Circus Circus from Sarno et al in 1974 they were able to improve and grow the property til it was one of if not the best cash cow in town: they made money hand over fist catering to Ma and Pa Kettle and their screaming kids.

The Steakhouse at Circus Circus is indeed a very good dining option; we've eaten there several times and love the food, the service, and the old school ambiance.

It's a hidden gem in a land of schlock.
Last edited by: MrV on Apr 9, 2018
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Romes
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April 9th, 2018 at 8:20:02 AM permalink
I think it was something like 5 years ago we played there several times... they had 3/2 DAS DD blackjack with good PEN (on most dealers anyways). A great game for our very old crappy 1x$10 - 2x$80 spread.
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
billryan
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April 9th, 2018 at 10:14:03 AM permalink
Quote: Greasyjohn

One of the things I try to incorporate into my play is to know my position at the table and how many cards I would have to cut off from the bottom in order to steer an ace to myself, or a five to the dealer (assuming of course that the dealer exposes the bottom card before offering the cut).

billryan, perhaps I'm mistaken. I'm certain the Wetward Ho had great rules up till about 2000. I don't recall them making them worse until they closed about 2005.

Edit: I just reviewed my records and the last time I gambled at the Wetward Ho was 12-04. So I'd assume they still had great rules, but I could be mistaken. I can't see myself playing there if you couldn't soft double.

An aside: As great a game as the Westward Ho had I did not do well there. My records indicate I lost $2,179 after all the times I played there.



It's possible the HO had better games at higher levels and only restricted doubling on its minimum tables. I played an awful lot of $2-$3 bids that trip. I only remember thinking why play there when Slots had better rules. They might have just been for minimum stakes.
I think they both were offering those three quarter pound hotdogs for .99 cents, though.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
AcesAndEights
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April 9th, 2018 at 11:31:44 AM permalink
Quote: MrV

After Pennington and Bennett bought Circus Circus from Sarno et al in 1974 they were able to improve and grow the property til it was one of if not the best cash cow in town: they made money hand over fist catering to Ma and Pa Kettle and their screaming kids.

The Steakhouse at Circus Circus is indeed a very good dining option; we've eaten there several times and love the food, the service, and the old school ambiance.

It's a hidden gem in a land of schlock.


Interesting. Maybe I'll check it out on my next trip (which I'm now planning).

I stayed in the RV lot with my family back in the 90s in our tent trailer. I've told the story on here before. Dead of summer in Vegas, on a sea of asphalt. I think it got down to 95 in the middle of the night.
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troopscott
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April 17th, 2018 at 2:14:13 AM permalink
Quote: AcesAndEights

Interesting. Maybe I'll check it out on my next trip (which I'm now planning).

I stayed in the RV lot with my family back in the 90s in our tent trailer. I've told the story on here before. Dead of summer in Vegas, on a sea of asphalt. I think it got down to 95 in the middle of the night.



Steakhouse is one of the better ones on the strip. Plus you have easy access to crack and heroin in the parking lot now
speedycrap
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April 17th, 2018 at 6:51:39 AM permalink
Quote: Venthus

I remember trying to do that once... And took so long deciding where to cut that the dealer was like "If you really want that ace, cut over here." Whoops.

We all think we are smart and other people are stupid. WE always try to pull something and the other party does not know what we are up to. haha. Trust me, other party knows, it just does not say anything......
MDawg
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July 16th, 2021 at 1:31:39 PM permalink
Does anyone have video of the old Circus Circus tower neon where it would flash, alternating
Circus
CIRCUS

Circus
CIRCUS

I seem to recall it was doing that when I was a youngster in Vegas. Or maybe I saw a video of it somewhere. Not even that long ago, was it still flashing like that in the late 1990s? Now it just stays fixed, Circus Circus.

I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people. https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/betting-systems/33908-the-adventures-of-mdawg/
FinsRule
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July 16th, 2021 at 3:05:44 PM permalink
I liked Circus Circus. I went last month. I hadn't been there in 15 yearsish. My kids had a fun time. The trapeze act was really good. The adventuredome wasn't that expensive.

Is it the nicest property? No. But I hope it sticks around.
MDawg
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July 17th, 2021 at 10:55:04 AM permalink
Yes Circus Circus does have a certain old school appeal, at least for walking through it and absorbing all the history. Between the two, I’d rather stay at Treasure Island though – that’s old school too, and much less of a dump.

However, looking at their penthouse, where Jay Sarno actually lived for a time, proves that even a lower end property has something to offer a high roller.

The Circus Circus Executive Suite #1410
I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people. https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/betting-systems/33908-the-adventures-of-mdawg/
TDVegas
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July 17th, 2021 at 11:50:03 AM permalink
That suite is dated beyond belief. From the tile work, the cabinetry, the bathroom, the furniture, the railings, the wallpaper. Reeks late 1970’s, early 1980’s.
MDawg
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July 17th, 2021 at 11:56:28 AM permalink
Yes but it has some kind of (nostalgic) charm. Way more charming than Arnold from Green Acres.

I mean, he'd have to be ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres.
I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people. https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/betting-systems/33908-the-adventures-of-mdawg/
billryan
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July 17th, 2021 at 12:02:38 PM permalink
Check out Jackies Suite at the El Cortez.
The Cortez actually has a couple hidden jewels that can only be accessed by stairs. by the table games.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
MDawg
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July 18th, 2021 at 11:24:48 AM permalink
Both that Jay Sarno and Jackie Gaughain suite were owner’s residences. Are there any suites in Vegas hotels that were once owner’s residences?
Last edited by: MDawg on Jul 18, 2021
I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people. https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/betting-systems/33908-the-adventures-of-mdawg/
billryan
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July 18th, 2021 at 2:10:24 PM permalink
I think the owner of the original Imperial Palace had a Penthouse suite.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
DRich
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July 18th, 2021 at 7:38:04 PM permalink
Quote: MDawg

Both that Jay Sarno and Jackie Gaughain suite were owner’s residences. Are there any suites in Vegas hotels that were once owner’s residences?



Howard Hughes suite used to be available, I don't know if it still is.
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MDawg
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July 18th, 2021 at 9:03:45 PM permalink
Yes I was thinking about Howard Hughes – but where did he finally take up residency in Vegas? I know he bought the Desert Inn so he wouldn’t have to move out, but the DI doesn’t exist anymore.

In Tahoe, I used to stay in what was called the Bill Harrah suite on the 16th floor of Harrah's. It is a large two bedroom suite where the master bedroom had a direct access via an unnumbered door. I understood it was unnumbered so that hookers could arrive or be escorted to the resident high roller or celebrity without remembering any door number, for future tales. That suite is supposed to be haunted.

Also, on the same floor the former two story suite that celebrities like Sammy Davis, Jr. and Sinatra used to stay at became the Summit restaurant, which closed a while back. Not sure what they are doing with that space now.
I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people. https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/betting-systems/33908-the-adventures-of-mdawg/
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