Several hotels and casinos in Las Vegas have been associated with tragic events. In its past, Sin City was notorious as a hotspot for mobsters who often resorted to violence and murder to resolve conflicts, eliminate informants, or ensure loyalty. Beyond the crimes linked to mafia activities, some Las Vegas hotels and casinos are also rumored to be connected to paranormal occurrences. One example is Circus Circus, a circus-themed hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip.
A brief history of the Circus Circus "haunted" hotel and casino
Circus Circus, a renowned destination on the Las Vegas Strip, first opened in October 1968. Initially launched without a hotel, this absence impacted its financial performance in the early years. In 1972, to address this, the venue added its first hotel tower, offering over 400 rooms. For nearly six decades, Circus Circus has seen numerous expansions and renovations, enhancing its amenities and introducing popular attractions. Notably, it is home to the Adventuredome, a large indoor amusement park. Additionally, in 1974, it was recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the largest permanent circus. Today, Circus Circus is owned and operated by Phil Ruffin and continues to be a favored spot on the Las Vegas Strip. Beyond its attractions, the venue has gained attention for stories of paranormal activity often shared online. While ghost sightings at Circus Circus are hard to verify, numerous individuals have reported hearing whispers, scratching, and other eerie noises. Rumors suggest that Room 123 is haunted by the apparitions of a mother and child who met tragic ends. The storied history of Circus Circus, combined with its unique circus theme and the iconic clown on its sign, adds to the allure of these paranormal tales.
What happened in Room 123 in Circus Circus?
Paranormal enthusiasts worldwide are captivated by the mystery of what transpired in Room 123 at Circus Circus. Although there is no official documentation, online rumors suggest a tragic event occurred in that specific room. According to an article by Ghost City Tours, which bills itself as the world's $1 ghost tour company, a mother and her child were found dead in Room 123 at Circus Circus. It is reported that the mother took her son's life before taking her own in a tragic murder-suicide. Since these events, eerie whispers, including the cries of the boy pleading for help, have reportedly been heard echoing down the hallways near the room. Strange occurrences, such as unexplained noises, scratching on walls, the misplacement of objects, and Help Me written on bathroom mirrors, have been reported. There are even claims of seeing apparitions of the mother and child. The tale of the Room 123 murder at Circus Circus continues to draw curious visitors to the popular hotel and casino. Online forums, Reddit discussions, and ghost tours perpetuate the intrigue surrounding the supposed haunting, despite a lack of official evidence. Though there are numerous claims about the tragic events in Room 123, no official evidence has confirmed the chilling story or associated paranormal activities.
A bloody 2018 murder fuels speculation about Circus Circus paranormal activities
Besides the infamous Room 123 murder story at Circus Circus, which remains unconfirmed as entirely factual, the Strip hotel and casino resort has been the backdrop for other violent incidents. In 2018, a tragic event unfolded when a couple was found dead in their Circus Circus hotel room. Contrary to online speculation, they were victims of a robbery gone wrong. The Vietnamese couple, who had plans to visit the Grand Canyon, were staying in room 2880 on the 21st floor. Unfortunately, they were robbed and fatally stabbed. Last year, a 37-year-old man was found guilty of these horrific murders by a jury, according to local media. He faced charges of armed robbery, burglary, and murder, potentially facing a life sentence or the death penalty. While the dark history of Circus Circus has sparked rumors of paranormal activity, there is no evidence to suggest ghostly involvement in what is simply a case of double homicide.
Thrill-seekers and supernatural investigators visit the Circus Circus haunted hotel
Numerous tales surround the supposedly haunted Room 123 at Circus Circus, but paranormal enthusiasts and guests claim that strange noises, whispers, and other ghostly occurrences can be felt throughout the property. A story shared on Reddit years ago by a user with the nickname sahara812 describes a chilling experience at Circus Circus in Las Vegas. According to the account, the visitor stayed in a room that featured a door to an adjacent space, which seemed odd since their room was at the end of a hallway with no other rooms nearby. Peering beneath the door, they observed a dusty, long-unused suite. The user mentioned that while exploring the hotel and casino, they didn't encounter any paranormal activity. However, upon returning to their room, they glanced under the adjoining door again and saw some drawers strangely open. Later, in the middle of the night, one visitor was startled awake as they felt the blankets being pulled from their feet. Thinking it might be a prank by their friend, they turned on the light only to see their friend fast asleep, which unnerved them. The Reddit user concluded, The next morning, we discussed what happened the previous night. It was thrilling, even if a bit creepy. Definitely one of the more haunted hotels on the Strip.
The Circus Circus Room 123 mystery continues to attract visitors
With reports of ghost sightings at Circus Circus, numerous vloggers and enthusiasts have visited and documented their experiences at the property. The legend surrounding the alleged murder in Room 123 at Circus Circus is constantly evolving, with new claims of paranormal activity and chilling encounters. Despite these tales, most stories about paranormal phenomena are fictional. Online forums debate whether Circus Circus Room 123 even exists, with some users suggesting that if a tragic accident involving a young child and their mother did occur, it was not in a room designated as 123. Given that not all incidents were publicly reported a few decades ago, the haunted Room 123 at Circus Circus might serve as a placeholder for a genuine event whose room number was deliberately concealed. This approach is not uncommon among resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. Although violent incidents have occurred at Circus Circus, it is not the only hotel and casino in Las Vegas with such a history. Nonetheless, the eerie tale of Room 123 continues to draw visitors eager to experience the paranormal, maintaining the hotel's place in Las Vegas ghost lore.
