Published on: October 27, 2025, 02:59h.

Updated on: October 27, 2025, 03:05h.

In 1972, Jay Sarno, the visionary behind Caesars Palace, developed a luxurious two-story suite for himself at Circus Circus, his second hotel in Las Vegas. Nestled on the 14th and 15th floors of the original hotel tower, this suite remains intact to this day.

Since MGM Resorts took over Circus Circus from Mandalay Resorts Group in 2005, and even after hotelier Phil Ruffin acquired it in December 2019, the historic suite has primarily been used as a meeting venue or offered complimentary to high-stakes gamblers. However, this situation seems to be evolving.

YouTuber @Dani.702 recently enjoyed a complimentary stay in the suite and shared a tour, albeit unaware of its rich history…

According to @Dani.702, the suite is now available for public bookings, but reservations are only accepted via phone by specifically asking for the “two-story presidential suite.” (Casino.org reached out to Circus Circus for confirmation, but received no immediate response.)

The Ringmaster’s Retreat

The suite, initially featuring seven opulent bedrooms adorned with extravagant gold trim, crystal chandelier sconces, and floor-to-ceiling mirrors, was conceived as Sarno’s personal haven — although he remained married to his wife Joyce until 1974.

With two elegantly curved staircases framed by gold balcony railings, Sarno made grand entrances from the 15th floor, home to two bedrooms and a study, into the living area of the 14th floor, often filled with guests. His bedroom, located opposite the living area and reportedly painted red, also spanned two stories.

Although the original decorations and color schemes have faded away and the suite now contains just four bedrooms instead of seven, the iconic staircases and main bedroom have endured.

“With a suite within his own casino, Sarno was living in an exquisite bubble,” expressed UNLV history professor David G. Schwartz in his 2013 book “Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas.” He would rise at his leisure, handle some calls from his office downstairs, then visit the Las Vegas Country Club. Following that, he would indulge in dinner, gambling, and return to Circus Circus with a companion he may have met along the way.

“Completing the tower would not only boost his profits, but it would also create a near-perfect lifestyle for him.”

Sarno occupied the suite until 1975, as noted by the Las Vegas Advisor. He relinquished Suite 1410 when hoteliers Bill Bennett and William Pennington, to whom he had leased the property the previous year, constructed a new hotel tower.

Even though Sarno remained the landlord, he vacated Suite 1410 to claim the penthouse as his new home. He resided in the penthouse until 1983 when Bennett and Pennington purchased the property for $72 million and evicted him.

“Bennett’s first act of business as the clear owner of Circus Circus was to remove Jay Sarno from his lavish penthouse,” Schwartz remarked. “Watching his former landlord ambulating through the casino in his bathrobe and slippers was almost worth $72 million.”

To locate the suite, take the elevator near the steakhouse to the 14th floor and search for Suite 1410.

Hidden X-Rated Theater

While exploring Circus Circus for its historical offerings, there’s another concealed room waiting to be discovered, one which we have previously highlighted in our features on Las Vegas’ hidden gems.

The Hippodrome, notorious for its adult-themed performances, was inaugurated by Sarno in 1968, initially hosting the “Nudes in the Night” show, and later featuring events like “Tom Jones,” “Naked But Nice,” “French Love Connection,” “Nudes Delight,” and “Hot Pants Explosion.”

Although the theater was never demolished, it was simply barricaded between 1973 and 1979 and has languished untouched ever since.

Following our article last year, Heather Collins, a Las Vegas radio host, managed to uncover the entrance nestled in a back-of-house corridor above the pizzeria located on the casino level.

However, the area is not in its original condition. In fact, the pizzeria was constructed directly over the former entrance, forcing Collins to walk on planks above the ceiling to provide her Facebook followers with a brief tour.