Circa vs. Station Resorts

My wife and I have flights and Circa reservations for the week of 12/15/25. I've been researching Station casinos and I'm considering changing my reservation for that trip to either Red Rock or GVR. I've stayed at GVR once about 10(?) years ago very briefly for work (the only of the three I've stayed at) and liked it. Retired now and this is a four-night trip. We go to Vegas from Ohio twice a year nowadays. Staying at the Plaza for the first time the week of 6/23/25 in a pool cabana room (first time there). I'm an avid video poker, blackjack & craps player (Bob Dancer cards & basic strategy so by no means trying to be an advantage player but no chump). My wife dabbles in slots but she's not really a gambler so I need a location where there are amenities on the resort and nearby that we can do together. We like nice pools, live music, good restaurants & bars, all the usuals. We have a good vacation nest egg but we're no Rockefellers. I'm just looking for opinions that might help me tip the scale one way or the other as I'm a little concerned about the VP inventory at Circa and I like to build comps where I stay. We had a good relationship with Boyd but wanted a bit more from the properties. All input is welcome and you can't offend me by flaming me due to my lack of knowledge.

First of all, while I used to be a frequent Stations customer, I haven't set foot in a Stations property in years--because they've changed into Strip-style ripoff joints and their players' club and promotions are super-stingy. Now, as far as Circa goes, their VP is lousy, but aside from that, it's LOUD in there. ALL THE TIME. Not a pleasant experience IMHO.

You might like the Plaza enough to consider coming back in December.

I just noticed what you said about your wife's preferences, and I must note that both Red Rock and GVR are "destination resorts," which means they have every amenity and are designed for people to just go there and stay for several days. And as they're both fairly isolated, that's probably the way to approach it.

GVR's pool is awesome, so you might really enjoy yourself there. Don't know about Red Rock, but I'd guess it's pretty nice as well. You will get nickel and dimed to death, but the gambling is fairly decent.

That said, the Plaza will reward your play a LOT more generously than either Stations or Circa. I suggest you give them substantial play on your summer trip--they have good VP and table games --and see what offers arrive in the mail. That would be my December choice.

Circa has a spring break vibe and plays very loud crappy music

GVR is very nice and more low key.  It has a great pool, movies if you want to do that and the District with shopping and restaurants.

Two different choices; so it is a matter of your choice.

We play at those properties quite often. GVR is our favorite, but is more isolated.  The pool is great, and they do have 10 dollar craps tables in the morning.  They just seem more friendly out there. Good food and great bars.  Sunset Station is close by, and Rainbow Club or EI is fun for a couple hours.  Red Rock is also very nice, but doesn't want to comp us at the same level as GVR.  There is more to do around Red Rock, and seems to be easier to get around.  Durango is 10 min away , and downtown or Sante fe Station is about 20 min.  I think both properties are much nicer and less smokey than anything downtown.  Great rooms, great drinks, and less people smoking pot

Given that the same bloated casino megalith owns both GVR and Red Rock, and the similarities between the two properties (including the affluent locals they each cater to), it's surprising to hear that one comps better than the other. My anecdotal impression was that all Stations casinos offer shit comps these days (used to be great).

If I was flipping a coin between the two, I'd go for GVR, because it's less isolated and a little easier to get to. Either place offers everything you want/need and is semi-posh (as long as you bring lotsa money).

One tiebreaker for some folks could be that only Red Rock has a poker room, and a pretty large and active one, at that.

GVR is also closer to Rainbow and Emerald Isle, if that is something you want to check out using the LVA coupons. Just a thought. 

I'm recalling many posters mentioning the very loud music in the Circa casino.  Whether that would bother you, Richard, maybe not.

Candy

Thanks for all the comments. Long time LVA fan, first time using the forums. I should have known this group of smart gamblers would also be helpful. Much appreciated. Good luck to all of you!

We just did a trip in May. We stayed 3 nights at Red Rock then moved to The Plaza. We both play a lot of VP and were very pleased with Red Rock. It is a very nice resort. You will not be dissappointed. The only drawback at Red Rock is there is no other place to go. The 3 nights were perfect. They have enough variety in food to keep us happy. The staff was excellent. The pool complex is Top Notch! The VP offering is amazing!

Three nights seems about right, then it was time to move.We have stayed at the Plaza for years now and is our home casino. We love the staff there and they do have very good VP. Maybe split your trip and see what you like.

It was a good balance for us and we'll probably do it again on our next trip.