You can't be serious, Circus Circus. Holy fuck man, that is one of the dirtiest hotels on the strip. Plus it has kids running everywhere. You need to quit pinching pennies and check around. Besides you can get in MGM for under $80 a night. I get $39 room rates all the time. If you are going to do a buffet go to Rio's Carnival Buffet. Great seafood and only $18.99 for lunch and $26.99 for dinner. Unless you want to get food poisoning from those cheap buffets. Sorry spritz, not trying to be a dick but come on, Circus Circus??
^^
I should clarify, I know where to stay to avoid the "kid areas", for instance never stay HIGH in the Tower there, as that's where they put them. Many times I get $39 to $49 for a room if I book 3 or 4 nights. I always stay on the second floor, I know a few management there and they always fix me up. I never eat there, unless you want some AMAZING Chips and Salsa (Blue Iguana) is a cool place at night- if you know what I mean...
Your choice for RIO CARNIVAL is my second best choice, so we are not far off. I never recommend nasty buffets. MAIN STREET STATION is inexpensive, but is a real "underground secret" and is known to many flight crews/pilots.
IF he were going with a girlfriend, than by all means upgrade to the Luxor or MGM.