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Date Visited: 12/03 - Good Visit
While not in the best location, this hotel and casino are a great value. The rooms, at least in the tower, are clean and roomy although with small bathrooms.
The casino has all sorts of low roller values for a cheapskate like me and the funbook- free for the asking- will provide you with a free breakfast in the morning.
<paulobs -at- attbi.com> - Grand Junction CO USA - Added 12/26/03 - [69.144.85.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 09/03 - Good Visit
I like the 'Tez alot the craps table is a good game at $1 min. and 10x odds. The dealers are all newbees so the game is a little slow but it is a good place to learn to play the game. Video poker is good with tons of machines. This ain't the Rio but a cheapo like me will love the place
<willwood11 -at- lvtalk.com> - Long Beacn CA USA - Added 09/23/03 - [12.29.104***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 06/03 - Good Visit
I didn't stay at the El Cortez but I did visit during my stay In June, 2003. The El Cortez is a great place if you like to drink, smoke and gamble (my three favorite activities). Played BJ for two dollars and craps for a buck and had a great time at both. Enjoyed playing and talking with the various suspects, I mean patrons, in the casino. The staff was very friendly and the cocktail waitresses certainly appreciate a buck. It's definatly not a fancy Strip hotel but thats exactly what makes it cool. It's got the Old Vegas charm all over the place. If you share in my above mentioned favorite activities (especially the last one) then you'll like the El cortez. On my next trip I'll certainly head over again.
<dfa8749521 -at- aol.com> - USA - Added 06/25/03 - [66.134.76.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 06/03 - Good Visit
What a colorful place! The gaming is FUN :) I ook forward to coming back for another visit and maybe a stay!
<jum072t -at- smsu.edu> - Willard MO USA - Added 06/30/03 - [146.7.117***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 03/03 - Good Visit
I loved this place. It was exactly what I wanted. Granted, it is not for everyone, so read on.
The hotel and casino are totally unpretentious. If you want to play something. walk up and play: no lines to get on a table. Even craps!! Go try and get on a craps table on a Saturday night at any other place and you'll be cheek to cheek with some sweaty guy and his ego. Not at the Fabulous El Cortez. Craps is $1 all the time. Great for those just learning . Say like, you bet $3 pass line, and you don't know what the odds bet should be for the payout numbers to work best, just ask! They were very helpful. I am just learning craps, and if you are too, this is the place to learn. Then once you get it down, you can be the sweaty guy with an ego problem at the other casinos too!!
Blackjack. All tables single deck. Autoshuffle, so you don't have to survive all that hand shuffling. The game moves along. Two dollar minimums most tables with a few at three and five. This is Fri/Sat night mind you. If you play $5 dollar minimum, you and a friend could walk up at any hour and sit together and play. Drink service excellent. Always tip. During week, two dollar tables all around.
Food. Two for one $9.95 ribeye steak, baker and salad. Or two for one $9.95 Strip steak, eggs, and hash browns. It wasn't the Palm, but then again, I'm not Warren Buffett, and I am not the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. So if this applies to you too, you can get a steak for 5 bucks. As for the buffet (not to be confused with Buffett), Saturday and Sunday morning has a breakfast buffet for 5 bucks. Eggs, bacon, sausage - link AND patty, WOW! - biscuits, gravy, fruit for those of you so inclined, and a pre-fab omlette thing. If it was any nicer, it wouldn't belong here. Let's look at the clientele here. Most people wouldn't even know that you you are supposed to eat crepes without using your hands. Much less, washing your hands. But, then again, when have you last washed YOUR hands. Don't be so judgemental. Buffet was pretty good.
Safety. The odds changer. Signs and announcements do say "Anyone who asks will be escorted to their car with a member of the El Cortez security staff." We changed that to "Anyone willing to make a break for their car will be provided suppression fire." This, of course, is humor. I felt no threat from anyone in the casino, nor outside THE FRONT DOOR. I would not recommend going around to the back of this place, though. I think this is where the parking garage was and why there were announcements about escorting you to your car. So, splurge and take the humdee to the valet. Let them risk it. After all, you are giving them money for something you should do yourself. Might as well make them earn it.
Location and Ambiance: Right there, a block from the Freemont Street Gala. You are only a few steps away from a casino (Golden Nugget) that does not smell like you're breathing asbestos. So, there are a lot of smokers at the Fabulous El Cortez. If you don't smoke, and want to start, come here. Take a big deep breath of fresh air before entering, and you will know why you don't smoke. It could use a few of those ionic air filter things. I understand that the actual building had to have a lung removed. Luckily, it has responded well to Chemo, and the cancer has been in remission.
Room. I stayed at The Mirage last time and for an extrat $20, my room had a view of a volcano I never saw. Let me tell you, Thursday room here was $20, total! If you've been to Las Vegas before, you know it's a place to put your bags. If you are in Las Vegas and you pay over $50 a room, then it's because your have your wife with you. There are no Spa services at the Fabulous El Cortez. So stay strip for that. But, if you and your friends are looking for a great place to gamble and stay cheap, stay here. It is exactly what you want.
Sean
<seanpfeiffer -at- hotmail.com> - Dallas TX USA - Added 03/31/03 - [64.219.171***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 12/02 - Bad Visit
We recently stayed at the El Cortez. 12/26-12/29/02. The rooms that used to be clean and well kept were a surprise to us. First, We checked in early around 11:30Am, the girl at the registration desk had to look for 10 mins to find me a room. She said it wasn't clean yet and to pick up the keys in about 20 mins. So I ask the bellman to store my luggage and he told me he would put it in the room. Two hours later I got the room keys and went upstairs (tower room). First..We opened the door to find the room had not been cleaned. Then I noticed the rug. It looked like it had not been cleaned in 5 years dirt and burn marks all over the place. The counch seats were also burned and dirty. Also the sink area and bathroom looked like it could have used a good bleaching. This is not the El Cortez I remember. Secondly, we used to be members of the Four Seasons club in which you received 3 free nights every 4 months. They have done away with this and now have the 2 seasons club. 3 free nights twice a year. Also their video poker machines were very good. This has dramactly changed, they were really baaaad. Even the locals that play there were telling us to go somewhere else to play if you want to hit anything. The only game worth playing there is BJ one deck. The only thing good about the place was the food. If you want to stay downtown, Fitzgeralds is a much nicer place.
<etina -at- alpha.lehman.cuny.edu> - Bronx NY USA - Added 01/09/03 - [148.84.5.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 12/02 - Good Visit
(Casino visit only) Visiting this casino is always a walk on the wild side and brings out my un-redeeming social values. If you want to round up the usual suspects this is the place to be. Tripping over torn carpeting and digging coins
out of slot trays filled with cigarette butts and bear bottles is only half the fun. A real walk back in time, this place has not changed since Howard Hughes left town. In 1969 I saw a 300lb nurse (she had a nurses uniform on) with a three inch long dangling ash on her cigarette playing a slot over in the corner,
really an unforgetable character, in December 2002 I saw her again in the same corner playing the slots.
A drunk staggered over to the blackjack table played one hand and asked to be comped for a drink, I guess it was his last dollar and he didn't have enough to buy one at the bar. This place has real local character and it's worth a visit for the experience.
<slazar19 -at- sgi.net> - Monroeville PA USA - Added 02/19/03 - [209.114.161.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 11/02
If you love to gamble this is THE place to visit! The blackjack tables are great. Tips are well received - the cocktail service was fabulous with regular tipping! I love to play "21" and the staff rewarded me with free breakfasts and dinners. Cab service was o.k. (I usually stay at the San Remo) but two cabbies gave me direct phone numbers to call and they quickly responded for a decent fare. This is not only a great casino to gamble at but to people watch and meet! My last visit lasted from 3:30 P.M. to 4:30 A.M. sitting at 1 table (with bathroom breaks, of course!) and the entertainment value alone was worth the visit! The other players, rotating dealers and cocktail waitresses were a trip! El Cortez proclaims to "produce winners" and this is true - my visits have paid for my cab fare, tips and other expensies occured and left me with a profit. Two visits ago in the spring of 2002 I wittnessed a couple win over $20,000 on a slot. Be sure to tip these friendly employees and you will have a great time. I look forward to soon staying in one of El Cortez's fabled rooms in the orig. historic building above the casino. To those of you that complain about cig. smoke/stale smell in the casino, why don't you go to the Bellagio or Paris and shut-up! I hope El Cortez never changes!
<dfdordel -at- msn.com> - Milwaukee WI USA - Added 02/05/03 - [205.184.97.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 07/02 - Good Visit
If your looking for a good deal,then the El Cortez is your place. It rooms are clean, but not new! You can not beat the prices on their food.A steak meal with the trimming for 4.95.The only thing I had a problem with was the location, it is about A block away from the main downtown, where all the lights are. About 4:00pm is when all the drunks and crackheads come out and beg for money, some get right in your face for some change. The police are on top of thing downtown.If the cops see people hanging around they make them move on. Now I don't recommend the El Cortez if your trying to impress a date,but it is a nice place to eat and sleep. I personally stay and gamble downtown and play on the strip!!!!!!! D.Gibson austin,tx
<bigde58 -at- swbell.net> - Austin TX USA - Added 07/15/02 - [66.136.198***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 06/02 - Good Visit
The El Cortez is my favorite hotel/casino anywhere! This is exactly what "Old Las Vegas" fun always was! The hotel provides CLEAN rooms at the best price in town. The gaming is the very best, since the El Cortez doesn't maintain pirate ships, canals and Mary Poppins to entertain the yuppies. They are very generous with comps for winners! Roberta's Cafe is still the best place to eat downtown, with their fine prime rib and steak... and the price is the best too. I highly recommend the El Cortez for the serious gambler who visits Las Vegas for what it was intended... gaming, food and drinks. (And more great gaming!)
<palj92101 -at- yahoo.com> - San Diego CA USA - Added 07/19/02 - [66.126.6***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 06/02 - Good Visit
I love the El Cortez, tower rooms are great, clean and for the price the best deal in Las Vegas.
The area around the Casino in not safe at night, I reat a car and Valet park so never have to walk on the street at night. Inside the casino it is safe and my #1 place to gamble in Las Vegas.
I did stay in a room a few years ago above the parking Garage and it sucked, pay the extra $10.00 and get a tower room, Great View and Clean.
<knockout -at- reno.com> - USA - Added 10/11/02 - [205.232.81.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 06/02 - Undecided
Very smokey. Could barely beathe started wheezing felt as if I was having a asthma attack. For this reason I would let my kids stay at this hotel. Drinks are on the house as long as you are gambling. Did have some winnings. Food was wonderful. Service was fine during the week. Then got bad on the weekend. And the value of the rooms was teriffic and they were farely clean.
<newlandL -at- aol.com> - Frankfort KY USA - Added 12/02/02 - [162.114.211.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 06/02 - Good Visit
The El Cortez is what a casino should be. It is what it is and doesn't have to apologize for it. Instead of trying to pass it's self off as a "themed resort" of a foriegn city, it just lays it out on the table: they're a casino and their theme is gambling!
The minute I walked into the El Cortez I wanted to gamble there. Great selection of slots & VP, as well as low-limt BJ & dollar craps all the time. I spend a couple of hours there every afternoon when I'm in Vegas. I haven't stayed in the hotel yet, but their king suites go for only $40/night! For the price of staying 5 nights at the Bellagio or Venitian, you could stay at a tower suite at the El Cortez for a month!
The El Cortez is a refreshing change from the now-common place $10 or $15 minimum bets that are all the rage on the Strip (i.e. Venitian, Caesar's Palace, etc...)
<camarvel -at- btinet.net> - Bismarck ND USA - Added 04/05/03 - [12.15.122***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 05/02 - Bad Visit
The parking attendant was great. Then my say spiraled downward. The garage is old and dirty, but the access to the casino was close by. Not a long walk at all. Signage to get to the hotel desk was barely adequate. The security guys were helpful. Check-in was easy, but they didn't ask me if I wanted to use my phone. Strike one. Once I got to my room, which I reserved on-line for $25. The web site was easy to use. A very old casino. I took the "grand" staircase to my second floor room. My room was above something very noisy. All night, there was a loud, low frequency hum in my room. My window pointed out to the street. It smelled pretty bad out there, so I left it shut. Their cleaning staff did a pretty good job with what they had. The sheets were clean, the sofa and chair were okay. The room was poorly lit, with only two lamps on either side of my queen bed. There was no lamp on the desk. The switch on the wall near the front door was connected to the TV. Speaking of TV, all they offer there are the local TV channels. The TV did have a remote control. The bathroom was very clean. They provide shampoo, lotion, a couple of bars of soap and plenty of towels. I am a sports better. The sports book is pretty lame. Very small and very uncomfortable. I did not use any of the slots. I decided to go site seeing. That was scary. There are a lot of panhandlers nutty characters out there. It's about two blocks from the El Cortez to the Fremont walking area where all the tourists are located. This really was a turn off for me. Definitely not family oriented. I figure there's alot of history down there. It's not for me. I might try downtown once again. If I do, it will be at one of the bigger places.
<graves -at- uswest.net> - Tempe AZ USA - Added 05/13/02 - [216.216.89.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 05/02 - Good Visit
I went here a few weeks ago. I got a 35 dollar rate on the internet for a
weekend, the rooms are dated, but they are huge! The view is incrediable if you
get something facing the strip. You get a view that look right now las vegas
blvd. Ive stayed at tresure Island, NYNY, Barbary coast, start, 4 queens, and
this is the biggest standard room ive gotten, it even in includes a couch, great
for sleeping 3 people. I had a bad encounter at the coffee shop, hostess was
super rude! but the food was ok. security is pretty good, even though Im 90%
sure room service ripped a 20 out of a friends purse. It looks like its in abad
areas, and it kidna is, but freemonet st is like 90 second walk, just dont walk
the wrong way.
<chrislat -at- cox.net> - San Diego CA USA - Added 05/16/02 - [68.8.147.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 03/02 - Good Visit
-The room was clean, well maintained and smoke-free.
The houskeeping staff were on the ball. They were thorough, fast and honest.
-The food was good. You get a lot for your money.
Kitty's is an excellent value. If youre paying out of pocket for dinner and have a budget, Kitty's is the place.
Robertas is more elegant. If youre cashing in your points from Jackies Club on a dinner ticket, get a Roberta's ticket. (If a meals gonna be free...and you have a choice, pick the pricier one for free..right?)
Charlottes in the casino is a comfortable, friendly place If you need a quick snack. Go see Barbara You'll get friendly service and excellent hand dipped.
-El Cortez was obviously a jewel in the hayday of downtown, the Grand Staircase gives you a sense of what it must have been like at the time.
-The security is good, They'll walk you out by request, no questions asked. After all, the neighborhood isnt the jewel it used to be..as is with any city, the latest and greatest takes over and the "old" neighborhoods get a bit run down. The Fremont Experience is fun..and its a shame the Experience doesnt extend over one more block to include the EC. (Jackie DOES own the Las Vegas Club, the Plaza and a couple others in Fremont)
Its a bit far from "the strip" but the local bus is a great value. The CAT but runs every 7-10 mins and will run you from downtown all the way up to the north end of the strip for 2 bucks. Once you get to freemont, downtown or the strip, you can casino hop on foot. Vegas is pedestrian friendly. Some of the local attractions like the Liberace museum have free shuttle service from the strip. At the current gas prices, this was our choice.
-The casino is nice, its got a good selection of slots, table games, and keno. It IS a bit smokey. I did OK on one of the dollar machines and my husband had some luck on one of the quarter slots...I found a couple good nickel slots too. I'm told their craps tables are decent. Free drinks alcoholic and non as long as youre playing. Tips are appreciated and the service reflects.
-Overall, its a good value for the money. If youre like me, and want a clean, inepensive room with a casino, this is the place. You'll get good food and lodging at a reasonable price. This frees up your funds for other things like attractions, sites and a few rounds at the casinos on the strip and at the Experience.
Sandy, Virginia Beach, VA
<slgerman2 -at- juno.com> - Virginia Beach VA USA - Added 04/02/03 - [68.13.205***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 01/02 - Good Visit
El Cortez Hotel & Casino. Once owned by reputed mobster Moe Dalitz.
The older part of this gem was constructed in the early 1940's. The facade and sidewalk over-hang part of the original building has not changed since it was constructed. Hotel rooms in the old building can be had for $ 26.00 a night. Just tell the operator you want a room "up the steps" for this bargain.
The rooms in the older building conatin remodeled bathrooms, a queen-size bed, and some have access to a small outside (enclosed) porch area. --Boy, if these rooms could talk.-- You'll have to walk up one, or two flights to get to your room. The rooms are clean, and the bathrooms are spotless. There's also a great old Men's barber shop on the second floor.
The rooms in the new building, which was constructed around 1992, begin at approx $ 10.00 more a night. Queen and King Suites on the upper floors are also available at around $ 45.00 a night. These rooms are also clean and immaculately maintained- which is a Jackie Gaughn hallmark.
In the old days, they had live acts on stage in their lounge. Today, the crowd is the entertainment.
Here's what you can expect to find:
RESTAURANTS:
Careful Kitty's Coffee Shop: A newly remodeled 24 hour coffee shop. Breakfast special for $ 1.75 includes coffee, eggs, hash browns, toast, bacon or sausage. Lunch & Dinner specials include prime rib, fish & chips, and a terrific T-Bone steak special. Look for the "2 for 1" specials on the table tents. Food quality is excellent. Service is excellent.
Roberta's: Newly remodeled full-service "gourmet room." Known for Crab Leg specials, steaks, fish, etc. A top-notch operation. Also: sometimes a breakfast buffet is set up in this room.
Snack Bar: In the rear, near the tower rooms. Coffee, Ice Cream, snacks.
Hot Dog Wagon: In the Sports Book
BARS: Located in a number of locations throughout the Casino.
CASINO: Many, many, slots, black jack, roulette, and craps. (I believe there's a poker room also.) Great sports book.
Two parking lots available. Pay $ 1.00 to park, get a ticket, turn in the ticket at the cage for your dollar back. Valet Parking available, also- a full bellman staff is available.
Ladies hair parlor in the new building.
El Cortez has a very loyal following. Note: Don't be surprised at some of the characters that sometimes tend to congregate at the east side of the building, outside on Fremont Street. We've never been bothered- but then again, we're from New York and can stare them down with the best of 'em.
Anyway - Great rooms, great food and drinks, alot of history, have fun.
<tonyraisins -at- yahoo.com> - Bronx NY USA - Added 01/03/02 - [172.180.133.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 12/01 - Good Visit
Clean, quiet and safe. An excellent value. Barb Marcos is a jewel!
<lamisasalami -at- yahoo.com> - Waterloo IA USA - Added 01/14/02 - [216.159.124***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 12/01 - Good Visit
Great rooms--casino kind of divey--but friendly & fun---some distance from other downtown casinos--but walk good to clear your head & stretch your legs. Not anywhere as long of walk as out on the strip. The ventilation has improved from years back--smoke not as bad. We stay her at least once a year.
<bjtaylor1941 -at- msn.com> - So. St. Paul MN USA - Added 03/09/02 - [63.231.147.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 07/01 - Good Visit
Didn't stay at the hotel, but stumbled into it after getting sick and fu**ing tired of getting robbed blind at the Strip casinos!
Great people, great crowd....and it actually pays!! In a bit of a dodgy area, but well worth the walk away from The Fremont Street Sham....err....I mean, Experience!
Strip casinos have to pay out very little to be able to afford the overly glamourous displays they put on....this keeps dumb slack-jawed toruists going to the Strip and insisting on staying and gambling there!! El Cortez has to impress NO ONE....therefore, they actually pay out reasonably well...hey, less overhead!
<Esaracki -at- hotmail.com> - Vancouver WA USA - Added 05/02/02 - [12.225.20***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 00/00
This place was great. It's like once you step trough the doors you are immediately sent back trough time. If you like old time Vegas this is the place for you. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. The best part is the gambling it's FUN,FUN,FUN. I will most certainly return.
<mamoynpp -at- hotmail.com> - Los Angeles CA USA - Added 06/09/02 - [66.81.27.***] Report This Comment
Date Visited: 00/00
I didn't stay at the El Cortez, (although maybe I should have )(Stayed at the Lady Luck ..BIG mistake !.....Anyways, I thought the gambling there was great and met characters like you wouldn't believe ! I did trip over someones walker though and almost broke my leg..And the guy with the oxygen machine, smoking a cigarette was the best.
<evian1 -at- hotmail.com> - USA - Added 07/10/03 - [64.10.150***] Report This Comment
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Last Updated: January 25 2006 16:25:46.
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