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Ratings for El Cortez Hotel
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| Ratings |  1 - 2 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 | Over All Rating:  
6.853 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rooms: | 
7.43
| Total Times Rated = 30 | ||
| Service: |
6.76
|
| ||
| Casino: |
6.9
| |||
| Value: |
8.03
| |||
| Location: |
5.13
|
Latest comments about El Cortez Hotel
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El Cortez Hotel 
Date Visited: 04/08
We stayed here in January 2008, and as usual had a great time! The rooms in the Tower are very nice and the beds are pillow top and so comfortable...after our long days at the machines it is nice to have a quiet room and great bed. We won here... not big but enough to keep us playing, and look forward to next winter. If you haven't visited in a while...the smokey casino is much improved, and you do not see as many strange and frightening Street People like a few years ago. Thanks for keeping an old Casino going and improving with each year.
<gla_paige -at- yahoo.com> - La Crosse WI USA - Added 04/03/08 - [75.121.153.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel 
Date Visited: 02/08 - Undecided
The El Cortez has been remodeled and it looked nice and clean. It didn't seem as smokey as it has over the years. Plenty of free parking in a parking garage. Although they seemed bored and un-interested, there was plenty of Secuity walking around the back of the Hotel and Parking Garage. The front desk service is BELOW average. Only ONE clerk on duty and you get the immpression that you are bothering them. I did notice someone in the back peeping out now and then, but, they won't come out and help. If the phone rings, they'll answer it and leave you standing. The room was nice and roomy, well decorated. The bathroom is very cramped. Stayed on the 15th floor and there is a nice view of the Strip. Jackie Gaughan has a suit on the top floor too. I ran into him Sunday morning in the hall way. He's an old boy now and I didn't have the heart to tell him that his front desk people hate customers. The employees speak very highly of Mr Gaughan and they seem to like working at the El Cortez, with the exception of the front desk. The food was pretty good in the Coffe Shop and the food server was very pleasant. They DOUBLE the price of the rooms on the weekends but so do all the others. The giftstore is TRIPLE priced. So if you need anything, walk the block or so to Wal-Greens. I did win some money!
<a090550 -at- allstate.com> - Las Vegas NV USA - Added 02/18/08 - [167.127.163.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 12/07 - Good Visit
I stayed in a Tower room which was my first time staying at the El Cortez. Recently, it's been updated and has basically lost the bad reputation it once had. Just because this hotel isn't under the "magic canopy" doesn't mean it's located in an unsafe area. People need to get over this. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the room was, large, clean and tastefully decorated. The bathroom was small and they don't have in room hair dryers which I was told you could get from the front desk if you ask. That's the one thing the El Cortez needs to add for sure. The casino has also been upgraded with new carpeting and was quite enjoyable. The blackjack dealers are very friendly and helpful and if you are playing the table games, drink service is good. The cost of the room was $30 for the best rooms in the house, what a deal. I will be returning to the El Cortez for sure.
<dicksonripley -at- yahoo.com> - Orlando FL USA - Added 12/14/07 - [71.49.116.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 11/07
After 16 trips to Vegas I decided to see this place. A casino vist only.
Lost there but thats not a criteria for good or bad. Clean and happy.
My wife didn't want to cross the street. She felt unsafe. I felt safe so we went---------good thing. I like the place. Do not fear the location.
<pachislo53 -at- yahoo.com> - Pleasant Hill MO USA - Added 11/06/07 - [75.105.128***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 08/07 - Undecided
I was looking for the improvements. The large rooms were not as bad as the rest of the casino. I was not impressed with the VP selection. I played a few "Full-pay" machines that were pretty crusty and outdated. I thought they would update the rest of the property along with the rooms. I would visit the ELCOR again to see if the area and casino has improved.
<swansscott -at- gmail.com> - USA - Added 03/25/08 - [63.228.49***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 06/07 - Undecided
I visit the El Cortez on every trip to Las Vegas and always have a great time. Although I have never stayed here. We did inquire on a nights stay when we arrived as we were not booked anywhere for the first night (Saturday), but was told that I needed a credit card for Deposit, no cash deposits. I do not do credit cards and have never had a problem anywhere getting a room with cash! Oh well, their loss, as I went back to the slot area to tell my husband this-He hit the slot machine for $500.00, plus we got alot of goodies because of his slot card! Crazy huh? The El Cortez is still one of my must go to Casino's when I am in town.
<JBASJAZZONEANDONLY -at- HOTMAIL.COM> - Walsenburg CO USA - Added 07/09/07 - [71.219.183.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 03/07 - Good Visit
Very inexpensive so we had low expectations. Exceeded our expectations- very clean & quiet room. Friendly staff
<rzuurhoud -at- netscape.net> - USA - Added 04/23/07 - [70.49.42.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 12/06
I am from Detroit and have never been to vegas until this trip. Stayed at the ELCO from nov.8-Nov.14 got a great deal on vegas.com payed about 35 dollars a night for a tower room two queens room was #1111 room was just as the picture on the web site showed very spacious had a great view right up the gut of las vegas blvd. facing the casinos. For my entire stay I only had two complaints about the ELCO #1-the bathroom in our room sucked the shower head was about five feet up and shot all over the place when you turned it on and the drain worked about half as good as what it should have wich meant if you were in the shower for more than five minutes the water was allready up to youre ankles.#2- the elevators are the worst I have ever seen in any casino. What I mean by this is they are slow and sometimes they dont come at all for example one morning I was extremly hung over from the night before and I wanted to go down to the gift shop and buy A big bottle of water and some asprin I waited on the elevator to come for about 10 minutes until I got so sick of waiting that I actually walked down 11 flights of stairs to get down to the main level. when I finally reached the main level I was so pissed I went to the front desk and started bitching up a storm and they gave me two more funbooks wich I used instantly for the free drinks at the bar who needs asprin and water to cure a hangover when you can have free beers at ten in the morning. Now that I have all the bad out of the way let me tell you about the good things about the Elco.The elco by far has the cheapest table games downtown you can always find a 3 dollar blackjack table quarter roulette with 1 dollar min. and three dollar craps table with 3x odds. most of the dealers and pit bosses are very friendly and if you spend some money here you will get some comps they were bringing me drinks so fast that I could'nt finish one before the next one got there and I drink pretty fast. The sports book by far was the best downtown with 10 sports betting televisons and 12 racing with comfortable seating and if you spend min 5 dollars on horses you get a free drink coupon and 20 in sports for a free drink. robertas reasturant was very nice and with my five dollar off coupon from the fun book I had the best primerib dinner I have ever had for 14 dollars the cut of prime was about 2 inches thick and cooked just as I ordered it.carefull kittys cafe is ok if youre drunk and the pit bosses comp youre meal for free. In all I was very suprised at how much I ended up liking the ELCO most people were very nice and friendly. One thing that I think scares alot of people from staying at this property is that it is not right on the freemont street experience and they have to walk a block to get to it. Trust me this is no problem at all I walked back and forth probably 50 differnt times and had no problems at all and I would do it lots of times between 2-5 in the morning and I was not bothered at all. In my own opinion I think that the Elco is the best value in vegas and I managed to take the elco for about 500 dollars and probably 100 free drinks and 2 comped meals. If you go to the elco expecting the venitian you will be very dissapointed but if you go to vegas to gamble have fun and get drunk than the Elco is youre casino.....
<williams7479 -at- sbcglobal.net> - Detroit MI USA - Added 12/01/06 - [75.45.17***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel 
Date Visited: 12/06 - Good Visit
Ive stayed at the El Cortez for many years now, and each time I visit the hotel and casino surprize me, and this trip was no exception. I had never stayed in a "vintage queen" room before, but decided to try it due to an amazing $15 internet rate offered. Holy-Moly, it was better than pictured and described on the EC internet site by far! First, I enjoyed the close proximity to the main casino. When I found my room, there was no evidence of "casino noise" at all, and upon entering my room, it was quiet as a tomb in there. The room was furnished with the same elegant solid cherry pieces as in the tower suites, with the color scheme professionally chosen in shades of mint. The bathroom was attractive with a pedestel sink with a large basin, an oval mirror above, and glass doors on the tub-shower combination, and quality tile flooring too.
The bedding was far above standard, and a micro-suede easy chair was just the perfect and most comfortable place for reading my itinerary. Lots of lamps abounded... The a/c kept my room at MY pefectly chosen temperature too!
As for this "Vintage Queen" room, the only things I'd change or add are installing some sort of 'flashing' beneath the front door and the carpet to keep out some passing sounds of partiers and security radios. TV reception was less than exceptional, fading in and out on many challels.
The hotel and food service staff were absolutely wonderful, as were the housekeeping ladies. I never felt like I was a number rather than a valued guest... and that's a far cry from at so many hotels nowadays, isn't it? The food in 'Careful Kitties' is adequate, but 'Robertas' is absolutely primo for a well deserved supper... The menu speaks for itself, and my very particular palate was pleased to no end!
The newly remodeled casino is more attractive than ever, no matter where you look! Clean, friendly and to be honest, I felt no need to leave this property at all during my stay... I have no qualms about walking outdoors at any hour to see the Fremont Street Experience either. The hotel security is quite adept and will answer any questions about the area too.
Check the El Cortez website for great internet room rates, visit the place just once and you'll wonder why any negative comments have been posted here in a2z! This is one moderately priced hotel/casino that will have you returning!
<topat -at- netzero.net> - San Diego CA USA - Added 12/21/06 - [67.150.168.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 12/06 - Good Visit
I absolutely loved my stay at the El Cortez. Its a quaint place filled with old school charm. The patrons here are mostly an older crowd so if you are young and looking for a place to party the ELCO is not the place for you. The casino is very lively with all the latest slots and a good selection of tables. Free slot tournament every day for hotel guests.
Had dinner at Roberta's which is their fine dining establishment. Great steak at a great price. The room is elegant save for the Keno Scoreboard they have hanging on the wall. Put that thing outside!
Careful Kitty's is a wonderful coffee shop with very friendly service. I got a slice of cheesecake there every night before heading up to the room.
I stayed in the Tower which boasts the nicest rooms. Pavilion rooms are a step down from what I understand. My tower room was only $25/night and was clean, large, and comfortable. The bathroom was not very big and the TV was just a little 17 inch thing. But I dont watch TV in Vegas and I only use the bathroom to shower. Perfectly adequate.
Summary: El Co is probably the best value downtown. Its not a place to impress your lady friend on your anniversary. There's no pool. There's no volcanoes. Just great rooms, great restaurants, fun casino, and very freidnly staff all at dirt cheap prices. Loved it!
<pj.stravino -at- sbcglobal.net> - Indianapolis IN USA - Added 01/10/07 - [205.245.252.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel 
Date Visited: 11/06 - Bad Visit
NOW YOU TALK ABOUT A PLACE WHERE THE STAFF IS RUDE AND THE PLACE IS DIRTY GO TO EL CORTEZ, IT IS TERRIBLE. MEAN MEAN MANGEMENT STAFF AND TERRIBLE NASTY FOOD. I WOULD NOT TAKE MY DOG TO THIS CASION. THE MANGER THAT WAS ON CALL THE NIGHT MY PLANE ARRIVED LATE AND THE ONLY ROOM THEY COULD PUT ME IN WAS A SMOKING ROOM WAS SO RUDE I NEVER WANT TO MEET HIM IN PERSON. I STAYED THERE ONLY CAUSE I HAD BOOKED MY TRIP WITH THE TRAVEL AGENT BUT AGAIN TRUST ME I WOULD NOT GO BACK TO THIS NASTY NASTY PLACE. IF YOU WANT A NASTY DIRTY PLACE TO GO TO COME HERE BUT I BET YOU WILL WISH YOU HAD SPEND THE MONEY AND STAYED AT THE GOLDEN NUGGET. I KNOW ITS MORE BUT HEY ITS GOT A BETTER MANGEMENT STAFF WHO ARE KINDER THEN THE ONES AT EL CORTEZ....TERRIBLE VISIT
<KILLO298 -at- YAHOO.COM> - San Angelo TX USA - Added 11/07/06 - [71.115.105.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 10/06 - Undecided
Have never stayed Here, but heard some good things about its improvement, oh and a BIG HI to DORIS from PA, she is a very friendly person......
<billybabe3883 -at- charter.net> - Hortinville WI USA - Added 10/13/06 - [68.184.18***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 09/06 - Good Visit
stayed 10th-13th booked thru expedia,got a tower room for $33 a nite.non-smoking room not available,but there was no smokey smell.BIG room, small bathroom,but it was fine for a single guy.very hot water,and cold a.c.!!small t.v.,but it worked just find.slots were tight,but the b.j.tables were good.valet service good.the express breakfast buffett>> DO NOT GO<<<.cocktail service was great.have stayed at the G.N. and the FITZ,and this place is a much better value.and yes,you can play poker with old-man jackie the owner.he was there everyday.
<bubbamanx -at- sbcglobal.net> - Dallas TX USA - Added 09/14/06 - [66.140.61***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 09/06 - Good Visit
Very good, Execellent Food, Clean Room and Good Service. Would return anytime in the future.
Lynton From Canada
<lynton.lam -at- cabletv.on.ca> - Brucefield ON Canada - Added 11/08/06 - [24.235.43.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 06/06 - Good Visit
Best value downtown. Tower rooms have been recently renovated and are second nicest downtown(GN is first).
Bartenders are awesome and will remember you by name, plus they keep the cold beers coming, which I like.
The best gaming downtown. Lots of full pay VP, $3 craps w/ 10X odds, single deck BJ. I played low limit hold 'em with Jackie Gaughan(the guy that owns the place) for three hours. Think you'll play poker with Steve Wynn at his place anytime soon? Play a few hours of VP and the free room offers will start rolling in.
Roberta's and Careful Kitty's are good values for dining, although they don't serve as many specials as they used to.
I will admit there are some kooky type people running around the place, but it's just a little local flavor. A small price to pay for the value you get out of this place. Don't let the location and the negative hype fool you, give the El a try.
<j8360 -at- yahoo.com> - Portage MI USA - Added 06/23/06 - [24.247.222.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 03/06 - Good Visit
we stayed at the el cortez for 4 nights. we loved it. the rooms were small but clean. the beds were very comfortable. we walked back to the hotel every night and never had any trouble. there were a few bums but they didn't even approach us. if you are going to vegas to have fun and you dont want to spend a fortune on where you will be sleeping then i would suggest staying here. the only time we were in our room was to sleep and like i said the beds were very comfortable and we slept very very well there. the service was excellent! everyone was so nice and helpful. when i read the reviews i was somewhat scared but i am so happy that we stayed there and saved a bunch on our hotel. and we also stayed in a smoking room and both my boyfriend and i are nonsmokers and we didn't think it was smokey at all. i would really recommend this hotel to others and we will be staying there next year!
<funnyfatty22 -at- yahoo.com> - Grand Rapids MN USA - Added 03/13/06 - [71.214.14***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 02/06 - Good Visit
The El (or ElCo, if you prefer) has two incredible things going for it, The absolute best black jack and absolute best hotel rooms for the price in Vegas.
The tower rooms are without a doubt, the steal of Vegas. Recently remodeled they're 3 star quality at 1 star price with week day rates usually lower than $40 a night.
The Black Jack is equally amazing, super low $3 limits on a single deck 3/2 pay game which gives the house only a .18 edge, the lowest in Vegas. A .18 edge means that if you play perfect basic strategy you'll lose on average only 18 cents for every $100 you bet. A typical multi-deck shoe game on the strip will sap your money three timesas quick, some even quicker.
The Casino itself has lower ceilings than you'll find most places and is therefore generally smokier. It's been spruced up a bit of late though and has one major thing going for it- it's the oldest still standing casino in Vegas dating back to the 40's. Beyond the Black Jack there are also lots of penny slots and good paying VP machines. The craps table also has low minimums and offers 10x odds.
I cannot be understated that there is no better room value in Vegas. Combine that with the great gambling to be found in the classic casino and you have a frugal gambler's paradise.
<deeplennon -at- hotmail.com> - Seattle WA USA - Added 02/27/06 - [208.33.95***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 08/05
We visited the El Cortez on August 18th..There were four of us and we all had a great time there..The gambling was friendly..They have fifty cent roulette so one can play for awhile without burning a hole in one's pocket..WE ate at Careful Kittys and had the Steak and Lobster for 9.95..This is not on the menu so you have to ask for it..It was wonderful..We walked to and from the El Cortez twice and did not have any problems with the area..I would have prefered to stay here.
<LNL -at- RUSHMORE.COM> - Rapid City SD USA - Added 08/26/05 - [209.159.212***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 08/05 - Good Visit
Didn't stay at the elco but gambled there late one night. Went in there around 12:00 at night and I already had a few beers in me so I was feeling good. They had a new dealer working so he needed help at times, especially with his math. Anyway I had one of the better BJ runs I've had in Vegas and ended up winning over $1000 at $45- $55 a hand. I should of asked for a compd meal but was to drunk to think of it...The food is suppose to be awful there so it was probally for the better...Anyway I like this place much better than the Gold Spike which I think is the worst,grossest and smelliest place out there...People say things about the western but I didn't think it was to bad. If you go out the west side door of the elco the western is right across the street. I did this by accident and saw how close the western was I decided to give it a try. I had a lot of cash on me but even drunk you should be aware of your surroundings. The western was fairly clean and the service was good with dealers who at least knew what they were doing. I will definately go again next time !!! Just stay away from the gold spike, they won't even open a seat for someone who bets more than $3.00. I don't always bet $50 a hand, I like to start small and then see how it goes but I thought they could have at least got a bums feet off a chair to give someone else a shot. Funny thing is I will still walk thru Gold Spike again, along with Elco and the West to check things out next time because you never know what you'll find....Do think next time I stay downtown I'll stay at either Golden Gate or Main street. I really liked the feel of those casinos and the hotels. Love downtown, especially the old charm and feel of the people and the casinos. I've thought about staying at Binions but they sure are getting bad reviews here but I do love playing there, at least I did under the old management. Babbbled long enough. Anyone got a comment for me they can email at dllyjhn@yahoo.com Thanks, John
<dllyjhn -at- yahoo.com> - Portland OR USA - Added 12/12/05 - [67.170.184***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel 
Date Visited: 07/05
No! No! No! While enjoying a full day on Fremont Street during our 1-week stay in Vegas, we decided to walk an extra couple of blocks south of all the hoopla to check out the "Hell Cortez"! It truly only took walking in the door of the casino door to let us all know we wanted to leave while we could. The entire decor is 1960's/70's wooden paneling. It's smokey. It's dingy. It's simply the worst casino I have ever stepped foot into in my life! Not even the "threat" of a free room would make me go back.
<mj51828 -at- charter.net> - Pelham AL USA - Added 07/20/05 - [68.186.205.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 07/05 - Bad Visit
The El Cortez hotel was the one of the worst headaches I've ever had. My best-friend and I were planning this huge birthday ball in Vegas because I just turned 21. She offered to pay for most of it and do most of the planning. She booked this hotel (El Cortez) for us to stay at. It didn't really phase me, however, I had the worst feeling about staying at this hotel. We drove to Vegas in my automobile, and as we arrived, my first impression was how ghetto the neighborhood was. The El Cortez isn't a terrible looking hotel, but for some reason it made my stomach tie up in knots... and not in a good way I might add. Well we got checked in and parked the car. One thing that really caught my attention was a sign that said "The El Cortez hotel is not responsible for any lost or stolen items". That was a big red flag in my book. Then as we were in search of our room, this strange man walked over to my friend and I in the middle of the casino and asked what room we were staying in. We just ignored him at first. He then stated he was a bell-boy for the hotel. We told him we were on the second floor. Then he kept insisting that we tell him our room number. This man wasn't even dressed as a bell boy, and he approached us in a strange manner. He then got frustrated that we wouldn't tell him what room we were staying in, and he just walked off. First of all, he didn't have any proof he was a bell hop, second of all, he was dressed in rags, and last of all, why was he so persistent to know what room we were staying in? Furthermore, my friend was charged for an extra $20 dollars on top of the two nights she already paid for, and that doesn't stop there. Another thing that was really questionable was the maid service. There is a reason I put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the doorknob. Eventhough the sign was hanging on my door for everyone to see, the maid service was still reluctant to get into our room and start cleaning for some very odd reason (Even at 5 pm at night). We kept telling her to go away. Another red flag is the neighborhood. Now, this was mentioned before, and it will be mentioned again, "this hotel is in the worst part of town." This area is full of drug dealers, murderers, rapists, and thieves. On the morning my friend and I started packing our bags to leave and get home, my car was broken into and everything I brought to Vegas was stolen. In hopes of writing this review, I really hope nobody has to experience this mess. Another thing is my friend got charged a 3rd night on her card and we checked out before 12 pm. The hotel also charged an extra 60 bucks on her card and then turned her away. If she didn't leave, they would call security. WTF?! Then as we were walking back to my car (I was a mess at this point), there was a message over the intercom that asked all the guests if they needed an escort to their vehicle. If that doesn't tell you anything about this hotel, nothing will. If you plan on staying at the El Cortez, then good luck. I for one know that I will never in my lifetime stay at the El Cortez again.
<azn_supermodel_sensation -at- yahoo.com> - Salt Lake City UT USA - Added 07/11/05 - [24.10.153***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 07/05
Visited the "El" on 7/3/05. I had always failed to make it to the El when downtown and talked my group into walking down from the Freemont Street Experience. The women in the group were NOT impressed. An "interesting" crowd, dingy industrial type casino ( only the bright pink plastic dress of a young hooker brightned up the place) and bad area of town led one of them to say the she will never ever go there again, "not even for a free room"! For a group of drunk guys, the place might be fun. For couples on vacation....NO.
<cvca -at- tds.net> - AL USA - Added 07/13/05 - [216.170.146.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 06/05 - Good Visit
I was truly impressed with the finished product from their remodeling. I had been there the previous November when it was in work and the new entry/hotel desk/bar is great! Very nice!
As I said I had visited in Nov 04 and only stayed a few hours. I played video poker, $.25 Multi-Strike and $.25 single line Double Bonus at the Piano Bar for probably 4 or 5 hours. I found there to be good video poker all over the place, especially at the bars where I prefer to play. Anyway, that small amount of play was enough to receive a letter for 2 free meals and 6 free nights!
I called the hosts mentioned in the letter and they gave me 2 nights in one of the jacuzzi suites when I returned in June 05. The room was VERY nice, brand new carpeting and paint, a very large room separated into living area and bedroom by walls on right and left and a large opening in between (no door). Both rooms had 27" TV's and there was a fridge in the living area. The jacuzzi was triangle shaped and in one corner of the bedroom. Small but nice. The picture on their webpage does not do the room justice.
Let me mention that I am a Harrah's Diamond card holder and have stayed many times at the Rio and on the Strip. Don't misunderstand, the room at the El Cortez is not in the same league as any room at the Rio but I felt it was nicer than a standard room at Harrah's in Vegas or Laughlin or Reno.
There are good video poker games all over the property, no matter what your game. I played mostly $1 and $.50 machines and also played quite a bit of Black Jack, betting $25 per hand. The dealers are new and inexperienced so I would say this is a good place for beginners to play BJ. Table minimums were $3 & $5.
I ate 2 meals at their steakhouse, Roberta's, had prime rib both times. I must say that this is ABSOLUTELY THE BEST VALUE I have ever had for such a meal. The prime rib was among the best I have ever had and they had a very acceptable wine list with very friendly, knowledgeable waiters.
When I checked out everything was comped without using my club points.
This is a great place for people who like to GAMBLE! No pool and no spa. I wouldn't bring my kids but I would bring my wife. The location is less than desirable, I wouldn't let my wife walk outside alone at night, but during the day it's fine. If you're a mid to low roller on the Strip, you will be treated like a whale at the El Cortez!
<russbuys -at- sbcglobal.net> - Roscoe TX USA - Added 08/05/05 - [69.155.48.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 03/05 - Good Visit
I was not expecting a lot, but when I walked into the new tower rooms I was truly impressed. The deep rich dark woods, and greens were very relaxing. You actually wanted to stay in the room. Brought my own coffee maker and alcohol...had a wonderful time. Heading back at end of this month...taking advantage of their stay in March get two nights in April free.
<mom2three42 -at- sbcglobal.net> - Altadena CA USA - Added 04/13/05 - [68.122.217.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 02/05
We stayed in the tower rooms and they were great!!! I have to say that I never expected such a beautiful room and really enjoyed the desk, and couch, felt more like a mini-suite then an ordinary room.Having stayed at The Venetian and Green Valley Ranch last trip, I feel this room is nicer then Green Valley !! The food is reasonably priced and good...but I love to gamble there!!! We had good luck on poker machines and I found a new slot that gave me all my money back from a day wandering the Strip.What fun to go back to one of the 1st Casinos we ever visited in Las Vegas so many years ago and find that it has improved and is going strong! Thank you Las Vegas for keeping a part of the past alive!! You should make the effort to see an old Casino in action.
<GLAPAIGE -at- HOTMAIL.COM> - La Crosse WI USA - Added 02/14/02 - [63.156.3***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 02/05 - Bad Visit
We stayed at the El Cortez the end of February 2005 and has a very bad time there due to a NOISY room. Me and my wife could not sleep anytime of the day because the room walls were paper thin and the guests and hotel cleaning ladies were about as inconsiderate as they could be. Guests were drunk and slamming doors. Cleaning ladies were LOUD screaming to each other from one end of the hall to the other, banging vacuums against the wall, and slamming doors with no regard to noise level. The casino was full of the lowest level of patrons in Vegas and the place was full of smoke and run down. Carpet was nasty throughout and the main check in was at a fold up table with a couple computers. BAD ALL AROUND VISIT!!!!
<fattyma11 -at- hotmail.com> - Land O Lakes FL USA - Added 04/03/05 - [24.161.236.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 02/05 - Undecided
Well, a buddy invited me for a few days in Feb. for a Dental Convention so I obviously tagged along to this no-brainer of a vacation. We stayed at the Cortez among a few of his dentist buddies. Rooms were OK, value was decent and it basically proved my theory of it just being a "Ma & Pa" Style of casino...then came the first night...
My friend had to go to a late dinner with his Ortho pals so I decided to hit the casino and wait a few hours until he got back. I started with $300 and ended up with $1.25, a diaper in my bed, the early stages of a stomach bug, and bubble gum on both of my shoes. Let me explain...
I put $250 into a Star Trek machine and within seconds my credits read 000. I was really upset by this and when I slot attendant came by, I told him what had happened. He just smiled at me and said something along the lines of "Que vamos escalente mi favor senior." He then handed me a couple of napkins and marched off like a beaten step-child. I looked up what he said online and the closest thing that I came up with was "wipe my A** Mr." Anyways, the manager said they would have to review the tapes to see what happened and my case could take up to 24 hours. I told him his employee (who I won't name) spoke to me in Spanish and walked off. His reponse was "I don't think we have anyone working here that speaks espanol." I was given a fake 1-900 number to call about the status and given 1 free snack at the snack bar.
So, I filed my case and went to the snack bar where I got a chili-cheese pretzel. I thought how cool it would be to eat one of these since it had been since high school since I'd had one. The coolness stopped there. The cheese was ice cold and the chili smelled like my Grampa's farm. I walked away from the snack bar in shame and threw it in the garbage. I then stepped in not 1 but 2 pieces of chewed bubble gum on each of my shoe! Man, what bad luck!
I said "the heck with this" and walked up to my room for some sleep. Turns out, the house keeping lady was keeping her kid with her as she tagged along cleaning the rooms that day. She changed the kid's diaper on my bed and didn't remove it. It was left under the covers and the contents almost spilled out as I crawled into bed. I phoned house keeping as soon as this happened but got an answering machine in Spanish! I threw the diaper in the hallway and there it sat for the full 4 days were there.
Minutes before my friend got back, I realized my stomach was doing hoola hoops so I ran into the bathroom to go #2 and saw that there was no water in the GD toilet! I took my chances and unleashed the beast. Being the smart guy that I am, I forgot to close the bathroom door. And wouldn't you know it, my buddy walked in with his Boss and instantly saw me sitting on the can. My friend turned away in shame but it took a few seconds for his boss to turn away. How embarassing! The toilet didn't work and there sour dung sat for days on end. We had to use the snack bar bathroom from that point thereafter. Oh yeah, and other thing...the only thing on the tube that night were raunchy movies and I found fritos under my bed!
Turns out, my friend was fired from his dental position the following week.
Thank you El Cortez!
<RedCougar1 -at- aol.com> - Houston TX USA - Added 08/19/07 - [68.93.75***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 12/04
with just a day's play in Dec 04 I was given three free rooms in two mailings and put them
together for six free nights in the New Tower. I expected bare bones. I got incredible
luxury. Large, new rooms with huge beds and high thick mattresses. Rich wood inside
and plenty of room. Desk. Place to sleep. Nice bathroom. You could not ask for a better
room and I have stayed in plenty of places in Vegas.
The casino is less than my cup of tea and I probably did not play enough to earn free
rooms again but these rooms are the best kept downtown secret.
The casino is off the beaten path, but if you walk up the freemont and go that way, it did
not seem too hard to get to the door even later in the evening.
Very unusual poker game. Very smoky with some real characters.
<deweyfhill -at- hotmail.com> - Averill Park NY USA - Added 01/06/05 - [24.194.125***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 10/04 - Good Visit
PRIMO! I found an 'internet special' mid-week rate of $25 for a tower king room, and it was without question, one of the finer hotel rooms I've ever booked in Las Vegas. Even the regular rate of $37.50 is 1/5 the cost of a comparable room on the Strip. The furnishings are beautiful, all the amenities are there, and for the asking, you can have a mini-refigerator, iron/ironing board, and hair dryer from the housekeeping dept. The rooms are spotlessly clean too. Room service is far less expensive than at any hotel I've ever stayed in, since a Prime Rib dinner with beverages for 2 cost around $25. I prefer to eat at Roberta's downstairs, since it's been completely remodeled and has an excellent menu. Careful Kitty's Coffee Shop is good for breakfast, and that's comped for guests.
Everything at the El Cortez was a pleasant surprize, and the ONLY drawback is their location, right on the edge of a slum. I've had absolutely no trouble from the street people there, but just don't walk east fof the hotel at night.
This is by far the best value for a Las Vegas vacation. No Question!
<topat -at- att.net> - San Diego CA USA - Added 10/16/04 - [12.72.71***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 10/04 - Good Visit
The El Cortez is in the process of remodeling all their rooms. Mine was on the 12th floor, and had allnew furniture, carpeting, paint,and drapes. Best room I've ever seen in Vegas. The casino is also being remodeled and the staff is very helpful and friendly. The patrons are on the scruffy side, but all are friendly and harmless. This has been my home away from home for the last few years, but this time-since the remodeling-was certainly a pleasant surprise.
<tekoandgary -at- webtv.net> - Menasha WI USA - Added 10/28/04 - [209.240.205***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 04/04 - Good Visit
The El Cortez hasn't changed much in thirty years, and that fact thrilled me and my wife. My first stay at the El was thirty-one years ago - celebrating my twenty-first birthday. April 16, 2004 was my first trip back in over twenty years, and we loved it! The staff is friendly and helpful, the value is unbelievable, and the gaming excellent. I stayed in one of the original rooms (for old times sake), and it was clean, modern and comfortable. The food is wonderful and always a bargain. I got to watch Jackie G play Texas Holdem Sunday night, but the table was full and I couldn't get in the game. That would have been a thrill.If you want to experience Old Vegas the way it truly was, the El Cortez has to be your first stop. Liberal slots and probably the best Black Jack in town. Sorry if this is coming off sounding like a commercial, but Mr. G is getting older and I'm afraid the El will eventually change into just another slick money pit. We "low rollers" have a home just now, and for those who come to Las Vegas for the gambling instead of the glitz, I suggest you take advantage of this fine old hotel while you still can. I know we'll be back as soon as we can.
<bcupp1 -at- cox.net> - Moore OK USA - Added 04/23/04 - [68.97.127.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 04/04 - Good Visit
Paid $31 for a tower deluxe mini-suite. I had no idea what to expect, being a "strip guy" all these years, but wanted to savor the experience myself to tell it firsthand. My first impression of the downtown area wasn't quite what I expected. Cheezy fleabag motels everywhere, dilipidated neon signs, and just a general run-down "Queens" feel to it everywhere. Going up the parking garage (which was free -- no attendant was ever stationed) only initially reinforced my opinion of a potential dump with a really ugly, disgutingly, looking parking area on the first floor. However once I moved up to the second floor, the garage looked no different than any other typical hotels. The creepy elevators down once again lowered my expectations but fortunately the ride was short with no wait (unlike many strip lots). The casino area is indeed quite smokey but not overwhelmingly so; this comes from someone who detests cig smoke a lot. Staff during check-in was extremely nice and friendly. When I finally got to my room, well let's just say that I discovered the El Cortez rocks in value! My 8th floor tower deluxe room was extremely clean, spacious (500+ sq ft), with a large bathroom that contained a mini window to look out really nowhere. Now I was really expecting a dump here for the rate I paid but that is far from the truth. The room here was seriously cleaner and better furnished than many "luxury" strip joints I've stayed at -- and paid 5 to 6x the price. I think the idea here is to get a "tower" room, and specifically a "deluxe mini suite" type of room. The rate difference from the assumingly dumpy motel section was a mere $10! Ate at kitty's one morning, not impressed despite the cuteness of the name. Service was slow and food quality below average. Aside from that, the casino itself was great -- newer touchscreen type machines everywhere with ticketing system for payout. Really loved it and will happily come again!
<stevde -at- hotmail.com> - USA - Added 04/29/04 - [66.8.16***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 02/04
Didn't stay here this time (should have), but did gamble every night at the $3 BJ tables. This is by far our favorite place to go in Vegas. Single deck for $3, awesome rooms, Kitty's restaurant is a great deal, can't say enough good things about the El. The location might scare some people, but it is just as safe as any other Downtown location.
<stevendmiller -at- yahoo.com> - Farmington NM USA - Added 02/25/04 - [172.199.109.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 02/04 - Good Visit
Generally, I like this place. Stayed in a 14th floor tower double-double with an excellent view south to the strip. The room was decent and clean, although showing some wear, especially in the bathroom. Breakfast at Kitty's was good and cheap. Casino can feel a little claustrophobic with all the machines they stuff in there. Not a lot of table games, but what's there is cheap. Have played dollar craps there previously, but couldn't get on a table this time. Blackjack ($3 and $5) offers royal match, which I found annoying - the standard game holds my interest just fine, thanks. The folks at the poker tables were... diverse.
A negative is the location. I walked Fremont street at all hours, and it's well lit, but if I had my druthers I'd have preferred to stay under the canopy at 3am. Still, met a bunch of nice folks here, and wouldn't mind staying here again.
<thehutsons2500 -at- yahoo.com> - Golden Valley MN USA - Added 04/01/04 - [209.98.117.***] Report This Comment
El Cortez Hotel
Date Visited: 01/04 - Good Visit
$1 craps with 10X odds, nice dealers, $5 single deck BJ, and plenty of 10/7 Video Poker machines. In the elevator ride back to the creepy parking garage I saw a sign that read, "El Cortez security staff will gladly escort anyone to and from their cars if requested". Somehow that wasn't very reassuring to me, 'cuz I was alone at the time at 2am. I now valet when I visit.
* Update *
Stopped by the ElCo Jan '04 and while the craps table wasn't kind to me I discovered their low-limit Hold 'Em game. There was only one blind bet, and it cost a BUCK. Heaven, for a newbie like me to this great game. Max bets were $3 - $6, increasing to $12 for 4th and 5th streets. Odd mix of regulars and tourists, and most of the players were tight and conservative so I stole a few pots with my aggressive play. Because the blinds were low I played in a lot of pots.
And then I met The Man. At about 8am on a Sunday morning the legendary owner, Jackie Gaughan, strolled thru the casino and turned heads. When I returned from a bathroom break he was sitting next to me at the poker table, sporting a blue suit, monogrammed white shirt and a $100 rack of chips!! He's 83 yrs old now, and I really appreciated how the staff cared for and respected him. At one point, the female poker manager whispered sweetly in his ear, "It's time for your medicine, Jackie - let's go take care of it now and we'll get you right back to the table". He and I went mano-a-mano on a coupla pots too; I won one and he "outkicked" me on the other. Other dealers and the night shift poker manager all sat in too, making it a "family-style", unforgettable experience - something I'll cherish forever.
<kingfishx -at- yahoo.com> - Harper Woods MI USA - Added 02/10/02 - [68.43.59.***] Report This Comment
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Last Updated: June 12 2008 14:41:30.
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