El Cortez Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
Step into a bygone era at El Cortez, Vegas's oldest continuously operating hotel & casino, offering authentic charm and affordable gaming.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better odds
El Cortez Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better odds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a bygone era at El Cortez, Vegas's oldest continuously operating hotel & casino, offering authentic charm and affordable gaming.
"It's kitschy and has some cool history. Can't beat the price."
💰 Score Freebies with Boarding Pass
Present your boarding pass within 24 hours for free play slots, a table game, and a drink.
☕ Budget-Friendly Coffee
Enjoy complimentary coffee pods in your room – a welcome change from pricey Strip hotels!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jackie Gaughan Suite
Penthouse Suite
Experience an 80s time capsule in this unique, preserved penthouse suite, once home to a Las Vegas legend.
Historic Casino Floor
Casino
Gamble in a piece of history with original features and a classic Vegas atmosphere. Enjoy low-stakes blackjack and coin slot machines.
Cabana Suites
Cabana Suites
Opt for these updated, quieter rooms for a more relaxed stay, away from the Fremont Street buzz.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Old Vegas Charm
Room Choices Matter
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Score Freebies with Boarding Pass
Present your boarding pass within 24 hours for free play slots, a table game, and a drink.
☕ Budget-Friendly Coffee
Enjoy complimentary coffee pods in your room – a welcome change from pricey Strip hotels!
🎲 Low-Stakes Gaming
Find some of the best 3:2 payout blackjack and affordable craps tables in town.
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
Easily walk to Fremont Street Experience, Mob Museum, and Container Park. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Score Freebies with Boarding Pass
Present your boarding pass within 24 hours for free play slots, a table game, and a drink.
☕ Budget-Friendly Coffee
Enjoy complimentary coffee pods in your room – a welcome change from pricey Strip hotels!
🎲 Low-Stakes Gaming
Find some of the best 3:2 payout blackjack and affordable craps tables in town.
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
Easily walk to Fremont Street Experience, Mob Museum, and Container Park. +1
✨ Old-School Vibe
Embrace the kitschy charm and rich history of one of Vegas's oldest casinos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Cortez is lauded for its authentic old-school Vegas charm, rich history, and excellent value, particularly for budget travelers and gamblers seeking favorable odds. While rooms are generally clean and updated, some guests note potential noise from Fremont Street in tower rooms, and the lack of a pool is a consideration for some.
"Absolutely phenomenal dinner! The prime rib was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, incredibly tender and bursting with flavor. The mashed potatoes were creamy and the vegetables were fresh and crisp. Every single bite was delicious. This was an easy 5-star meal. Highly recommend!"
Timur Munatayev
"The original 47 is where we stayed and I LOVED our room. I thought it was very cute. We were here Thursday-Sunday and checked out at 430am Sunday. Thursday night was quiet Friday and Saturday was much louder but I still got some sleep. I think if I had stayed in one of the bigger casinos I definitely would not have gotten any sleep. The non smoking rooms still smell strongly of cigarettes.
I am convinced the hotel is haunted."
D
"This classic hotel and casino allows influencers to record their gambling sessions which is cool and has brought lots of attention to their property recently.
It is older but has been renovated.
It is a gamblers paradise due to all the games they offer and with low minimums its a great place to learn and get started.
Staff are friendly all the way from the cocktail waitresses to the dealers and even pit bosses.
Been here many times over the decades and have never been disappointed.
Win, lose or draw - you're a winner if you enjoy their world famous prime rib!"
ARNEL DELEON
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
A taxi or rideshare is your best bet, taking about 10-15 minutes. Walking from the Strip is not recommended due to distance.
Yes, it's a short and generally safe walk, especially if you stay under the Fremont Street Experience canopy.
Yes, El Cortez offers parking for guests, though it can get busy. Rideshare is often more convenient.
A taxi or rideshare is the most direct and convenient option, typically costing around $20-$30.
Absolutely! El Cortez is located just off the Fremont Street Experience, making it easily accessible on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends or special events, to secure your preferred room type.
Standard check-in is usually around 3 PM and check-out is at 11 AM, but it's best to confirm directly with the hotel.
El Cortez typically does not charge resort fees, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to Strip hotels.
Yes, by presenting your boarding pass within 24 hours of arrival, you can receive free play and other offers.
No, El Cortez does not have a pool, which is a key difference from many other Las Vegas hotels.
🎫 🎰 Onsite Experience
El Cortez offers a variety of games including single-deck blackjack with 3:2 payouts, craps with 10x odds, and classic coin-operated slot machines.
Cabana Suites are generally quieter. Tower rooms can sometimes pick up noise from Fremont Street, especially on weekends.
El Cortez has a classic coffee shop and a steakhouse, known for its prime rib special.
Yes, there is a small fitness room available, though it's quite limited.
It's known for its authentic, old-school Vegas charm, rich history, and a more relaxed atmosphere than the Strip.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vintage neon signs, the classic casino interior, and unique architectural details. The Jackie Gaughan Suite offers a distinct 80s aesthetic.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to be discreet and avoid photographing other guests without permission.
While not heavily enforced, avoid intrusive photography, especially at gaming tables or in private areas.
A versatile setup like a mirrorless camera with a good zoom lens or a wide-angle lens for interiors would be ideal.
The lobby, the casino floor with its vintage machines, and the exterior neon signage are prime spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the unique aspects of old Vegas, like the vintage slot machines, and the vibrant atmosphere of Fremont Street. It's a great opportunity to show children a different side of Las Vegas beyond the typical Strip attractions. Remember, El Cortez does not have a pool, so plan water activities elsewhere if that's a priority.
💰 Budget Travelers
Take advantage of the free play offers with your boarding pass and explore the many free or low-cost attractions within walking distance, such as the Fremont Street Experience and the Container Park.
couples
Explore the nearby East Fremont district for unique bars and a more local nightlife scene.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through El Cortez's History
Walking into El Cortez feels like stepping back in time. The casino floor boasts original features, including a collection of coin-operated slot machines – a rarity in today's ticket-in, ticket-out world. The hotel has undergone renovations, particularly in its rooms and suites, ensuring comfort while maintaining its vintage aesthetic. The Jackie Gaughan Suite, a preserved penthouse, offers a unique glimpse into the opulent 1980s.
Beyond its physical attributes, El Cortez is steeped in lore and a beloved local haunt. It's known for its favorable gaming odds, particularly its 3:2 blackjack payouts and low minimums, making it a favorite among savvy gamblers. The hotel's enduring presence is a testament to its ability to blend history with a continuously evolving, yet still classic, Las Vegas experience.
Gaming at El Cortez: A Gambler's Paradise
The casino floor also features a nostalgic collection of coin-operated slot machines, a true rarity that appeals to players who enjoy the tactile experience of traditional slots.
Tip: Don't forget to check if your airline boarding pass can be exchanged for free play or other perks within 24 hours of arrival – a fantastic way to stretch your gambling budget.
Navigating Downtown Las Vegas from El Cortez
Within easy walking distance, you'll find key attractions like the Mob Museum, offering a deep dive into organized crime history, and the Container Park, an open-air shopping and dining complex built from shipping containers.
While downtown is generally safe, especially in well-trafficked areas like Fremont Street, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night. Walking between El Cortez and other downtown hotels like Circa is considered safe and convenient.
Social
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