El Cortez Las Vegas Review for February 2025

For many, a typical vision of ‘old school Las Vegas’ has been completely lost amid an ocean of glitzy modern casino mega-resorts. If you’re one of those people, then you probably haven’t spent enough time at El Cortez. 

Located in a relatively little corner of Downtown Las Vegas, El Cortez is small in size but enormous in history and character. 

The big question is just how well does it do what it tries to do, which is to reimagine a long-lost era for a modern clientele? And, perhaps more importantly, does it do it well enough to prove there is still place for it in an ever-changing Las Vegas casino scene? 

Well, there really is only one way to find out. I went along to try it for myself. 

Everyone knows that the house always has the edge in Las Vegas, but the truth is that El Cortez itself has been defying the odds for years. 

When it was first built in 1941, it’s location, which was considered near downtown but not really in downtown was expected to hold it back, but it comprehensively proved everyone wrong. 

That may not have been entirely to its benefit, though, as it attracted the attention of mobsters. They included the infamous Bugsy Siegel, who was a key figure behind the Flamingo, and a consortium of questionable characters bought the El Cortez casino in 1945. 

This is Las Vegas, though, and mobster associations are often celebrated through the prism of history. The fact that the Mob Museum is just a couple of blocks away is proof enough of that. 

Because, ultimately, stories are important in Las Vegas. Trying to create our own is half the reason we all visit the place, right?

The mobster era added some historical gloss to the El Cortez story, but the main work was done by others. It opened with a 59-room hotel attached before organised crime figures got involved and a second 15-story tower was added after they left in the 1960s, along with some suites a little later on. 

The real hook of the El Cortez is that, from the outside, it hasn’t really ever changed at all. 

Sure, there have been multiple renovations over the years and Starbucks have moved in, but the outside ranch-themed façade and signage is exactly as it always has been. 

That devotion to remaining faithful to its origins, by the way, also extends to it being strictly a 21+ resort. That means it not the place to go for your family holiday – but a very good place to go if you’re avoiding one! 

Location 

Despite many believing the location was poor back in the day, you could argue that location is actually a positive nowadays. 

El Cortez is located at 6th Street and Fremont Street, which means it is not part of – or on – the Fremont Street Experience. 

I’ll talk about the Fremont Street Experience in more depth later but, awesome as I think it is, it is also incredibly loud and busy. Those two things are not entirely conducive to a restful night’s sleep, it has to be said. 

El Cortez, though, is situated close enough to be just a two-minute walk away from it, but far enough away to be able to avoid all the noise and crowds.

It’s also close to the Container Park and Arts District, so you’re certainly not going to feel out on a limb there. 

One word of caution I would offer though is that while two-minute walks sound easy enough, in the height of the Las Vegas summer any walking outdoors at all can be brutal, so bear that in mind. 

For those unfamiliar with Vegas too, it has to be pointed out that El Cortez is a long way from the Strip. It’s going to cost you around $30 in a taxi or around 45 minutes on the Deuce Bus. 

Similarly, it is further away from the airport and outside the fixed-rate airport taxi zones. Expect that, again, to cost you around $35-$40.

So, basically, what I am trying to get across is that if you’re a first-time Vegas visitor and have ideas in your head of wandering the Strip every day past the Bellagio Fountains, Eiffel Tower, the wonderful facades of New York-New York and Venetian, and the grandeur of Caesars Palace, then El Cortez is not a good base for you. 

The El Cortez casino is on the smaller side, especially compared to the mega-resorts to which modern gamblers have grown accustomed.

That’s just a consequence of them trying to stay as faithful to the concept of ‘old school Vegas’ as they can. 

Although it’s only around 41,000 square feet and keen to remain as vintage as possible, no one should make the mistake of assuming that the EL Cortez casino has not moved with the times. 

It most certainly has, and over the last couple of years especially there has been a considered effort to modernize the casino floor. That has brought renovations and a big shift towards the latest video slots. 

In fact, recently El Cortez has actually managed to get some of the most anticipated brand-new slots before anyone else, including Huff and Even More Puff and Little Shop of Horrors Director’s Cut. 

I must admit that back when I first visited El Cortez, from a slots point of view, it was perhaps a little toovintage for me. Now, that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

That is speaking from a purely slots players point of view, though. Table games are as close to a vintage feel as you’re likely to find in Vegas nowadays.  

Table Games Selection

El Cortez used to have a very small, dedicated poker area right in the middle of the casino floor, but it was only really there to accommodate the whims of former owner, Jackie Gaughan, who was a big poker player. 

When his health started to fail him, El Cortez took out the poker room meaning it’s long gone from the casino floor. However, there are three-card poker and ultimate Texas Hold’em variants to enjoy. 

You will also find all the usual staples such as blackjack, craps, and baccarat. Roulette is well represented among the 30 or so live tables. You should be able to find both six and eight deck blackjack and, very occasionally, double-deck. El Cortez used to be famed for being one of the very few casinos in Vegas to still offer single-deck blackjack. However, as of 2024, they no longer do.

In terms of roulette, you’re not going to play European roulette at El Cortez unless you’re willing to up the stakes on the high-limit tables. The dreaded triple-zero roulette has not taken hold either though. It’s mainly double-zero, and expect minimums of around $10 (if you’re lucky) or $15.

Table games:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Craps
• Baccarat
• Three-card Poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em

There are a number of electronic table games at El Cortez too, including craps and roulette. 

However, where El Cortez shines more than pretty much everyone else in Las Vegas is in the coin-operated video poker (and slot) machines. Talk about old-school vintage Vegas! 

Slots

Including the much-loved coin operated slots, there are around 900 on the casino floor. These days the vast majority are new video slots. 

El Cortez claim that their slots are 27% looser than those on the Las Vegas Strip. I can’t vouch for that personally, as I’ve never really had much luck there. They certainly weren’t the ‘home of winning’ when I visited. Well, unless they were talking about all the money they won from me. 

That said, when I was there, someone did win a $47,000 jackpot on a Buffalo game, and I know someone else who won a $13,000 grand jackpot on Big Hot Flamin’ Pots at El Cortez, so maybe it’s just me. 

I have to say, though, I absolutely adored both the slots selection and the layout of the casino floor. Okay, it’s a little sprawling, narrow, and winding for my usual tastes, but they pull it off. 

I think that’s something to do with the surroundings as it really is quite unlike anywhere else in terms of vibe. 

It also helps that the vast majority of the machines appeared to be brand new as well, and the chairs in very good condition. I don’t know, something is just nice about playing there. 

Some of the most popular games you can play at El Cortez include: 

• Dollar Storm
• Lock It Link
• Huff n Even More Puff
• Frankenstein
• Wheel of Fortune
• Buffalo
• Dragon Link

I think my best wins were around $120 on Wild Wild Buffalo and Coin Trio. Not to be sniffed at. 

Bar-Top Gaming

Bar-top gaming is very popular and it’s easy to see why. Sitting at a bar drinking is great. Gambling is great. By any maths you want to use, therefore, bar-top gaming is super awesome. 

It is pretty easy to find at El Cortez too. Both the Lobby Bar and Parlour Bar provide it, although the terminals are not the most modern. Video poker, electronic blackjack, and some basic video slots are about your lot. 

On the plus side, the comped drinks from the bartender are very nice and, I think, a lot looser than elsewhere in terms of coin-in. If there is a red-light/green-light system in place, the threshold is not set to very high. 

Almost from the moment my money went in the machine I was being offered a comped drink, which was nice, and as long as I kept playing they kept on coming. If you want to give it a go yourself, just remember to tip the bartender. 

Sportsbook

The El Cortez sports book is, in all honesty, nothing to especially write home about. It will do the job if you’re looking for a good solid sports and racing betting session, and has enough screens to let you see the action. 

It is run in partnership with Station Casinos and that means you can register at El Cortez for STN Sports Mobile – which is an app that allows you to gamble on sports on the go. 

The truth is, though, that while El Cortez does an awful lot right, the sports book is not really a feature you’d remember. Certainly, if you want to immerse yourself in watching sports, you’re much better off heading to Circa. Ike’s Bar is another option for that now in El Cortez, though. 

Waitress Service 

One of the best things about gambling in Las Vegas is the waitress service. In fact, it’s one of the things that people who have never been before ask about the most. ‘Is it true that you get free drinks when you’re gambling?’

Well, the answer is no, not really. I mean, you do as so far as you’re not paying an agreed retail price for the drinks you order at your table game or slot machine, but they aren’t free either. A tip is expected and, if you don’t give one, well you’re not getting offered any more drinks by that waitress. It’s that simple – and it’s fair. 

The waitress service at El Cortez is generally quite good, although I think the narrow layout of the casino floor can create some coverage blackspots. That’s unfortunate, but it’s not really anyone’s fault either. 

For the most part, the service is as good as you’ll find anywhere else I think – as long as you’re polite, friendly, and respectful. Drinks on offer include beers, spirits, wines, cocktails and soft drinks, just ask your server what they have.

High Limit Gaming at El Cortez Casino  

There is an incredibly colourful high-limit slots room at El Cortez. It’s small, offering around 20 machines, and bets go up to $250. Which is definitely too rich for my blood. 

Most of the high-limit machines offer bets that start at $5 though, and that is much more manageable. Actually, that’s easy to say when writing this from 5,000 miles away. When I was there with my money in my hand, I certainly don’t recall being quite so blase about it. 

It’s a nice room though and quieter in terms of footfall than the main casino, so if the stakes are within your comfort zone, I’d recommend using it. 

Table game players are not accommodated in the room sadly. If you want a high-limit table, you need to contact El Cortez and reserve one. They will be very welcoming, I am very sure. 

Cash and Payment Options 

Cash is king in El Cortez. Remember who we are talking about here. They are so committed to the vintage Vegas vibe that I suspect they gritted their teeth at the mere sound of the word ‘TITO’. 

By the way, TITO stands for ‘ticket in ticket out’. While you put real money into slot machines, winnings (or whatever is left of your real money) is dispensed in voucher form – a TITO. 

You can take it to any other machine and insert it there to continue playing, or to a dispenser to exchange it for cash. 

Either way, unless you’re a whale you’re not finding a cashless gaming option at El Cortez, and if you are a whale then, with respect, what are you doing at El Cortez? Go get pampered at a high-end resort for goodness sake. 

Anyway, I digress. 

Where was I? Oh, yes, there are ATM machines on the casino floor to withdraw cash, but I wouldn’t recommend using them. They usually come with a large withdrawal fee. So, if possible, arrive at El Cortez with your cash in hand already.  

If you play table games, then you pay in cash direct to the dealer in return for chips. And then you cash in your chips, if you’re lucky to still have some left, at the cashier cage. 

El Cortez was one of the earliest casino resorts built in Las Vegas. They had the foresight to attach a hotel and, although it has got a little bigger since then, it has never outgrown it’s humble roots. Even as Las Vegas has evolved around it, El Cortez has remained faithful to itself. 

That is both brilliant and restrictive at the same time. In fairness, it was only really 2020 when downtown Las Vegas got a mega-resort, when Circa opened its doors. Smaller, lower-end gambling halls, all packed closely together, has always been the hook of downtown.

However, while there was probably never any possibility to realistically expand beyond what we see today, El Cortez as a resort still deserves enormous credit for retaining its original charms. 

Nowadays, there are around 350 rooms, even if the suites are across the street, all within the original ranch theming. 

Ranch is not really it’s main theme now though. It’s old-school vintage Vegas. And isn’t that wonderful? The fact that El Cortez has been there and operating so long that a bygone era of Las Vegas itself has become its theme. 

You feel it as soon as you get there too. You pull up outside and there is usually a vintage car, often a Cadillac, while Elvis Presley music plays. When you enter the lobby, you are immediately met with a grand staircase in front of you while the music changes to 1950s Brat Pack. It’s like stepping back, very briefly, in time. 

What is the resort like nowadays, though? I love that it hasn’t moved entirely with the times, but has it moved sufficiently with them?

El Cortez Rooms

The El Cortez can’t compete with the mega-resorts in terms of room quality and amenities, but they are clever enough to know that. What they do instead is use it to their advantage.  

Remember those original 50 or so rooms, they started out with? Well, they are still there, and they are still kept in a very vintage state. So, while they won’t offer you the luxury of the Strip, they can, and do, offer originality. 

That isn’t to say that the rooms are kept in a bad state or anything either. They have been updated and renovated, but their vibe and décor is just kept in a wonderfully 1950s state. 

They also have the added benefit of being just a staircase away from the casino floor. Imagine it: no traipsing down an endless corridor and waiting for an elevator to take you down to somewhere near the casino. No, at El Cortez you can just walk down a staircase and be immediately inside the casino. Exactly as it used to be. That’s the room I went for and I loved it. 

There are more rooms in the tower, and again they have gone for something unique there. While everyone else strives for luxury, the Pavilion Rooms at El Cortez deliberately offer the bare minimum. “The best room value in Las Vegas,” their website boasts. “All the essentials and no fluff, so you can save your dough for the tables.”

There are also more contemporary rooms in the tower and some suites. The Cabana Suites are the biggest and most lavish, but they are across the street – along with their own fitness centre. 

Bars

Ike’s Bar and Lounge, named after Ike Epstein who helped setup the legendary Stardust on the Strip and father of current El Cortez owner Kenny, is a relatively new but excellent addition. 

They have screens for live sports, bar-top gaming and it’s right at the heart of the casino so the atmosphere is awesome. 

There are another two good bars at El Cortez too: The Parlour, which is a bit more vintage-feeling in terms of ambiance, and Eureka, which serves American craft beers and offers a small food menu.

Buffets and Restaurants 

There is only one buffet left in downtown Las Vegas and that is at Main Street Station, which is the furthest casino away from El Cortez. 

However, you certainly won’t starve at El Cortez. Siegel’s 1941, named after Bugsy Seigel, attempts to bring some vintage diner ambiance to the centre of the casino and, in truth, they do it very well. 

The menu is good and reasonably priced, the food traditional, and the service very friendly. I ate there twice, had a sandwich one day and a salad the next and both were good. Not great, but good. Nothing wrong with good. 

Aside from Eureka, which serves mainly bar food like burgers, the only other restaurant is Sushi Ichiban. It’s a Japanese place and probably best suited to more adventurous diners. 

Shows and Entertainment 

One place El Cortez perhaps does fail to live up to its old-school Las Vegas aspirations is in the entertainment department. 

You can enjoy live music in the Parlour Bar and Lounge, and it certainly has a vintage feel with it being an intimate setting and a bit cabaret. 

You won’t find any headliners at El Cortez, though. In truth, they just don’t have the facilities to host them. 

One other interesting feature though is the Las Vegas History Wall. It’s done in association with the Mob Museum, and it is basically a wall running though the casino with some incredible photos of what Vegas used to be like with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley featuring heavily. 

Of course, you don’t have to walk far for other attractions though. The Fremont Street Experience is just a short walk away and features the world’s largest LED canopy video screen at 1,375 feet long, 90 feet wide and suspended 90 feet in the air. 

Here you’ll find nightly live music, outdoor bars, street entertainers and the Slotzilla Zip Line. Other close-by attractions include the Container Park, which has shops, bars and restaurants as well as a 40-foot tall flame-throwing Praying Mantis. Plus, the Mob Museum, which has interactive tour options and a speakeasy too.

Pool 

There is no pool at the El Cortez. Isn’t that brilliantly quirky? They never built one at the beginning, mainly because this part of Las Vegas was built for Hoover Dam construction workers to spend their money rather than as a vacation spot, and no one has bothered adding one since. 

Basically, El Cortez seems to be saying that they don’t want the kind of people who go to gamble while vacationing. They want people who go to gamble. Upfront, honest, and bang on brand. 

Spa

While normally you might find a resort with a pool but no spa, at El Cortez you find no pool but a spa. The NV Spa is located on the second floor of the casino and it’s pretty reasonably priced compared to others you’ll find in Las Vegas. 

For example, you can get a 60-minute full body hot stone massage for $79, and hotel guests and Club Cortez members get $10 off that price as well. 

There is also a beauty salon and a barbershop, so no one can say El Cortez doesn’t offer you plenty of opportunities to spend you gambling winnings on your vanity. 

El Cortez’s rewards program is Club Cortez, and it is pretty good in the grand scheme of things. 

Let’s be completely honest: for casinos not part of the major chains in Las Vegas, rewards programmes can be a tough sell. How do you convince people to spend their money in one casino when other programmes can offer you multiple destinations? 

That is a challenge that El Cortez faces, but Club Cortez is a fine effort. 

There are four levels – Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond, and I wouldn’t worry too much about advancing through them. There are various perks for all, increasing as you advance, but El Cortez values players if you play there a decent amount, you should hit their radar. 

Club Cortez offers you access to the following benefits: 

• Freeplay
• Cashback
• Personal Comp Dollars
• Free Slot Play
• Free Tournament Entries
• Gift Shop Discounts
• Free Rooms and Meals
• Casino Host Services
• Priority Hotel Check-In
• Monthly Cash Drawings
• Special Member Parties
• Exclusive VIP Events
• New Sign-Up Bonus

Just play however much you ordinarily would and don’t chase levels. That’s good advice for all casino rewards programmes, not just Club Cortez. 

I say this as someone who absolutely loves Las Vegas, but these days the experience can be a little bit samey at times. The old themed resorts are doing their best to de-theme (sorry Luxor, you’re a giant pyramid with a sphinx outside, so think you’re a bit stuck there), and the best new casinos all feel like they’re very similar. 

That’s where the trends are going go and it will be well backed-up by the marketing boffins, so fair enough. What it does do, though, is make it very difficult for a property to dare to be a bit different. 

And, I have to say, that’s what I think makes El Cortez so wonderfully endearing. It has found a way to present something old to a new generation, of taking something great from the past and putting it in the consciousness of those who will shape the future. 

El Cortez is not old-school Las Vegas. Let’s be abundantly clear about that. That era is gone and it’s never coming back. That’s sad, but the fact the era was so fleeting was what made it so special in the first place. 

However, while El Cortez is not vintage Las Vegas, it is like a top-quality tribute band; close your eyes, suspend your perception of reality and maybe, just maybe, just for a moment, you’ll think you’re experiencing the real deal.

For me, that makes it an incredibly special little corner of Las Vegas and somewhere that is always worth a visit. 

If you’re looking for big-time mega-resort Las Vegas, five-star hotels and gold windows, then no, El Cortez is not for you. What it does have though, is a great history, bags of character, a strong sense of identity, and a quite wonderfully unique charm.