El Cortez Hotel and Casino is a historic gaming property located in downtown Las Vegas, operating continuously since November 7, 1941. As one of the oldest casino-hotel establishments in Las Vegas, it combines Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with modern amenities, offering 364 rooms and 41,842 square feet of gaming space just steps from the Fremont Street Experience.
El Cortez Hotel and Casino stands as a testament to Las Vegas' enduring gaming heritage, offering visitors an authentic downtown experience that bridges eight decades of casino history. Located at 600 East Fremont Street, this property has witnessed the transformation of Las Vegas from a desert outpost to a global entertainment capital while maintaining its distinctive character and commitment to classic gaming hospitality.
Since opening its doors on November 7, 1941, El Cortez has occupied a unique position in the Las Vegas gaming landscape. Unlike the sprawling mega-resorts that dominate the Strip, this downtown property offers a more intimate and accessible gaming experience. The casino floor spans 41,842 square feet, providing ample space for diverse gaming options without the overwhelming scale of larger properties. The hotel component features 364 rooms across multiple accommodation categories, ensuring options for various guest preferences and budgets.
The property's location, originally considered too far from the downtown core when it opened, has evolved into a strategic advantage. Positioned one block from the Fremont Street Experience and within walking distance of numerous downtown attractions, El Cortez serves as an ideal base for exploring the historic heart of Las Vegas. The property attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually, demonstrating sustained appeal in a highly competitive market.
El Cortez was constructed by Marion Hicks and J.C. Grayson for $245,000, representing downtown Las Vegas' first major resort development. The property's rapid profitability attracted attention from notable figures in gaming history. In 1945, a group including Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Gus Greenbaum, and Moe Sedway purchased the property from J. Kell Houssels for $600,000, marking a significant moment in Las Vegas casino ownership history.
The building's architectural style primarily reflects Spanish Colonial Revival design, though the facade underwent modernization during a 1952 remodel. This blend of historical and mid-century modern elements contributes to the property's distinctive visual character. Recognition of this architectural and historical significance came in February 2013 when El Cortez was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging its role in Las Vegas' development and its preservation of gaming heritage.
The property has experienced several ownership transitions that shaped its development. The Gaughan family ownership period from 1963 to 2008 brought stability and gradual improvements. Jackie Gaughan, a legendary Las Vegas gaming figure, left an indelible mark on the property, with the premium Jackie Gaughan Suite named in his honor.
Current owner Kenny Epstein acquired the property in 2008 and initiated a comprehensive renovation program. Major renovation phases occurred in 1952, 1963, 1980, 2006, 2009, 2019, and 2024, demonstrating ongoing investment in property maintenance and modernization. These renovations have successfully balanced preservation of historic character with integration of contemporary amenities and safety standards.
El Cortez offers three primary accommodation categories designed to meet diverse guest needs. All rooms maintain an adults-only policy, requiring guests to be 21 years or older with valid state identification. This policy ensures a mature atmosphere focused on gaming and entertainment rather than family tourism.
The Original room category provides comfortable, well-appointed accommodations with essential modern amenities. Each room includes air conditioning, free WiFi connectivity, flat-screen television, and private bathroom facilities. These rooms represent the most accessible price point while maintaining quality standards expected by downtown Las Vegas visitors.
The Cabana Suites offer enhanced space and upgraded amenities for guests seeking additional comfort. These accommodations provide separation between sleeping and living areas, making them suitable for extended stays or guests who value extra room to relax between gaming sessions and dining experiences.
The premium Jackie Gaughan Suite represents the property's highest accommodation tier, named after the legendary owner who shaped El Cortez during his decades of stewardship. This suite offers distinctive design elements and premium amenities, appealing to guests seeking an elevated experience within this historic property.
El Cortez maintains a comprehensive gaming floor that caters to various player preferences and bankroll levels. The casino layout emphasizes accessibility and comfort, with clear sightlines and efficient spacing that facilitates easy navigation.
The slot floor features a diverse selection of gaming machines ranging from classic reel slots to contemporary video gaming terminals. El Cortez has built a reputation for offering competitive payout percentages, attracting value-conscious players who appreciate favorable odds. The property maintains both standard gaming areas and a dedicated High Limit Slot Room for players wagering at elevated levels.
Traditional table games form a core component of the El Cortez gaming experience. The property offers standard casino games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and various poker variants. Table limits accommodate both recreational players and serious gamblers, with minimum bets typically lower than those found at Strip properties. The High Limit Table Room provides a more exclusive environment for players comfortable with elevated wagering requirements.
El Cortez represents authentic downtown Las Vegas gaming culture, offering a more intimate and approachable atmosphere compared to mega-resorts on the Strip. The property features comprehensive gaming options including slots, table games, a race and sports book, high limit rooms for both tables and slots, and casino credit services for qualified players.
The hotel provides various accommodation types ranging from Original rooms to Cabana Suites and the exclusive Jackie Gaughan Suite. Guests benefit from direct booking discounts of 20 percent, adults-only environment for guests 21 and over, free parking, and proximity to major downtown attractions including the Mob Museum and The Neon Museum.
The Race and Sports Book at El Cortez provides comprehensive wagering options on sporting events and horse racing. This facility features comfortable seating, multiple viewing screens, and knowledgeable staff to assist with bet placement. The sports book attracts both casual bettors and serious handicappers, particularly during major sporting events and tournament seasons.
The Club Cortez loyalty program rewards regular players with benefits based on gaming activity. Members earn points through slot play and table game action, which can be redeemed for various rewards including complimentary play, dining credits, and room discounts. The program includes regular promotional drawings and special offers exclusive to members, enhancing value for frequent visitors.
El Cortez has developed a diverse dining portfolio that extends well beyond typical casino coffee shop fare. The property's restaurant collection reflects both its historical character and contemporary culinary trends.
Named for the property's most famous historical owner and the year El Cortez opened, Siegel's 1941 serves as the upscale casual dining anchor. The restaurant offers a menu that balances classic American steakhouse fare with contemporary preparations. The ambiance evokes mid-century Las Vegas sophistication while incorporating modern comfort and service standards.
Hot Noods brings bold Asian flavors to the El Cortez dining lineup in a fun, energetic setting. This concept focuses on noodle dishes, rice bowls, and Asian-inspired appetizers prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic techniques. The restaurant appeals to guests seeking flavorful, satisfying meals in a casual atmosphere.
Eureka! creates elevated burger experiences in an approachable environment. The restaurant emphasizes craft burgers made with quality ingredients, complemented by craft beer selections and creative sides. This concept targets guests who appreciate gourmet casual dining without pretension or excessive formality.
Sushi Ichiban captures authentic Japanese cuisine traditions, offering fresh sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes. The restaurant provides a quieter, more refined dining atmosphere within the property, appealing to guests seeking lighter fare or authentic Japanese culinary experiences.
El Cortez features multiple bar venues including ShowBar, Roulette Bar, and The Parlour Bar. The Parlour Bar particularly embodies old-school Vegas atmosphere, creating an environment where guests feel connected to the property's storied past. These venues serve craft cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits while providing comfortable spaces for socializing between gaming sessions.
The property's downtown location at 600 East Fremont Street positions guests within easy reach of numerous attractions. The Fremont Street Experience, featuring its famous LED canopy and nightly light shows, sits just 1,312 feet from the hotel entrance. The Mob Museum, offering comprehensive exhibits on organized crime history, is an eight-minute walk from the property.
The Neon Museum, preserving iconic Las Vegas signage, is accessible via a 16-minute walk. Additional nearby attractions include the Stratosphere Tower at 1.9 miles and the Las Vegas Convention Center at 3.1 miles. Harry Reid International Airport is located 7.5 miles from the property, with various ground transportation options available including taxi, rideshare, and shuttle services.
Free on-site parking represents a significant value proposition, as parking fees have become standard at most Las Vegas properties. This amenity particularly benefits guests with rental vehicles or those driving from regional markets.
El Cortez received Battle Born Business certification from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, recognizing implementation of comprehensive safety protocols. This designation acknowledges the property's commitment to maintaining healthy environments while delivering entertainment experiences. The certification process evaluated sanitation procedures, social distancing capabilities, employee training, and guest communication systems.
The property maintains 24-hour front desk service, daily housekeeping, facilities for disabled guests, and elevator access throughout the building. These operational standards ensure consistent service delivery and accessibility for all guests.
El Cortez Hotel and Casino occupies a distinctive niche in the Las Vegas gaming market, offering authentic downtown character combined with modern amenities and diverse entertainment options. The property's 84-year operational history demonstrates sustained relevance despite dramatic changes in the broader Las Vegas landscape. Its National Register of Historic Places designation acknowledges architectural and cultural significance while ongoing renovations ensure contemporary comfort standards.
The combination of competitive gaming options, diverse dining venues, comfortable accommodations, and prime downtown location creates value for visitors seeking alternatives to Strip mega-resorts. The adults-only policy, free parking, and direct booking discounts further enhance the property's appeal to its target demographic. Whether drawn by historical interest, gaming preferences, or downtown exploration, guests find El Cortez delivers an experience rooted in Las Vegas tradition while meeting modern hospitality expectations.
All guests must be 21 years or older with valid state identification. El Cortez maintains a strict adults-only policy throughout the property, ensuring a mature gaming and entertainment environment.
Yes, El Cortez provides free on-site parking for all guests, which represents significant value compared to most Las Vegas properties that charge daily parking fees.
The property features multiple dining venues including Siegel's 1941 for upscale casual dining, Hot Noods for Asian cuisine, Eureka! for gourmet burgers, Sushi Ichiban for Japanese food, plus Starbucks and several bars including The Parlour Bar and ShowBar.
El Cortez is located just one block from the Fremont Street Experience, approximately 1,312 feet or a short walk from the hotel entrance, making it extremely convenient for exploring downtown attractions.
The hotel offers three main accommodation categories: Original rooms with standard amenities, Cabana Suites with enhanced space and features, and the premium Jackie Gaughan Suite for guests seeking the highest level of comfort.
Yes, El Cortez opened on November 7, 1941, making it one of the oldest continuously operating casino-hotels in Las Vegas. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in February 2013, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.
The casino features comprehensive gaming including slot machines, table games like blackjack and craps, a race and sports book, high limit rooms for both slots and tables, and the Club Cortez loyalty program for regular players.
Booking directly through the El Cortez website provides a 20 percent discount compared to third-party booking sites, making direct reservations the most cost-effective option for securing accommodations.
El Cortez works with trusted partners to deliver exceptional gaming and hospitality experiences.
Experience authentic Las Vegas gaming with competitive odds, diverse table limits, and the Club Cortez loyalty program that rewards regular play with exclusive benefits and promotional opportunities.
Explore diverse culinary options from upscale casual at Siegel's 1941 to authentic Asian flavors at Hot Noods and Sushi Ichiban, plus craft cocktails at The Parlour Bar's old-school Vegas atmosphere.
The property completed its latest renovation phase, enhancing guest rooms and public spaces while preserving historic architectural elements.
El Cortez received multiple Best of Las Vegas awards based on guest votes, recognizing excellence in gaming, dining, and hospitality.
The property maintained its Battle Born Business certification, demonstrating continued commitment to comprehensive safety protocols and guest wellbeing.