
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
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.
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.
✨ 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.
"We had a decent time staying at the El Cortez! All of the staff was incredibly friendly, shoutout to Mary and Alice at the front desk for their stellar service, and Serena the server who was a sweetheart. The porter was kind too. When you're a guest, there is complimentary self-parking. They did a beautiful job with the renovations, it looks tasteful and blends in well with the history of the casino.
If you need a quieter room in the tower, then I suggest asking for a higher floor and paying for the north (mountain) view. We had first stayed on a lower level and it was difficult to sleep due to street club noise, but then we stayed on the 11th floor and it was much more comfortable.
El Cortez has a wide selection of games, in my experience I won and lost throughout my stay. I really liked the retro customized coin slots. But it was a good time overall, would stay there again. Important to note that if you're a non-smoker, there are non-smoking rooms but the casino floor has smoking everywhere."
Cheyenne Bruneau
"Pleasantly surprised!
I liked El Cortez far more than I expected. The staff downtown feels so much more down-to-earth than on the Strip, which made the whole experience comfortable and familiar from the moment I pulled into valet.
I’d only heard about El Cortez from watching my favorite slot YouTubers, but for a first-time visit it really delivered. If you want a laid-back, non-pretentious Vegas experience focused on gaming and dining rather than glitz, this is the spot.
From a slot player’s perspective, after three days of play, the lower-denomination machines hit more frequently than what I’ve seen on the Strip—smaller bonuses, but much steadier action. It’s fun, casual, and easy to settle into.
Location is great—just a block and a half from Carson Kitchen and Fremont Street, two of my downtown favorites.
The rooms are simple but spacious and comfortable, perfect for my recent trip with my 23-year-old son. We both enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back."
Antonio T
"I stayed here for my birthday weekend. I enjoyed the location and the walking distance to things i needed as far as my hygiene products, snacks and of course my drinks. I didn't need to leave Fremont Street at all. I enjoyed everything else. Except the staff. My room was dirty still. With trash behind the bathroom door and beads that seems to have come a dress or something. And the drawers still had the customers items in it. I brought this up with the staff and they didn't seem to give a single care. Never staying here again. I think I'll try the D hotel next time. The Excalibur wasn't this bad."
Dreya Teri
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. Dining options like the hotel's coffee shop or the prime rib special offer good value.
couples
Explore the nearby East Fremont district for unique bars and a more local nightlife scene. Consider booking a historic room or the unique Jackie Gaughan Suite for a memorable stay that feels a world away from the typical tourist crowds.
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. Beyond the tables and slots, El Cortez is known for its player-friendly policies, with many locals and visitors reporting receiving offers and comps even with modest play. This focus on the player experience, combined with its historic ambiance, makes El Cortez a unique and rewarding place to gamble.
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. The East Fremont area is also nearby, boasting a trendy scene with unique bars and restaurants like Atomic Liquor and Evel Pie.
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. For destinations further afield, taxis and rideshares are readily available.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit