El Cortez Hotel & Casino

After staying on the strip yet again, we came downtown to check out El Cortez because we are fans of Vegas Matt of course! We were so happy gambling here and wish we had stayed there instead of ehhem... MGM. Hopefully we got enough gambling in to get some offers for next time.The music was classic and not too loud (unlike every other casino we visited in Vegas), it wasn't too crowded on a weekday either. Right on Fremont Street with some really good restaurants just outside! Can't wait to try the auce sushi!Although we were bummed that VM and gang were in Reno, we did get to meet Adam, the casino manager. What a kind and friendly guy! He welcomed us and took the time to chat and take a pic with me. Absolutely a great visit. Gambling wasn't too bad either ;).

beware of this place if you encounter a white security guard if you come out of the restroom here!!!!we were there playing as we always do and we were approached as we were leaving the restroom asking for our id by a white security guard. asked why he wanted it, he said it's protocol.protocol for what! we play here several times a week and hold the highest players card they have. guess where we not be leaving our money at anymore!! do not play here if your different or not white!!!!

We have been coming to Vegas for 20 years, and always having a stay Downtown during the trip. We used to stay at MSS, but always enjoyed our visits to El Cortez.So both trips this year we decided to give El Cortez a try, and all I can say is this is our new home when staying Downtown Vegas from now on.We stayed both times in the Tower rooms, the rooms were immaculate, very clean, and very nicely done.They are more than equal to some of the nicest rooms we stay in on the strip.The last visit we stayed in the suite room, it absolutely blew us away. Again, the look and size of the suite more than matched what we have received when staying in the higher end rooms we can get with mgm properties.The casino has everything you want regarding gaming options, with all staff being very friendly and helpful...You get a real " old vegas" vibe about the place, and appreciate the family owned business touch, where everyone seems to care about the service they provide...Very much looking forward to returning on our next trip.

I loved coming to this casino. Itcwas a short walk from where we were staying. We decided to walk down Fremont Street Experience and passed some hotels and some street lights. So we eventually ended up here. I've always seen this hotel/casino on social media. This casino seems like an older place to gamble. We walked in and noticed that the ceilings were a little lower then expected. Walked around and we each played our favorite slot machine. We all ended up in the high limit room and enjoyed the slots there. In the high limit tin maybe there's like 15 slot machines. Ask different types. We had no encounter with any employees. This hotel is a fun casino to gamble at. If I decdecide to walk this far again, we'll be back to play. Maybe we'll sign up for the players cars. Maybe better yet we can meet a celebrity here like vegas Matt. Or ladyluckyhq.

While downtown we stepped into El Cortez. I've been to downtown Vegas plenty of times however never ventured past a certain point. His friend showed us around a little more. He took us here and we had a great time. Older and smaller however it had everything! Very old school Vegas feel.

I can honestly say I've never had such a poor experience in a casino- I was one of about 5 machines that needed service in one area tonight. People kept telling us all someone was coming, and someone finally came around 30 minutes later and took down some numbers from our machines- but not very apologetic considering we're wasting our time in Vegas sitting at broken slot machines. I would've called over a drink attendant to bring everyone a round of drinks while we patiently waited. I also think if one of the other patrons had not been persistent in trying to find someone to help us our service lights would've been flashing for much longer before anyone came to help out. Ridiculous.

I have been to El Cortez.,.. probably 6 or 7 times. Stayed 3 times with my wife.I used to get complementary rooms, meals and credits (not anymore since early 2024, even though I spend more there now than before) but since our last visit in late August 24, we feel things have changed quite a bit and the fun went down.First, the slots don't seem as lose as they used to, but hey, I am not a huge gambler, the wife prefers the tables. I just like to have fun and be surrounded by happy adults at the casino bar.During our last visit, I was denied comped drinks twice after "playing" (meaning losing) $60 in literally 15 mins at the bar by the tables... That never, ever used to happen. The bartender told me " the light isn't green" in quite a mean way. ok. I don't mind paying for my drinks at all but I was expecting more service and gratitude considering the way it used to be (complementary drinks every 10 mins spending maybe 100 bucks an hour? that's what I enjoyed). Similar situation happened at the other bar by the main hotel entrance but the bartender was not as strict. However, we decided to go to another (more recent) casino not far away and got comped the whole evening...Second, our room (we love staying in the original rooms,) wasn't as clean as it used to, especially the bathroom (dust and many stains on the door). Also, the disco next door was so bad (didn't use to) till 6am: It used to stop early (2am-ish?) and last time we stayed we couldn't even rest and drove back to CA very tired.Last but not least, drinks and food prices went up quite a bit in my opinion between early and late 2024.Will I give it a last try to see if it improves? most likely but I won't just "be looking forward to stay at El Cortez" like we used to.A plus for check-in staff. Super nice people.

This casino is ok.Super crowded. I guess that's a great thing. They allow smoking at the tables, and that's a hard pass for hubby and I.He actually did well at Blackjack here, but the smokers ran us out.We may return a different time of day in hopes of a different environmental experience.

If you are looking for a great price for an updated room in the Fremont St./DTLV area, you will not be disappointed. The parking structure was free and has security. This location was updated 2+ years ago and she presents as very clean and fresh. While we didn't eat on property (and we don't gamble, can you imagine LOL), we had a drink at the nice Parlour Bar and listened to live music. Our upper floor room had a great view and all of the amenities, including blackout curtains needed for neon lights at night and the sun in the morning. On a Wednesday night anyway, the street and other noise level was very good. We walked to fabulous vegan food, drinks, mural art and entertainment. Every staff member we interacted with with fabulous. We will be back!

Overall, staff were friendly and welcoming. Sure, the rooms could use an upgrade but what do you expect from the oldest casino in Las Vegas? I am not high maintenance so I am glad we ended up here and not spending beaucoup money on another hotel. Freemont street is so amazing and the vibes of this place were my favorite part. If you're looking for an affordable hotel, don't mind the old school vibes, and can deal with slightly outdated and minor dust in the rooms, this place is for you. I would totally stay here again but maybe in an upgraded room rather than the cabana which is in the building next door, but same hotel.