"The oldest continuously operating hotel-casino in Las Vegas — a genuine piece of Vegas history with some of the best video poker odds in the city."
Overall Rating
El Cortez opened in 1941 and has been operating continuously ever since — it is the oldest continuously operating hotel-casino in Las Vegas. The property is known for its excellent video poker odds and low table minimums. The rooms are modest but the price is right and the history is real.
Modest rooms in a historic building. The Cabana Suites addition offers more modern options.
No pool.
How this resort holds up in peak Vegas summer (June–September)
No pool. Historic building AC can be inconsistent. Quieter than the main Fremont Street corridor.
Opened in 1941. Has been owned by various operators including Bugsy Siegel briefly in 1945. Jackie Gaughan owned it for decades and is credited with preserving its old-school character.
Budget travelers. Video poker players. History enthusiasts. Locals who appreciate the no-frills approach.
Uber / Lyft
Rideshare — fastest option
Taxi (Metered)
No shared shuttle service
El Cortez is for the serious gambler who wants history, the best video poker odds in Vegas, and the lowest resort fee in downtown. Not for amenity seekers.
Independent
2016
The first ground-up downtown resort in decades. Stadium Swim is the most impressive pool concept in Vegas. Adults only, by design.
The class of Fremont Street. The pool has a shark tank in the middle of it. The rooms are the best in downtown Vegas (after Circa).
One of the most storied names in Vegas gambling — Benny Binion's original joint, now operating as a casino-first property with the historic Hotel Apache tower.