El Cortez

Hotel Review

Step back in time at the El Cortez, where you can experience the history, style and personal service standards of Old Vegas -- along with excellent dining, a bustling casino floor and an elegant new bar.

Opened in 1941, the El Cortez is the longest continuously running hotel/casino in Las Vegas. It has some notoriety being that Bugsy Siegel was among a group of men -- all with ties to the mob -- who owned the joint for a short time in the mid '40s. Today, the El Cortez is located in a revitalized area of downtown dubbed the Fremont East Entertainment District, where there is an active arts scene. Restored neon signs line the street in front of the property. Visitors are also just a short walk away from a handful of eclectic bars and the famous Fremont Street Experience attraction.

In recent years, the El Cortez has undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation. The property now offers a wide variety of rooms, most of which have been remodeled. Accommodations range from traditional and vintage rooms to Jacuzzi suites in either the main tower or the Pavilion. Guests looking for a more unique experience can choose one of  10 themed suites that resulted from the hotel's Design-A-Suite Downtown contest. And the El Cortez's Cabana Suites -- a South Beach-inspired boutique hotel -- has 64 chic rooms and a fitness center available just across the street.

The resort's casino has long been popular with visitors and locals, thanks to the favorable odds and an array of promotions, like coupon books. There are more than 1,000 slot machines on the casino floor, including numerous coin-operated ones. The El Cortez has a keno lounge, a small poker room (where you'll often find the hotel's legendary former owner, Jackie Gaughan, playing in the afternoons) and a fine sports book that's now affiliated with Station Casinos.

The featured restaurant at the El Cortez is The Flame Steakhouse. This gourmet room exudes Old Vegas sophistication, which is enhanced by the live piano music. A vintage favorite, especially among locals, there are classic items on the menu that pay tribute to the city's past -- like oysters Rockefeller, escargot à la Bourguignonne, tournedos Rossini, chicken Kiev and strawberries Romanoff.

To start your day off right, the Café Cortez provides tasty and affordable breakfast options. Actually, it's a fabulous choice at any time -- being open 24 hours -- and boasts a $7.95 prime rib deal, a full Chinese menu and several late-night specials. If you are in a rush, the El Cortez has a small food court just off the lobby housing Subway, Dreyer's Ice Cream Shop and Seattle's Best Coffee. Or the Gambling Gourmet, a game-side dining service, is at your beck and call for a bite anytime you desire.

In addition to convivial bars in the lobby and at the center of the casino, the El Cortez has recently unveiled The Parlour Bar & Lounge -- although its classic design suggests it could have been around for years. The décor features rich textures, smoky mirrors, leather club chair seating and a baby grand piano. The Parlour is the perfect place to grab a drink, and it, too, has created a vintage cocktail menu. Guests can sip on a mint julep, a drink that originated in the 1700s, if they desire, or try a modern concoction like the Parlour Refresher or Fireside Manhattan.

The El Cortez has free and easy self-parking in two large, five-story garages. There's also a gift shop, a full-service beauty salon and a barber shop on the premises. 

All of these unique amenities and more await you when you stay at the El Cortez. Whether you're coming to visit one of downtown Las Vegas' many historic attractions or just to spend time with family and friends, let the city's most historic hotel address your every need. 

-- By Renée LiButti