by Steve Bourie  Learn more about the author read more »

Built in 1941, the El Cortez was the first major resort in Downtown Las Vegas. The property has come a long way since then and currently features a hotel and casino, two restaurants (The Flame Steakhouse and Cafe Cortez) and entertainment options.

The casino, whose slogan is “Where locals come to play,” has generally attracted Las Vegas residents because of the especially good values it offers in its gambling and dining options.

The El Cortez in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada

The casino at the El Cortez is 45,300 square feet and offers a wide selection of slots and table games including blackjack, craps and roulette. The casino also features keno and a race and sports book.

The El Cortez also offers many promotions, including a daily slot tournament with $500 in prizes and a paycheck cashing special which allows gamblers to receive 5% of any cashed tax return, government check, or payroll check, in free play, up to $50 (must be a Club Cortez member, restrictions may apply).

The property’s 298-room hotel offers 285 rooms and 13 Jacuzzi suites. Rates for basic rooms begin as low as $29 and can go up to $129; while Jacuzzi suites range from $60-$159. The property also features 63 Cabana Suites that offer free WiFi, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, safe, 42″ flat screen TV, refrigerator, iHome stereo with iPod docking station, custom furniture, and a coffee maker. Rates for Cabana Suites range from $60 to $159.

The Cabana Suites Tower at the El Cortez

The El Cortez has Siegel’s 1941 as its main restaurants. It is open 24 hours a day with breakfast and lunch specials, plus for dinner it offers a gourmet menu featuring chicken, steak and seafood and an extensive wine list.

If you are looking for something more laid back, there is also Pizza Lotto which serves pizza by the slice as well as other Italian soups, salads and specialty sandwiches. 

The El Cortez also features the Parlour Bar, a premier bar that features numerous international beers and liquor as well as 12 specialty martinis in a classic Vegas-style lounge area with leather club chairs and a baby grand piano. The bar has happy hour specials and also offers free entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Parlour Bar inside the El Cortez

The El Cortez Hotel and Casino is located at 600 Fremont Street Las Vegas, NV 89101. For room reservations or more information, call
(800) 634-6703(800) 634-6703  or visit them online at: www.elcortezhotelcasino.com