In 1913, the El Cortez hotel was placed on the National Register of historic Places. It has been in existence since 1941, and is one of the oldest properties in Las Vegas. The casino has been in continuous operation at the same location since that time, making it also the longest running casino in Las Vegas. The style of El Cortez is Spanish Colonial Revival, reflecting the facade that it was given in 1952, when it was modernized. Years ago the El Cortez was owned by the legendary mob figures of Bugsy Siegel and others. The property is one of the few casinos never to have changed its exterior, and has kept the same signage and architecture for over seventy years.
A Favourite with the Local People
El Cortez hotel and casino is not one of the largest in Las Vegas, and has always marketed itself as the casino where the local people come to play, rather than trying to compete with the larger casinos for the tourist business. A fifteen storey tower was added in 1980, the hundred room Ogden House renovated to make the sixty four modern Cabana suites, with a fitness centre. This was completed in 2000, bringing the total number of rooms to 364.
The Exterior Remains the Same as When It was Built
The El Cortez hotel may not have altered the exterior of the building, keeping the spirit of the old Vegas alive, but the latest remodelling of the interior took place in 2006. Major improvements were undertaken to carpets, floors, gaming machines, even the wiring. Guest rooms were all renovated, and a new upgraded kitchen was added. It has also added a smart new entrance by opening a block long pedestrian walkway from Las Vegas Boulevard to the hotel’s main entrance. The El Cortez is known to be the casino that gives new table games dealers the experience they will need for the big tourist destinations.
Great Gaming at the Casino
One of the main attractions of El Cortez is the gaming at the casino. The casino occupies one floor of the main pavilion, and offers players over one thousand slot machines (some identical to the best pokies in Australia), including some of the old type coin operated machines. All the popular table games are there, like blackjack, baccarat and roulette, and there is an active sports book with the full range of sports betting options. This sports book is vouched for by the Station Casinos sports books. There are special tables for beginners who want to go slowly and try out all the games first. The casino offers players a Gambling Gourmet service, which will provide players with meals served from a rolling cart, and which they can enjoy without leaving their seats. There is of course a great variety of restaurants, serving all kinds of dishes from different countries, and live music can also be enjoyed in the Parlour Bar and Lounge. Here you will also find the cocktails from centuries past, like the Mint Julep and Old Fashioned.
The El Cortez is in a great location, near to the dazzling light show of nearby downtown, has good room rates and a historical feel. It is an indispensable part of Las Vegas’s exciting casino area.