El Cortez

This place has really grown on me. Sure it’s small old and has limited dining but everything else is really great. You get cash back on slot play, the rooms are the best downtown and the hosts take care of you. Nords is a fantastic host.

this is def my favorite place in downtown easily and has grown into my goto!

I am currently in one of their suites and it is top notch.

 

Although I'm not certain yet (going to see what happens this weekend), I am currently slated to come DT next Monday. Thanks for your thoughts, I've actually never walked down to El Co, but I have it on my list of things to do on my trip if I come down there.

What is the vibe like there? Are the tables (specifically craps) open, and what are they like?

 

Vegas FT gets it!! It's my go to and favorite. And yes, Nords is the best.

 

I stayed in a Big Sleep room and enjoyed it. The only thing I didn't like about the room is the flimsy doors. I'm pretty sure a 9 year old could push their way into the room.

 

Nice room! Enjoy your stay at El Co.

 

I love it too, but have a hard time talking people into going there much less staying there due to the smoke. Most DT casinos were noticeably less smoky my last 2 trips. I heard many upgraded their HVAC systems due to Covid. EC was still smoky though. I bought a shirt from the gift shop and it took two washes and a whole lot of Febreeze to get rid of the smell. I do wish they’d bring back a proper steakhouse.

 

I'd like to stay in the Cabana Suites one of these years.

 

I was there in Feb before all of this started. They had $5 tables, at least 2 open while I was there. The dealers were a lot of fun and talked a bunch of smack. I enjoy the banter with a dealer, especially one that can jokingly give me a good ribbing. Although Golden Gate is my favorite place for craps, this is a close second.

I've heard that do have $5 occasionally, but moved to $10 since they have less players at the table. Hopefully it goes back down.

We stated at the D, so it was just a block or so to walk to the El Cortez.

My wife loves their slots and they have some of the old coin slots.

We have a stay scheduled there in Sept, so I can tell you move while I'm there.

 

If I play at the el cortez and get offers from them, do you have to have a hotel stay like at the boyd casinos in order to use the free play? I know the D and golden nugget and 4 queens you do not need hotel stay. I have never played there before.

 

Nope.
El-Co is like honey-badger

 

This is the first LV hotel I ever stayed in. A few years ago I had a quick trip on short notice and I extended it over the weekend at the ElCo in a "vintage" room.

I swear the steps up to the vintage section were higher and steeper than they were in the 1970s, but I could still easily do them.

 

Thank you for the info. I will defiantly get my first play in there my next trip so I can get some free play offers. I played a lot at 4 queens last trip and kept my play up at the D and Golden Nugget. I am expecting offers pretty soon for the 4 queens based on my slot play (played a lot on one of the days I was in vegas). I need to also get play in at Golden Gate and was going to last trip, but never made it over there. End of October is my plan for next vegas trip and this means play at Circa too.

 

Are the Cabana Suites closed? Did not see any listed under rooms when I looked at reservations, only the casino rooms.

 

Golden Gate is my favorite place to play craps and my wife's favorite place to play Slots. They are pretty generous with the comps. The only odd thing is that they are owned by the D, but your slot play at the D and GG are separate.

 

Cabana Suites aren’t open yet - no firm date on reopening per my contacts at ElCo...

 

Thanks a bunch

 

Coming here in 2 weeks for the first leg of my trip, Yep, getting excited now!

 

Also, the massage place upstairs does a decent job and is cheap, with an additional $10 discount if you show your player's card. (Don't know if they're open during Covid, though).

--max

 

El Cortez is great, stayed there three times and had a great experience. The casino smell for some reason takes me back to when it started, I love it. It is one of the few old school Vegas vibe places that offer modern-enough accomodations and services. In other words, providing you with the old vibe, while not being a dump.

The only downside is they don't have any JoB VP there, so I end up playing mostly blackjack and craps.

 

IMHO, it helps to have an adventurous spirit if you’ve never visited.

But, if you can appreciate:

— 2-for-1 Happy Hour cocktails in the Parlour Bar
— Slots in the back that still pay with coins clink-clink-clinking into the tray
— Appreciation for the historical factor as one of the oldest casinos in town

Then it’s worth a visit. Been coming here for 20 years, and will continue to do so. This place is different.

Sometimes, different is good.