Hey all, I plan on heading to El Cortez this to use either LVA's 2 for 1 $45 cabana suite offer or ACG's 2 for 1 $30 regular room offer. Has anyone stayed here and can give me advice on which one to go with (or if to get there at all)?
Can't go wrong with either, although the regular tower rooms are much bigger and have dressers. None of the cabana suites have dressers for some reason.
I've stayed in the regular rooms before in the tower suite. Bathroom was quite dated, but other than that, everything was clean, and the A/C was really strong. I like the place, and the return town car to the airport is a nice touch. The regular rooms aren't fancy. If you're by yourself, you probably aren't picky if you're looking at downtown in the first place, so it should be just fine. I don't think I'd take someone here (well, to a standard room anyways, the jacuzzi suite was nice) if it was to be their first time in Vegas. The regular rooms are like hotel rooms in mid-tier national chains, with older furniture. All in all, though, nice place, easy to make the second tier player's card, $18 bottles of wine in the diner, return trip to the airport free. For what it's worth, I stay there, when I stay downtown.
I have stayed in both the Tower rooms and the Cabana rooms, and both are swell. I probably wouldn't want to stay in one of the Pavilion rooms because of it's exposure to the parking deck (and associated noise and lack of privacy). If you're a solo traveler, then a Vintage room would probably be just fine if the price is right, you are alright with thin walls, and mobility issues don't prevent you from walking up one flight of stairs.
If using the ACG's 2 for 1 offer - you can upgrade to the Cabana suites. It will cost you $50 for the two nights (plus tax and $8.95 amenities fee). (I would call and ask about each offer and decide from there - I don't know how the LVA works, however, sounds cheaper?)
So, using the ACG for cabana now costs $63 for two weekday nights. $32 a night seems a decent regular rate, but not a coupon special. Once we get above $30 a night there are lots of deals to be had. The LVA coupon seems the better deal. I don't buy that book anymore, but I think it is a great coupon book. For me this 20% reduction in the value of the ACG El Cortez coupon was disappointing and a deal breaker. I've used it at least once a year for a long while. However,in the $30-35 range I'm finding rooms at Sam's Town, two room suites at Arizona Charlies, package nights with $10 food at the Orleans, some nights at California, Gold Coast, Super 8 Koval, Four Queens. And these can be booked without limiting the booking to 2 nights. it is tough to see how this coupon is a good introduction to El Cortez for newbies or a great deal that attracts business. If someone is going there anyway, or loves Cabana, or wants to be near the El Cortez casino, then it makes some sense. But I'm booking alternatives next trip. Pavilion rooms are okay, but pretty uncomfortable if you want a nap when they clean as the carts run right by your window their wheels cliciking like small trains, and the cleaning staff has long ago forgotten about talking without shouting.. Also, there was no reasonable place for my computer. There was no privacy. Anyone passing by can be heard inside. And I experienced this in first floor Cabana rooms as well. Anyone passing in the street and talking could be heard and it often felt like they were just a few feet away, probably because they were. Vintage is really very basic. I stopped taking that deal when one morning at 2 AM I had duel TV's basting, each one on a different side of me and each on a different station. I am not too fussy, but quiet is important to me.
I stayed last week in the Cabana suites for 2 nights (fifth floor). With the a/c on full, heard nothing - super quiet (except for the darn Container Park Preying Mantis fire-throwing bursts!!!). I used the ACG coupon (they asked for it at check in - no proof of showing membership card, though), and they charged me $56.50 + $8.95 for amenities fees for the 2 nights. Considering the base rate was $43 online (could get down to about $35 with player's card discount), it was an alright deal. Wifi was excellent, and the fresh fruit in the morning is a nice touch. Beds - not as soft as previous (felt two 'bumps' in it - simply moved to the middle portion), however, a/c blows right onto face - had to set up my suitcase as a blocker, then all was good!)
As quoted from ACG website: 2-for-1 room (Sunday-Wednesday). Redeem the coupon from the American Casino Guide book for one night free room. Book one night at the special rate of $30 and get your second night free. Rate is for Vintage or Pavilion rooms. Upgrades available at a nominal charge. You may stay additional nights at casino rate. Blackout dates apply. Offer Expires 12/27/2014. So, not including tower rooms - and that is the minimum to take.