Built in 1941 on Sixth and Fremont for $250,000, the El Cortez wasn’t doing very well…folks thought it was too far out of the downtown area! So one year later it was sold to Thomas Hull, who turned around and sold it for $600,000 three years later to Bugsy Siegel. Not a bad investment! But wait…six months later he sold it for $760,000 to investors who held onto it until 1963, when they sold it to Jackie Gaughan (who passed away just recently).

Never changing the name, Jackie added the Pavilion and in 1974 bought the Ogden house across the street to use for overflow from the El Cortez. He and Jackie Jr. also added a fourteen floor tower. Redoing the Ogden House, it was renamed the El Cortez Cabana Suites. Gaughan held onto the property until 2010, when it was sold to Ike Gaming.

While the façade and name were never changed, the interior was redone to return it to the 40’s aura that had been changed by previous owners. The longest running hotel/casino in town, it is one of the best places to hang out if you are looking for “the old Las Vegas.” While prices are not what they were in 1941, they are substantially lower than anything you will find on the Strip…and the designer suites are luxurious.

The Flame Steakhouse is open from Wednesday through Sunday; from 5 pm to 10 pm. You have to be 18 or older to dine there. If you love Steak Diane, this is the place to go! Of course they also have traditional steak house fare; and live piano as well. And Café Cortez is one of the few hotels owned 24 hour coffee shops left in Las Vegas, which is really a shame. Who comes to Las Vegas to eat at Denny’s or TGIF? The coffee shop is less expensive and serves old Las Vegas cuisine. You will love the midnight specials!

Of course they have entertainment, too. Friday-Sunday there is karaoke. On Thursday you can see the Sinatra Sensation, and on Friday and Saturday they offer the Elvis Tribute. What fun! Of course you can bet on sports, play keno, hit the slots, and try all the table games offered. Think of the El Cortez as a wonderful combination of the old and the new…Downtown and the Strip!

600 Fremont St
Las Vegas, NV
702-384-6502
El Cortez