My son and I stayed in the towers at the El Cortez for two nights over the Christmas holiday. We picked the hotel for its very low price (ave about $25 per night), decent reviews and location. The room is a standard motel room with a decent bed and couch. The furniture is older real dark wood that added a nice feel to the room. The TV was not a flat screen but that was OK. It was nothing fancy but I'd certainly say it was average. I've stayed in much worse for way more money. Staff treated me fine. We did not do much at the hotel, just placed a few football bets, had a few drinks and a light meal. The casino looked ok and I planned to play Roulette do to low min bet but did not get to it.

The location is at the end of Fremont street and is handy to visit other down town hotels etc. I had not been down there in years and it is much different the the strip (Seedier I suppose), but we had fun were able to walk to many casino's which was fun.

Don't judge a book by its cover! The rooms are clean and comfortable. Because it's an older hotel, the rooms were built for privacy...you can't hear your neighbors. Even though the hotel is just two blocks from the Freemont Street Experience, it cannot be heard!
Its location is perfect. The value is great.
The cafe, however, should be avoided...it's awful!

eventhough my booking was missing when I checked in- the assistant manager soon made good the error. And even when we had to tolerate the first night without power from 1am- 6am ( cold night that was) . Reason being that they were switching power systions or something. I still think el Cortez is a gem of a find. My 5 night stay was very comfortable n pleasant. Food n staff at the cafe is excellent n I'll definitely come back again when Im back in town

the room we booked was "pavillion" - steer well clear as they look like run down motel rooms and very unsafe environment. we made our minds up when stepping out of the lift realising how run down they looked. we opened the door just in case they were nicer inside - but alas they were worse. We went straight down to reception and had to pay $10 per night extra for an upgraded room in the tower. Although they were better, the picutres on the website are nothing like the real thing and must have been taken decades ago.
The worst thing about this hotel is that you cannot get to the lift without going onto the casino floor and then being gassed by the stench of stale smoke. your clothes stink by the time you have left the casino from the lift.
I would never ever recommend this hotel dispite the pictures it is definitely not a nice place. There are better hotels for the same price.
The staff were all very unhelpful and unfriendly.