No this isn't a Strip Hotel & Spa, it's not even under the Fremont Expererience which is merely four blocks away, however this hotel is on Fremont St. in the East Entertainment District.

Much has changed since my first stay in 2006, at that time I had never even heard of it but needed a room. Why do I come back three times a year? Very simple, after one stay, my comps cannot compare with the Four Queens where I had stayed since 1998. I have not paid for a room since 2006, I get a food & slot allowance because comps are generous as are many of the penny & nickel slots.

The Hotel has undergone a major $23 million dollar renovation over the course of the last few years. New ventilatiion system, new carpet, new slots, updated rooms & lobby, and brand spanking new Cabana Suites across the street on Ogden in a sister building, also a brand new entrance and valet parking. The area around the Cortez is in flux everytime I come a new bar or shop has opened gradually changing, as once vacant buildings get occupants.

I always feel safe plenty of security both in and outside the Casino and I walk around alone sometimes at 2,3,4 in the morning from Cortez to the Fitzgerald, Binions and beyond.

The restraurant has been redesigned and features some good food at very modest prices, a steakhouse is on site as well but never eaten there. Additionally a Subway, Ice Cream and Coffee bar take up one corner. There is a new Fiesta Showroom for special events and concerts of local bands, plus a piano bar and two regular bars scattered through out the casino & conveinent parking garage.

While the drink waitresses don't come by too often, a decent tip helps to get better service and my drinks don't taste watered down. I'm not a table gamer so I can't say much about that however many have told me its the best video poker place downtown & for keno too.

I like a slot machine that pays or at least plays with a twenty to I can get an hour or better on some machines. On my first visit i won $200 on a two credit quarter machine, on my last visit using comps on a penny machine played it from 7pm till 4am walking away with $700.

My buddy and I never paid for a meal except for the sandwich from Subway and The Cortez has coupons for eating there, saving you a few bucks. People have always been so nice to me and once I left my HP digital Camera when I called two days later a maid had turned it in and it was shipped to me via priority mail which I paid for gladly.

When people ask me what the rooms are like I say compare them to La Quinta or Best Western however the rooms are large with very comfortable beds and pillows always clean sheets & rooms. These rooms have mostly all been updated, some have Flat Screen TV's and from what I have read the Cabana Suites are all new with modern amenities.

I spend very little time in my room. mostly to sleep and bathe. The rest of the day was spent walking around & seeing shows, when my brother stayed with me last winter he said the rooms were better than the Plaza where he often stays. My favorite thing about this property is it's still locally owned, not by a corprate magnet, and still has that feeling of old Vegas.

El Cortez is one of only three casinos in Las vegas that still has full pay 3-2 single deck blackjack.

They also have some of the best video poker in Las Vegas. They have good deals on rooms and food.

I have been going to Las Vegas by myself, or with my family for over ten years, and this casino is also a great place to stay and gamble.

It is really nice that you only have to go up a block to see Fremont street and all the other casinos. The people who work here are always friendly and very helpful.

Although we did not stay in the hotel, we made several visits to the casino during our latest trip, mid sept,08.

The gaming was great the staff were all very customer orientated. We ate at Roberta's which was fantastic, also at the coffee shop which was also very good and also a bargain.

From what i have seen and experienced at El Cortez i would not hesitate to stay here next trip.