El Cortez Hotel and Casino

Vegas's Old-School Haunts—From Historic Casinos to Retro Restaurants

"Opened in 1941, this iconic Fremont Street casino is the longest continuously operating casino in Vegas, featuring original Spanish ranch-themed facade and neon signage."

On the Grid : El Cortez

"One of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas, the El Cortez has a storied history. The hotel was purchased by gangsters Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky in 1945. While they still have yet to put in a pool, locals seem un-phased by the lack of swimming options given the casino’s philanthropic tendencies. They also have a pretty sweet karaoke lounge that can feel more like a time machine to Vintage Vegas on the right night." - David Hardy

The Best Cheap Eats In Las Vegas 2024

"If last night was for, “F*ck it I’m getting the $100 tomahawk steak,” then today is for Naked City Pizza. Most things on the menu are under $15, and a whole, very shareable 12-slice specialty pie is under $30. Though what you should really focus on here are the wings: they’re the best in town and you can get them in flavors ranging from mild to slathered in cajun butter BBQ sauce. Get the loaded fries to go with them and it might be the only meal you need all day." - edward thompson, gabe bergado

In a Last-Minute Deal, the Las Vegas Strip Avoids the Largest Hospitality Strike in U.S. History | Eater Vegas

"This property remains under a contract extension and is continuing negotiations with the Culinary Workers Union for a new five-year contract; no tentative agreement has been announced, and future ratification votes or new strike deadlines remain possible as part of wider labor talks covering tens of thousands of hospitality workers." - Janna Karel

"El Cortez, Downtown. One of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas, the El Cortez has a storied history. The hotel was purchased by gangsters Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky in 1945. While they still have yet to put in a pool, locals seem un-phased by the lack of swimming options given the casino’s philanthropic tendencies. They also have a pretty sweet karaoke lounge that can feel more like a time machine to Vintage Vegas on the right night."