How do you rate El Cortez?

I have read the review, and viewed the website, and I can't help but think the El Cortez would be worth a visit when I am in town next week, but I get the feeling that the place is disliked by some, Jerry maybe?

Would it be worth going there, playing blackjack for 4 hours at $25 in the hope of getting a free room offer and a steak at the Flame?

My opinion is that the El Cortez is underrated. It is the butt of a lot of jokes, but I find it on par with the other downtown casinos, excluding the Golden Nugget. What sets it apart from the rest of downtown is they get a lot more regulars. That gives it a friendlier kind of vibe. I have never played there on a regular basis, but the word of mouth is that they are generous when it comes to comps. Personally, I give them props for the true single-deck blackjack. Some of the clientele look like some pretty beat to hell human beings though. You'll see some interesting characters there -- real salt of the earth types. If your vacation budget is in the $50-$100/day range, the El Cortez is worth considering.

My budget is more the $600-1000 a day range, but I can't resist some easy free comps! We just don't get ANYTHING comped in the UK. You have to make the final table of a 100 runner poker tourney to get a free beer. When you consider I play blackjack £25 a hand, and TCP £10-30 a hand you would think I would get a drink.

I'd like to visit next time I'm in Vegas, but from all I've read it would be best to go during the day.

WizardofEngland, you don't need to play anywhere near $25 a hand to get comps there. You'll do fine with $5-$10. But if that's what you already play, it couldn't hurt. Hey, that might be a good place to meet up since we are going to be in town at the same time. I always go to the El Cortez.

Sounds good to me. Just wanted to watch them "sweat the money" like in the review... He he he. Want to meet up on the Wednesday?

Quote: WizardofEngland

I get the feeling that the place is disliked by some, Jerry maybe?

You should consider that a hearty recommendation in the place's favor.

Quote: WizardofEngland

I have read the review, and viewed the website, and I can't help but think the El Cortez would be worth a visit when I am in town next week, but I get the feeling that the place is disliked by some, Jerry maybe?

Would it be worth going there, playing blackjack for 4 hours at $25 in the hope of getting a free room offer and a steak at the Flame?

El Cortez will be 70 years old next year, and the owner is now age 90. He is the last of the men who created Las Vegas. Jackie lives above the casino (probably the only multi-millionaire who lives downtown) and was the creator of many of the promotions that are commonplace in Vegas. He puts a suit on every day and plays in the tiny three table poker room with the lowest percentage rake of any casino in Vegas.

I think everyone should pay a visit to the El Cortez and try to say hello to Jackie before he dies. He has alzheimers so don't expect much, but it is a tribute to the oldest full service casino (i.e. with hotel rooms and restaurants) left in Vegas. The area of town is not the best, but it is perfectly safe. There are a lot of guards.

About 5 years ago, they cut the number of slot machines in half which provided more room to walk around. They also put in new carpet, air ventilation system, and remodeled the coffee shop. They no longer have the chinese buffet. The Flame is an old-fashioned splurge restaurant, for a lot less money than most places. Many of the employees are older fixtures.

I was there once when one of the performers for Mamma Mia at Mandalay Bay came into the place with the rest of the cast. Since women who have all their teeth are usually a welcome site, she was a huge hit.

The Tower rooms have great views of the strip, and are less than most standard rooms in an ordinary casino. The furniture and TV's are all about 30-40 years old. But the rooms are very big, and some have jacuzzi's. The cabana suites are in an old hotel in the back. The building is in an ugly location, but the rooms are great.

The casino opened before the end of WWII when the population of the city was about 10K. The signage on the outside of the building has never been changed.

The gamblers like the place because they are the only place left that plays single deck, full pay blackjack for a $5 minimum. The double deck game is less of a bargain.

The last time I was at the 'Tez (or is it the ElCo?), they gave me a free Klondike bar from the reach-in freezer that I think was only for player that hit big jackpots. A little gesture like that goes a LONG way. Why do I remember that incident more than big winning sessions?

Quote: WizardofEngland

Sounds good to me. Just wanted to watch them "sweat the money" like in the review... He he he. Want to meet up on the Wednesday?

Cool. I have to pick up a couple people from the airport that day, but should be able to swing by. I just pm'ed you my contact info.