How do you rate El Cortez?
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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?
Quote: WizardofEnglandI 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: WizardofEnglandI 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.
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.Quote: WizardofEnglandSounds 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?
The crowd is a bit older however a good portion of the patrons have been playing there for decades. They get a large Mid west contingency.
My wife loves chatting with some of the old timers. Funny to hear stories about the little old gentleman playing poker in his heyday administering a beat down to a rail thief.
Comps are abundant. Points come easily. Still a few +100 DB machines (Seats never cold)
Best thing is 5/8 BP at all bar tops. I can easily drink the .8% to even it out
The crowd can be a bit odd at times however I remember a night staying at the Encore playing VP when XS let out. I'll take the East Fremont weirdo over that any day.
Frank at the main bar during graveyard puts on Married w Children. Beer, VP and Kelly Bundy.
Not sure what the unwritten rule is but every casino bar seems to be locked on ESPN. No problem w sports however in LV at 4 am ESPN is on the 3rd replay of yesterdays game.
I hear people say they sweat the play but aside from hearing "Check Play" I haven't seen anyone backed away from a BJ table and have not heard any stories aside from "Mr friend was playing..." in a while. Truth be told they were one of the last places to keep the back rooming tradition alive.
About a year ago I brought a buddy out to LV. Plays a lot in CT. He sat down at a single deck and played a good 12 - 15 hours a day for 3 days. Avg bet was between $25-$50 but he was going up by 4x or more often. Never backed away even tho he was cleaning up.
His first night there about 3 am he asked the pit boss if they could raise the limit from $3 to $50. He was getting tired of playing w the lil people. The look on the PB's face was worth it.
He must have enjoyed himself since he flew back every weekend for a month.
Quote: Wavy70I hear people say they sweat the play but aside from hearing "Check Play" I haven't seen anyone backed away from a BJ table and have not heard any stories aside from "Mr friend was playing..." in a while.
What would 'Check Play' mean? I havent heard that one. In the UK if a dealer wants a pit boss, sorry I mean pit manager, they pucker their lips and suck in as if they are blowing someone a kiss. The noise is a like a dog whistle to the pit manager.
It's the way it was described, I HAVE to go and see it. I am unlikely to spend this much money on a holiday for a few years, and who knows what could happen in that time.
Quote: WizardofEnglandWhat would 'Check Play' mean? I haven't heard that one. In the UK if a dealer wants a pit boss, sorry I mean pit manager, they pucker their lips and suck in as if they are blowing someone a kiss. The noise is a like a dog whistle to the pit manager.
It's the way it was described, I HAVE to go and see it. I am unlikely to spend this much money on a holiday for a few years, and who knows what could happen in that time.
They call the pb like that? Some pb's in LV still may back room you for that lol.
Check Play is what they call out when you suddenly change your average bet noticeably. Rarely does the PB give more than a glance.
I seem to remember a story about a year ago where a guy walked in to the ElC w a few k and cashed out close to 6 figures. Oddly wasn't an AP or so claimed just hit a hell of a streak.
I always say. If you want a fair game and nothing fancy hit the El C.
If you wanna see Paris Hilton snort bumps or Steve Wynn ruin artwork don't hit the ElC.
:)
:)
Quote: WizardofEnglandYes, I don't know what they call it, but I am hoping Croupier will show up and provide more info, he works for the same chain of casinos I visit in the south of England, and it seems very 'universal' here. I often do it with pit managers I know. Sometimes while they are not looking ;-)
Its called kissing up. It is also done in pretty much every casino in the country. It is also used by casino workers to grab other casino workers attention in busy places. Its a good trick.
It's just so much more fun than anywhere else (for all the reasons mentioned above). It really does have a cozy atmosphere that's hard to describe.
I think the signs that advertise "Gambling" and "Coffee Shop and Bar" sum it up. It's as comfortable as my house. But my house doesn't have any of those things!
The single-deck games have a nice pace, and the craps table is always a blast.
It is a short non--accusatory phrase that a dealer uses to alert the Floor and Pit that something is happening that is possibly significant but possibly quite normal and innocent. If a player suddenly bets five times what he has been averaging so far, perhaps the deck is positive and he is counting cards. This "checks play" is a way of letting the Suits know of the sharp increase in the amount being bet but play continues. Usually the floor does not particularly care but the dealer is making him aware of what is happening. Its often the first step in eventually backing off a card counter, but its also simply a routine policy to have the dealer call it out even if its the normal variance in what various whimsical players bet.Quote: WizardofEnglandWhat would 'Check Play' mean?
The suits may watch more closely or may linger in the area and watch intently. If they don't like what they are seeing, the suits may start chatting with the player to distract him or start glaring at him.
In the old days at the Monte Carlo Gaming Salons, the croupiers would softly perform various hand clap signals but in Las Vegas it is now all short calls that aurally alert the suits to any unusual situation.
Quote: teddysThe 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?
You get the Klondike bar for any jackpot of $25 or more, but just on Wednesdays (they give you a ticket, so you can pick up the bar at any subsequent time).
Quote: mkl654321You get the Klondike bar for any jackpot of $25 or more, but just on Wednesdays (they give you a ticket, so you can pick up the bar at any subsequent time).
Don't forget the free slices of Marie Calander Pies on Holidays.
Do you ever stay at the rooms above the casino. It's one of my dreams to roll out of bed and fall down stairs to a blackjack or craps table :)Quote: dudestupidMy wife and I get entertainment on the strip, but the ElCo is our favorite place to play.
It's just so much more fun than anywhere else (for all the reasons mentioned above). It really does have a cozy atmosphere that's hard to describe.
I think the signs that advertise "Gambling" and "Coffee Shop and Bar" sum it up. It's as comfortable as my house. But my house doesn't have any of those things!
The single-deck games have a nice pace, and the craps table is always a blast.
Quote: teddysDo you ever stay at the rooms above the casino. It's one of my dreams to roll out of bed and fall down stairs to a blackjack or craps table :)
My wife and I have stayed in the old rooms just up from the casino floor quite a few times.
Truthfully it's like the dream Req Room. Running down the stairs to be smack dab in front of a craps table.
I must admit the walk up after a few dozen hours f drinking can be a task.
Quote: WizardofEnglandI don't have a clue what you guys are talking about, but they sound tasty.
I think you call them Choc ice. In the United States, Klondike bar, Eskimo Pie, Hershey's, and Krunch brands are common. Dove bars are more expensive version.
Go to the Beauty Bar across the street from the El Cortez. On Wednesday night it is Ladies Night, so it won't cost as much to buy some girls a drink.
The girls at Beauty Bar can be seriously gothic.
El Cortez has not changed their exterior in 70 years.
If the girls in the photo from the Beauty bar look scary, then in the same block is a more upscale, piano bar called Don't Tell Mama which obviously caters to both straights and gays.
The Griffin is an excellent bar, fashionable, but not super upscale
The Downtown Cocktail Lounge has such an unassuming front that you could easily walk by it. It is sort of the hang out of the gallery owners and the media types, and is much nicer than you might think for such a neighborhood. It's around the corner on Las Vegas Blvd. The girls will be older and less gothic than the Beauty Bar.
The kabob corner is the best place for an $8 meal
Mamacita's doesn't have the finest food, but the music videos are good, and I recommend the soup.
The Western is one of the dingiest casinos in Vegas, but some people like to pop inside just to say they've been there. I don't recommend breathing.
Do not wander too far down Fremont Street (stop at 8th street). It's a series of 50's eras motels where serious drugs and prostitution are king. This is the section of the city where the mayor wanted to legalize prostitution as a way to raise money for urban redevelopment.
Alan. The reason to go to the Western is gone. Not nearly as scary as it was years ago. Originally Jackie G opened it as a bingo parlor.
Quote: pacomartinEl 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.
Just wondering. In this post it states that the casino opened "before the end of WW11." Since the ElCo was built in 1941 did it operate as a hotel originally and then open a casino later? Also, while I'm at it, in Wikipedia I noticed that The Pavilion Rooms were added in 1963. The Vintage Rooms are what the two floors above the casino are called now. So are the Pavilion Rooms the third floor and the original hotel only had one floor of rooms--the second floor? I'm editing as I go along. Just noticed a photo from the late '40s and there are three floors to the original structure. Further editing; Just called the El Co and asked; front desk manager does not know but wished me a Merry Christmas.
The rooms on the north side of the tower are pretty damn good. I stayed there last week and my room included a fridge, two couches, a full size desk, king bed, safe, flat screen HDTV (50" I think). Everything works. Always. Never a problem of any type.
One unique thing I like about El C is taking a shower in the morning with the window open. It's not a big window, but big enough to yell at homeless folk walking around below while showering.
Cafe Cortez is a nice way to start the day. And sitting at the bubble craps machine ($1 min bet, 5x odds) with all the scum bags while enjoying a cold beer is a great way to end the day.
The parking garage is fine. Easy to get in and get out.
Each trip I stop into the barber shop and get a relaxing shave from Ernesto. He is one cool dude.
The coffee shop (The Beat) across the street is a cool place to grab a cup of coffee for $1 (morning happy hour) and take advantage of the free WiFi.
No doubt they will sweat your action at the the tables if you're a sharp player, but you can still get some money on the felt in short bursts.
And the Flame Steakhouse will offer a damn fine meal at a square price (definitely if you have one of the coupons from LVA or ACG).
I don't play at the El C often, but it's a great place to stay. Lots to like.
I played at the El Cortez with my friends and had a good time. I did some craps, BJ, and video poker. It's probably only 1 of 2 times in my history of playing BJ in Las Vegas where I was actually up. In fact, I was up in all three. Sounds like all you really want though is a freebie/comp every now and then. For your action, you definitely should get something.
I'd recommend the off-strip casinos. Anything on-strip is stingy even for your play. Indian reservations also seem to comp a little better too, but it'd be odd to fly to the US for that alone.
If you're not expecting a highly glamorous place, but a decent place to gamble with a few comps, I think you'll be happy going to El Cortez.
The Pavilion rooms are above the parking garage.Quote: GreasyjohnJust wondering. In this post it states that the casino opened "before the end of WW11." Since the ElCo was built in 1941 did it operate as a hotel originally and then open a casino later? Also, while I'm at it, in Wikipedia I noticed that The Pavilion Rooms were added in 1963. The Vintage Rooms are what the two floors above the casino are called now. So are the Pavilion Rooms the third floor and the original hotel only had one floor of rooms--the second floor? I'm editing as I go along. Just noticed a photo from the late '40s and there are three floors to the original structure. Further editing; Just called the El Co and asked; front desk manager does not know but wished me a Merry Christmas.
Quote: teddysThe Pavilion rooms are above the parking garage.
Thanks teddys. I just called them to confirm your wild accusation, and you are right! I just stayed there for the first time in November. I would get out of the North parking garage elevator, walk all the way to the south side of the casino, and all the way around to the Tower elevator, in order to get to my room. Then I discovered the short cut that cut the distance in half (the hallway that passes by the Parlour Bar). Then I discovered that you could just exit the North garage elevator, turn north and go through the door directly to the tower elevator. I enjoy getting to know the layout of places!
Quote: andyg99I visited the El Cortez for the first time during my trip a couple of weeks ago. I'll be making it a regular stop when I do my downtown visit during future trips. Something about that place was very cool, maybe that it was small, maybe the history, maybe that the music wasn't making my ears bleed (classic rock was playing at "normal" volume)... and that yellowish-glass on the doors to Fremont Street made looking out to the outside really weird in a good way (it was about 4PM at the time)... anyway I gambled there for about 4 hours and can't wait to return early next year.
Yeah, I agree. The place is a dump but it's a charming dump.
Now staying here for the weekend
Vegas is expensive on the weekends and the price is right.
Checked in, got a room at the next door Cabana building.
Kind of weird having a room in a seperate building
Room on 1st floor, uggh, cant let in the sun, lose all privacy. Also sealed in, cant crack window.
Really nice TV and a Fridge. Love having a fridge, 2nd room in a row. Never had a fridge before except for extended stay places.
The style of the room is nice is a bit hipster with bright green paint
The small lounge area of the cabana section is very nice. I am quite impressed by this lounge. Very bright comfortable atmosphere with tv and a very nice exercize room right by.
This area of downtown kind of neat, with Zappos , hipster shops, container park, variety of businesses, I like the area.
Walkedback through the El and a live piano player in the lounge. Very classy sound with the piano.
Took the walk over to the Triple George Grill, had the pot roast, excellent.
Now ready to do a BJ session at the El 1 deck game :-)
Quote: zippyboyHow's Neonopolis looking these days?
I could be wrong but I don't think there's one thing open there. Who would want to go into the mall if only a couple of stores were open?
Quote: KeyserThe regular hotel has large rooms but the mattresses are as flat as a pancake. The Cubanna tower rooms are extremely small and uncomfortable. And lastly the hotel front desk is painfully understaffed and poorly trained.
I've stayed there a couple times in the last year. I stayed in Tower rooms and the beds were fine. No problem with the front desk staff either. I don't care for party pits and the El Co doesn't have one. Women dealers dressed nicely is what stirs my imagination.
Quote: zippyboyHow's Neonopolis looking these days?
Neonopolis is depressing.
I checked out the toy store once because the owner is on pawn stars.
Other then that, just a place to walk by.
Quote: KeyserThe regular hotel has large rooms but the mattresses are as flat as a pancake. The Cubanna tower rooms are extremely small and uncomfortable. And lastly the hotel front desk is painfully understaffed and poorly trained.
I dont think the Cabana rooms are extremely small and uncomfortable.
For convenience, room has snacks and smart water if consumed then charged to room.
I'm pretty comfortable. Extremely small, thats the Golden Gate.
No bad expereience for me at the front desk, pretty standard precedure.
