Though we do not spend much time Downtown, the El Cortez is always worth a visit primarily due to the Flame Steakhouse. The restaurant maintains an old school vibe. Classic steakhouse fare is offered plus some seafood specialties that include Florida stone crab claws (Oct-May) and walleye pike. Though the menu is ala carte, it is reasonably priced and the availability of coupons makes it a bargain play. My favorite side dish is the creamed corn. Those staying at the El Cortez receive a coupon good for a bottle of wine at check-in.

Great casino and hotel, especially with the ACG coupons. We won money on slot play and table games, great food, great service. Large rooms if you opt for tower room, nice that you need room key card to operate the elevator.

This place is not bad if you like the old style vegas feeling. Although there are not many table games, there always seems to be a seat available for us. I used to go the the cafe a lot until they told my dad he couldn't wear his tank top in the summer. I could understand the Flame but not the regular restaurant.

Rooms are O.K. - even after the remodel, don't assume it is awesome. But it is better. Nicest rooms are in the Cabana Suite, but be smart and make sure you are in an upgraded room over in the "Suites" otherwise your room will feel more like the Cabana Closet. Wife refuses to stay here, she hates having to cross the street after dark - especially when the posted security guard is caught up doing things other than his job (flirting with the ladies appears to be a priority). As for the rooms in the hotel, stay away from the vintage rooms unless you truly don't know where the homeless shelter is. Tower rooms are O.K., but their last remodel might as well been decades ago as their room inventory is ridden hard.

Casino is the reason to go. Slots are the best in Vegas, and tables are frequent and popular. Maybe too popular as sometimes you will have to be patient, especially on the lower end .25 cent and .50 banking games. Sports Book has heavy traffic. Keno but no Bingo. Players Club - shockingly - is only So So, fairly stingy with free play and increasingly more stingy with free rooms and food (not sure why given that they are not all that special).

Food is still good and reasonably priced. But it too used to be better.

Cortez is still an above average choice for the Downtown Gambler on a budget.

When we go to Vegas we like to stay downtown, we love the old-style Vegas. On our last trip we decided to try the El Cortez and we were very pleased with every part of our stay. The hotel rooms are adorable and very retro. Their steak house is divine and the slots are pretty loose. The price was the best deal we have ever had in Vegas. Try it, you will be amazed!