Step Back in Time at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino – A Vintage Vegas Experience
The El Cortez opened its doors in 1941, making it one of the oldest continuously operating casinos in Las Vegas. It was so ahead of its time that people thought it was too far from the action—ironically, now it’s at the heart of the up-and-coming Fremont East District.
After opening, the El Cortez quickly found success. In 1945, it attracted the interest of some very famous investors: Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Gus Greenbaum, and Moe Sedway. They bought the property for $600,000, but sold it just a year later to focus their efforts on building the Flamingo Hotel — the first big project on what would become the Las Vegas Strip.
In 1963 it was the first of a long line of hotels purchased by Jackie Gaughan, a Vegas Legend who lived in the penthouse for decades and was known for his old-school style and and treating his guests like neighbors, not numbers. In fact, his daughter and the manager confirmed the story that Mr. Gaughan paid for the funerals and cremations of employees who didn’t have family and their urns are now permanently walled up in a hidden section in the basement of the old hotel.
In 2013, The El Cortez earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and deservedly so. The building’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, original neon signage, and enduring charm make it one of the last true icons of Old Vegas.
Where to Stay: Rooms with a Story
El Cortez offers several types of accommodations, each with its own vibe:
Vintage Rooms – Located in the original 1941 wing. Modest, nostalgic, and perfect if you want that classic Vegas feel. The are the “historic register” part of the hotel. The room we stayed in was part a suite of offices for Jackie Gaughan himself.
Tower Premium Rooms – More updated and located in the 15-story tower added in 1980, with better views and a bit more space. These are all newly renovated with many premium upgrades and a LOT of style!
Cabana Suites – Across the street and all Art Deco attitude, these are bold and boutique for the hipper crowd. this includes ad
The Jackie Gaughan Suite – Yes, you can stay in the penthouse that Jackie himself called home. It’s an experience. (we didn’t get a tour of the suite because it was occupied!).
I used AI tools like ChatGPT to help research and edit this article — but every story, detail, and memory shared here is curated and reviewed by a human who loves vintage travel! All photographs in this post were taken by me.
Add a comment