El Cortez Hotel Casino: Excellent Value Casino

[Casino Reviews]

The El Cortez casino is the complete opposite of the strip casinos. They have some great games -- and I think it's the best place in Vegas to play Blackjack. They only deal single and double deck games. No 6 or 8 deck shoes. They have low minimums -- as low as $3 or $5 all the time. Single deck blackjack pays 3:2 (single deck at most other places pays 6:5). They also have lots of full pay video poker machines. The atmosphere is pretty smoky, but this place is the way Vegas is supposed to be done.

The food and drinks in the restaurants and bars are very reasonably priced. They have invested a lot of money over the past few years renovating the rooms and although I've never stayed there, those who do rave about them. It's an excellent value.

I encourage you to support places like this, and keep them around! I have had some great experiences here, and look forward to going back.



Read the full Casino Review

[mattbob77]

As a low-roller, I love gambling at the El Co. During our March Madness trips, we always spend some time there hitting the $3 craps table, playing blackjack, or watching sports in the refurbished sports book.

One note of caution; with a coupon we once got the breakfast buffet for $1, and even at that it was overpriced. I've heard the steakhouse is decent, but I'll never go there for breakfast again.

[colbert]

Yes, the ElCo is one of the best things going in Vegas. The ACG 2-1 room rates, especially if you get a vintage room, and the 50% off at the Steakhouse are standout deals.

[shadroch]

Its not nearly as smokey as it used to be. Breakfast buffet is pretty bad,although I have heard it's improved. Steakhouse is well above average, but prices are slowly creeping up. Not the fantastic deal it was a few years ago.
If you don't mind walking two flights of stairs, the suites above the casino on the third floor are fantastic bargins. Much nicer than the second story rooms.