I really like this hotel because I am a solo traveler that loves Vegas! I am female by the way but if had a man , I would perfer more luxury. You know, couples spend more time IN the room but for me, when I wake, I hit the ground running and enjoy the STREET! I gamble, eat , and see the sights. At night I crash and the hotel is fine. You can also get a late night meal before bed. They have a few new slots that make it worth your while to gamble there. If you want fun, on a budget, and can deal with basic only,the EC is the place for you. If you're trying to impress with your lodging, stay elsewhere. For my money, EC anytime! I was there in March, May, and will return in August 2009. I am from S.C. but I return often because, I love Vegas! (I really hate there is no fridge or micro wave in EC)But my best tip for you is, take the bus or cab-because after all the alcohol all the many casinos offer you-they will lock you up for DUI in a heart beat in a car. It happened to a friend and spoiled the whole trip. Real bummer! VIVA LAS VEGAS!

The El Cortez has made changes and updates that should make anyone staying in the downtown area consider it as their first choice.

As always the relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, great bargains on rooms and meals make a visit to the El Cortez worth it. The drinks keep coming.

I didn't recognize the place at first, but all the changes were well thought out.

We had stayed downtown before but this was the first time at El Cortez. We thought the room was very nice, beautifully furnished and clean and the bed was comfortable. I was disappointed that there was no mini-fridge or hair dryer in the room, and they were stingy with the towels. The downside was the casino - way too smoky too spend any time in, and the comps were poor compared to other downtown hotels - for the same time at the tables at El Cortez we received $4 compared with 2 free meals at the Queens. The coffee shop is very dark, but the breakfast was great. Staff is friendly. Also, we had an even-numbered room - a guest with an odd-number told us he had trouble sleeping from the noise from the concert on Fremont.

I just returned from my weekend stay at the Cabana Suites in Las Vegas. The Suites are very much a part of the El Cortez Casino. You must check in at the EC front desk, park at the EC valet or self park, and when you call the hotel operator from your room it is the EC operator.

When we walked into our standard room (the cheapest priced room they have) my wife and I were shocked as to how small the room was! We didn't even bother to unpack. We immediately called the front desk and asked about upgrading into a bigger room. We upgraded into a Junior Suite for $30 more a night.

Negatives:

The rooms size was just fine. However, I was disappointed the room didn't have a sitting area. In my experience, any room with the word Suite in the description, usually means it has a seating area (love seat, chairs, coffee table, etc.).

The beds were very unimpressive. Not firm at all, but lumpy. The pillows were soft, but very overstuffed. If you're picky about pillows, you should probably bring your own.

The room had no dressers to put away my clothes. The place were you can hang your clothes did not have a door.

The lighting was horrible. Very small lamps in the room.

The bathroom was very nice, but lacked counter space. This was surprising because there is so much empty space in the bathroom.

The room had a very attractive selection of snacks (even an intimacy kit). However they were priced very high if you decided to open them or eat them. Example: M&M's were $5! Intimacy kit $6.

The positives:

The lobby area, hallways, and exterior of the building were very clean and nice. It looks exactly like it does on the website.

The lobby provides free fruit and water.

There is a security guard outside the building and inside the lobby at all times. This helps considering the seedy area (sleazy motels) surrounding the EC property.

The flat screen was very nice, Hi-def, and approx 42in.

Ipod dock on the alarm clock (no good for me since my mp3 player is a Zune).

The fitness center was very nice (looking at it from the outside, hehe).

The building is very quiet overall since it's not on Fremont Street.

In conclusion, I think the Cabana Suites should rename their rooms to better reflect the room's amenities. Deluxe room should be the economy room, the Junior Suite should be a standard room, and the Super Suite should be a regular suite. BTW, the Super Suite comes with a queen size bed and not a king?!

Overall, there was nothing unbearable about the room, however we probably won't be staying at the Cabana Suites again.