Key Points:
- I was shocked at how impressive I found my “Original 47” room at El Cortez to be.
- This is a modern, stylish, functional room in a historically significant resort.
- The gaming floor at El Cortez remains one of my favorites with token slots, coin VP, and a fun table games pit.
Few properties in Las Vegas have the “old-school” charisma that El Cortez has, which opened in 1941 and maintains a historic vibe over 80 years later.
The casino floor is dark, the ceilings are low, and it smells of yesteryear. It’s been a go-to craps destination of mine for years and years.
It had been a while since I last stayed in El Cortez’s Cabana Suites, an experience I enjoyed, and figured it was due time to check out one of their “Original 47” rooms, which have been in service since 1941.
Notably, El Cortez’s O47 rooms were all renovated as part of a 2022 project, and I paid $94.92 for one night (includes taxes and fees).
Check-In Experience
A smaller hotel with just 364 rooms, I walked right up to the hotel desk and had a room key in han… I mean, on my wrist (more below) within 5 minutes.
The employee working the front desk was *so* nice, and put up with my nerdy questions about the O47 room, and even handed me a printed packet of information so that I could study up!
Inside My “Original 47” Room
Uniquely, I needed to climb the red-carpeted stairs near the craps table to access the floor my room was on above the casino.
The hotel hallway was downright nice and was adorned with artwork depicting Vegas of yesteryear.
The Room
I reached my room, opened the door, walked in, and was legitimately taken aback by what I walked into…. In a good way.
Look. I already mentioned that I love the vibe at El Cortez, but let’s call it as it is. El Cortez has a reputation of being a bit grimy. A bit rough around the edges. Hell, that’s why I love the casino – I dig that vibe.
I expected that grimy vibe to carry into their room product, but this room was shockingly nice.
I had doubts, but I thought the minty color scheme worked. The accent wall was also a nice touch.
What shocked me the most was the overall decor scheme – It felt trendy and upscale… which was unexpected at El Cortez.
There was wall art with a Cuban theme, stylish furniture, and even decorative pillows that were in perfect condition.
I’m not a color-matching expert, but thought the red door popped nicely against the rest of the room.
The room was equipped with an iron, ironing board, a safe, and an empty mini-fridge.
A rare amenity in Las Vegas, the O47 room also had a coffee machine with complimentary K-cups.
The TV had a modern channel guide, and even had a channel dedicated to the history of El Cortez and the O47 rooms!
One important nugget gleaned from that channel is that no 2 O47 rooms are the same. They all have slightly different layouts, so your room is likely to be a tad different.
The Bathroom
The bathroom was pretty “standard”, and was functional albeit not “awe-inspiring”.
What’s Not To Like?
The Room Key
My least favorite aspect of my room at El Cortez was the room key, which was a… wristband.
No keycards. No mobile keys. A wristband.
I was told that I don’t have to wear it and could take it off after check-in, but it’s not like I can stick a wristband in my wallet.
Bathroom Cleanliness
When I do room reviews, I like to get down on my hands and knees looking for scuffs, stains, damage, and other deficiencies.
While the entire bedroom portion of my O47 room was spotless, the bathtub and attention to detail in the bathroom was the lone “rough spot”.
In the tub, the overflow drain cover was hanging off, exposing the opening behind it.
Additionally, the tub floor’s cleanliness level didn’t exactly inspire confidence.
The bathroom was also home to a few dusty corners.
Resort Experience
The Casino Floor
As mentioned, I love the old-time vibe of the casino at El Cortez.
There’s a room packed with coin-operated video poker (that I dropped a hundy on), a carousel of real token slots (that I dropped another hundy on), and the table game pit has tubs of beer on ice during peak times to serve their players quickly.
The craps tables are often wide open, and minimums were $15 during my time there, but I’ve played them several times previously at a $10 minimum.
Dining & Drinks
One of my “go-to” restaurants downtown for some time has been Siegel’s 1941, which is open around the clock and serves a popular Prime Rib Special for $19.95.
I typically stop in for breakfast and believe it to be a solid value.
Both ElCo’s Parlour Bar and Ike’s offer solid happy hour deals that include $4 draft beer and $5 cocktails – I maintain an up-to-date rundown of happy hours downtown here – Check out the current deals!
El Cortez recently booted the Subway in the back of their casino and replaced it with a Starbucks, which is a nice addition.
The Verdict: Would I Book Again?
Put bluntly, I was shocked at how much I liked this room. It was fresh, trendy, new, and in great condition (sans the bathtub).
Over the years, I’ve grown pickier about the hotels I stay in when coming to town for a vacation, opting for properties on the “nicer” end of the spectrum… and this is a room I’d book again in a heartbeat.
El Cortez’s Original 47 hotel room was a modern, comfortable room sitting atop the “grimier” old-fashioned brand of casino I love spending time in.
Aside from the hotel and casino, El Cortez offers dining options that won’t break the bank, bars that have actual happy hours and deals, and a staff that cares.
My interaction with the hotel front desk ranks among the best I’ve had in Vegas – What a great first impression. The information she shared about the hotel and the O47 rooms was an amazing appetizer.
Well worth the $94.92 I paid.
I’ll be back.
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I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.