El Cortez Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

El Cortez Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

El Cortez, a casino-hotel property in Las Vegas, has been in operation since November 7, 1941, making it one of the city's oldest establishments that is still active. Situated near the Fremont Street Experience and Las Vegas Boulevard, it was initially considered a bit far from downtown. However, its success was swift and substantial, leading infamous mobsters Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Gus Greenbaum, and Moe Sedway to acquire it in 1945 for $600,000. Siegel himself gained valuable experience in running a casino business at El Cortez.

Despite the passing decades, El Cortez continues to thrive. The building predominantly showcases Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, but it underwent a modernization of its facade in 1952. Following subsequent renovations and revitalization efforts, the establishment added a new tower and a neon sign—an iconic art form that had fallen out of favor until recently, when certain hotels and businesses rediscovered its charm.

Recognizing its historical significance, El Cortez was officially included on the National Register of Historic Places on February 22, 2013.

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El Cortez Hotel and Casino on Map

Sight Name: El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Sight Location: Las Vegas, USA (See walking tours in Las Vegas)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Las Vegas, Nevada

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

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