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El Cortez Hotel And Casino
The El Cortez Is Born
John Kell Houssels partnered with John Grayson from California, and Marion Hicks, a Los Angeles Architect and developer, to build and operate the El Cortez Hotel-Casino on East Fremont Street. Constructed for $245,000, it was Downtown Las Vegas’ first major resort with 59 rooms and designed in a Spanish Ranch theme.
The El Cortez Is Sold
El Cortez, a hotel and casino, is a relatively small downtown Las Vegas gaming venue a block from the Fremont Street Experience and Las Vegas Boulevard. Slots, table games, and a race and sports book occupy one floor of the main pavilion, at this historic casino. Constructed in 1941, the El Cortez Hotel and Casino is the oldest consistently running gaming property in Las Vegas. It is located in the Fremont East Entertainment District in historic downtown Las Vegas. The El Cortez Hotel & Casino began its life in 1941 and 79 yrs. Later coming this November, it seems to have a life of its own. As this is my fist time staying here at the El Cortez I honestly did not know what to expect from such a a small unique hotel casino located in Downtown Las Vegas.
Houssels & his partners sold the El Cortez to a Mid-West group that included Gus Greenbaum, Moe Sedway, & Bugsy Siegel (later investors in the 1946 Flamingo) & Dave Berman on behalf of Meyer Lansky for $600,000.
Interior Remodel
Wayne McAllister is hired to remodel the Interior of the El Cortez while primarily leaving the exterior in original 1941 condition.
Houssels Reacquires The El Cortez
John Kell Houssels reacquires the El Cortez and with Ray Salmon announces a $250,000 expansion in May of 1946 including a barber shop, nightclub, swimming pool and a 4 story wing.
Remodeled
El Cortez remodeled and the cocktail lounge renamed to the Rose Room.
Grand Opening
The “new” Hotel El Cortez held its grand opening. Bill Moore was the general manager, and Tom Douglas remodeled and redecorated the property, the bar was renamed “Buccaneer Bar,” with cocktail waitresses wearing pirate costumes.
Marquee Installed
El Cortez installs its neon arrow, marquee, and signature large roof sign which are still downtown landmarks.
Supper Club Renamed
The Supper Club was renamed the Pirate’s Den. The dinner theater was decorated by paintings of “pretty pirates” by Denny Stephenson. The casino started using pirate graphics in its advertising.
The longest continuously-running casino in Las Vegas, the El Cortez Hotel and Casino is located off the strip in the historic Downtown of the classic Rat Pack era. With the authenticity of a nostalgic Vegas experience and the first-class treatment of the strip, guests can have the best of both worlds, a taste of old and new Las Vegas.
Only Female Maitre ‘D
The Pirate Den’s maitre ‘d was Pat Gallagher, the only female maitre ‘d in Las Vegas at the time.
Goodbye Pirate Theme
Jack Smith became El Cortez General Manager when J.K. Houssells took over the property. He launched several changes, including eliminating the pirate theme and renaming the dinner theater the Cirque Room.
Celebrity Lounge Opens
The Celebrity Lounge opened, featuring continuous entertainment 5:30 pm to 6 am; from the lounge, Jerry Dexter hosted “El Cortez Calling” on Keno 1460 from 1-3 am live.
Lounge Renamed
The lounge was renamed the V.I.P. Lounge
Jackie Gaughan Purchases El Cortez
Jackie Gaughan purchases the El Cortez from John Kell Houssels for $4,000,000.
Tower II Is Built
The El Cortez Guest Tower II is built bringing the overall room count to 297.
El Cortez Renovates
El Cortez Renovates casino and guest room interiors.
Fremont East Entertainment District.
Fremont East Entertainment District becomes official,
Cabana Suites
El Cortez opens the 64 El Cortez Cabana Suites in the former Ogden Hotel bringing the room count to 364.
“Design A Suite”
El Cortez holds the “Design A Suite” competition.
Life is Beautiful
The inception year of Life Is Beautiful Music Festival.
Siegel's 1941
The grand opening of Siegel’s 1941 and Ike’s Bar inside the El Cortez.
El Cortez celebrates its 75-Year Anniversary
El Cortez celebrates 75 years of turning players into winners.
Rooms Remodeled
Remodeling of tower rooms and suites.
Discover our newly remodeled Premium Tower Rooms.
Learn MoreParlour Bar
The Parlour Bar at El Cortez has an old-school Vegas vibe that will make you feel like one of the crew.
Siegel's 1941
Grab a bite just like Bugsy at our upscale casual downtown dining destination!
Eureka!
We create incredible dining experiences in an approachable atmosphere while leaving enduring memories one burger at a time.
El Cortez Hotel And Casino Owner
El Cortez Hotel & Casino is proud to announce our nomination as a Battle Born Business – granted by Governor Steve Sisolak and the state of Nevada. Because of our implementation of strict safety protocols, we’ve been able to continue to provide a healthy environment and an exciting atmosphere for all. As we look towards the future, we remain vigilant about keeping everyone safe, as well as entertained. Thanks to each one of our loyal guests who continue to support the historic El Cortez.