Hotel Comparisons
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino vs El Cortez Hotel & Casino
Compare Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino and El Cortez Hotel & Casino side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.
A modern, mid-range downtown pick a block north of Fremont — quieter than the core with the largest rooftop pool deck downtown. vs. The oldest continuously operating hotel-casino in Las Vegas — vintage Vegas, real Fremont grit, and the best room rates downtown. — here's how they compare across location, price, dining, and vibe.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino | El Cortez Hotel & Casino | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Mid-Range | Budget |
| Location | Downtown | Downtown |
| Rooms | 1,124 | 364 |
| Year Opened | 2013 | 1941 |
| Resort Fee | N/A | N/A |
Best For
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
- +Travelers who want downtown access without the Fremont Street noise
- +Couples and small groups looking for a calmer downtown base
- +Pool-first trips — the rooftop Citrus Pool deck is unusually large for downtown
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
- +Travelers who want authentic old-Vegas character
- +Budget-first trips — consistently the cheapest downtown rooms
- +Walkable Fremont Street access
- +Low-stakes table-game players (legitimately old-school pit)
Not Ideal For
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
- -Anyone who wants to walk straight onto the Fremont Street Experience (it's a block away)
- -Travelers chasing Strip-tier dining or nightlife
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
- -Travelers who want modern room finishes or quiet
- -Anyone looking for upscale dining or pool amenities
- -Trips where loud Fremont Street nightlife outside your window is a dealbreaker
Top Highlights
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
- *Opened November 2013 on the Lady Luck site after a $100M+ renovation
- *Gallery Tower added 495 rooms in 2020 — first new downtown hotel construction in 10+ years
- *Citrus Grand Pool Deck — the largest rooftop pool deck downtown
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
- *Opened November 1941 — oldest continuously operating hotel-casino in Las Vegas
- *Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2013)
- *Originally co-owned by Bugsy Siegel before he moved to the Strip
Notable Dining
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
- -Freedom Beat
- -Triple George Grill
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
- -Siegel's 1941 (24-hour diner with retro vibe)
- -Café Cortez
Verdict
Edge: Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino edges ahead overall thanks to its Downtown location and mid-range positioning. That said, El Cortez Hotel & Casino is the better pick if you prioritize travelers who want authentic old-vegas character.
Choose Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino if you want
- +Travelers who want downtown access without the Fremont Street noise
- +Couples and small groups looking for a calmer downtown base
- +Pool-first trips — the rooftop Citrus Pool deck is unusually large for downtown
Choose El Cortez Hotel & Casino if you want
- +Travelers who want authentic old-Vegas character
- +Budget-first trips — consistently the cheapest downtown rooms
- +Walkable Fremont Street access
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Comparison FAQ
Common questions when deciding between these two hotels.
Are Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino and El Cortez Hotel & Casino close to each other?
Yes, both hotels are on the Downtown, so they're within walking distance of each other. The choice comes down to the on-property experience rather than location.
Is Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino or El Cortez Hotel & Casino better for a first trip to Vegas?
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino is best for Travelers who want downtown access without the Fremont Street noise and Couples and small groups looking for a calmer downtown base. El Cortez Hotel & Casino is best for Travelers who want authentic old-Vegas character and Budget-first trips — consistently the cheapest downtown rooms. For a first trip, consider which vibe matches your group.
Which hotel is bigger, Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino or El Cortez Hotel & Casino?
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino is the larger property with 1,124 rooms, compared to 364 rooms at the other. Larger hotels generally mean more dining and entertainment options but can feel busier and have longer walks to your room.
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