Hotel Comparisons
El Cortez Hotel & Casino vs The D Las Vegas
Compare El Cortez Hotel & Casino and The D Las Vegas side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.
The oldest continuously operating hotel-casino in Las Vegas — vintage Vegas, real Fremont grit, and the best room rates downtown. vs. The high-energy Fremont Street hub from the Stevens family — bachelor-party energy on a downtown budget. — here's how they compare across location, price, dining, and vibe.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| El Cortez Hotel & Casino | The D Las Vegas | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
| Location | Downtown | Downtown |
| Rooms | 364 | 638 |
| Year Opened | 1941 | 2012 |
| Resort Fee | N/A | N/A |
Best For
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)
The D Las Vegas
- +Bachelor parties wanting nonstop Fremont nightlife on foot
- +Travelers who want to be in the middle of Fremont Street, not adjacent to it
- +Budget-first stays with high-energy expectations
- +Group trips that want a cheaper alternative to Circa under the same ownership
Not Ideal For
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
The D Las Vegas
- -Couples or anyone wanting a quiet room — the casino floor energy carries up
- -Travelers who want resort-tier amenities
Top Highlights
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
The D Las Vegas
- *Originally opened as Sundance Hotel in 1980, became Fitzgeralds in 1987, rebranded to The D in October 2012
- *Owned by Derek and Greg Stevens — same ownership as Circa and the Golden Gate
- *Two-floor casino — Modern Vegas downstairs, Vintage Vegas upstairs (coin-drop slots)
Notable Dining
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
- -Siegel's 1941 (24-hour diner with retro vibe)
- -Café Cortez
The D Las Vegas
- -Andiamo Italian Steakhouse (Joe Vicari)
- -American Coney Island (Detroit-style hot dogs)
Verdict
Edge: The D Las Vegas
The D Las Vegas 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 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
Choose The D Las Vegas if you want
- +Bachelor parties wanting nonstop Fremont nightlife on foot
- +Travelers who want to be in the middle of Fremont Street, not adjacent to it
- +Budget-first stays with high-energy expectations
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Comparison FAQ
Common questions when deciding between these two hotels.
Are El Cortez Hotel & Casino and The D Las Vegas 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 El Cortez Hotel & Casino or The D Las Vegas better for a first trip to Vegas?
El Cortez Hotel & Casino is best for Travelers who want authentic old-Vegas character and Budget-first trips — consistently the cheapest downtown rooms. The D Las Vegas is best for Bachelor parties wanting nonstop Fremont nightlife on foot and Travelers who want to be in the middle of Fremont Street, not adjacent to it. For a first trip, consider which vibe matches your group.
Which hotel is bigger, El Cortez Hotel & Casino or The D Las Vegas?
The D Las Vegas is the larger property with 638 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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