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. At the El Cortez, we offer a wide selection of slots, table games, and a full race and sports book – all with the best value in town. Take a look at our gaming options below. Or, better yet, come on in and try your hand at all of them. Apply for Check Cashing or Casino Credit. El Cortez Hotel Casino is the longest continuously-running casino in Las Vegas. Found off the strip within the notable Downtown zone, El Cortez Hotel Casino is the. El Cortez Hotel and Casino Reviews 3.0 out of 5.0. 600 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV, 89101 1-866-599-6674. See Hotel Details. Ratings based on 3,797 Verified Reviews. A casino, a 24-hour fitness center, and a vending machine are also featured at El Cortez Hotel and Casino. A shuttle from the hotel to the airport is free at scheduled times. Self parking and valet parking are free.

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.

El Cortez Hotel And Casino Case Study

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.

Only Female Maitre ‘D

El Cortez Hotel And Casino Rooms

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.

El Cortez Hotel And Casino History

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.