Starting from Apr. 1, the historic El Cortez Hotel and Casino located in downtown Las Vegas will start its transition to become a property exclusive for guests who are 21 years of age and older.
The El Cortez is set to be the second establishment in downtown Las Vegas’ gambling scene to implement a 21+ policy. The first was Circa, which opened as a 21 and older property in 2020.
El Cortez Hotel becomes 21+ in April
The process of transitioning to a 21+ property will occur in two stages, starting with hotel guests. From April 1, 2022, any guest staying at El Cortez must be at least 21 years old. Upon check-in, guests are required to present a valid form of state-issued identification, such as a driver’s license.
This requirement will apply to all guests in the main building, both in the original vintage hotel rooms and the Cabana Suites situated across the street from the casino.
Adam Wiesberg, the General Manager of El Cortez Hotel & Casino, says:
After meticulous consideration and years of attempting to accommodate minors in a property predominantly dedicated to gaming and popular casino bars, this transition has taken place.
Some families seeking affordable hotel rooms in downtown Las Vegas may be affected by the hotel ID checks. The newly refurbished rooms provide great value for the location.
ID checks for all visitors will follow
The transformation of El Cortez into a 21 and over establishment will resume at a future date. The next phase of this change will involve ID verifications at every entrance for all guests coming to the casino to dine, enjoy a drink at the bars, or gamble.
Wiesberg elaborates on the new policy, which theoretically would return El Cortez to its origins:
Despite Las Vegas evolving to accommodate all demographics, El Cortez retains its classic gambling house charm, offering excellent gaming odds and a unique sensation of traveling back in time.
He continued, “For over 80 years, adults have been gathering at El Cortez to enjoy a cocktail or two and try their luck in the casino.”
The El Cortez accommodates individuals who prefer to gamble with smaller amounts, which often attracts a younger demographic. The affordable table game minimums and low-priced drink specials at the bars draw in guests of all ages. Implementing identification checks should reduce the number of underage guests.
Recent El Cortez renovations
The El Cortez casino, one of Las Vegas’ most renowned, marked its 80th anniversary in November of the previous year.
The El Cortez holds the record for being the longest continuously-operating hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Additionally, it is the sole casino in Las Vegas that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 80th-anniversary celebration involves a $25 million refurbishment of the property. El Cortez spruced up the casino floor with new ceilings and carpet. Despite the upgrades, El Cortez managed to maintain a similar ambiance for guests, only cleaner.
The bright and bold design of the new high-limit room at El Cortez distinguishes it from the subtle modifications on the main casino floor. This intimate space offers a few high-stake blackjack games and slot machines.
Furthermore, El Cortez has revamped the hotel lobby and continues to refurbish the rooms in the main building. The modernized design of the 200 Premium Rooms offers a fresh twist to the property’s Spanish Colonial Revival style. This renovation represents a significant upgrade for El Cortez.
The original 47 hotel rooms of El Cortez, dating back to its opening in 1941, are undergoing an exciting renovation. This much-needed update is being applied to these “vintage” rooms.
Great gambling at El Cortez
El Cortez is renowned for numerous reasons. This historic Las Vegas casino, which has outlived many others in the past 80 years, continues to attract gamblers with its excellent rules, odds, and reasonably priced minimum bets.
The El Cortez offers one of the best low roller blackjack games. Their $5 3:2 blackjack game features player-friendly rules and an extremely small house edge.
El Cortez offers numerous enjoyable blackjack games, but none with rules as excellent as this specific one. Be aware, however, that a 6:5 blackjack game may be in play during peak casino hours.
El Cortez, along with numerous other downtown Las Vegas casinos, provides 10x odds for craps. These complimentary odds surpass those of any craps games found on the Vegas Strip.
vpFREE2 states that El Cortez offers a variety of video poker games that give players a return of over 99%. This is a superior version of video poker compared to what most players can find on the Vegas Strip.
El Cortez boasts that its slot machines are “30% looser than those on the Vegas Strip.” Additionally, it is one of the rare casinos still providing coin-operated slot machines for those seeking a nostalgia trip.
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