Staycation at the El Cortez: The History, the Room, the Casino, the Food...& More History!

For more than 81 years, the El Cortez has been endearing itself to both locals and visitors at the corner of Sixth and Fremont, in Downtown Las Vegas. When it opened in 1941, it was the most classy and elegant hotel/casino in town, and today it is a star attraction in the popular Fremont East district. Not only that, it's been added to the National Register of Historic Places - the only hotel/casino to ever receive that honor!
Come along with us for an overnight stay in the newly remodeled El Cortez hotel tower...a casino walkthrough....dinner at Siegel's 1941...and then, join us as we attend Grannyfest 2022, all at the El Cortez!
Interested in booking a room at El Cortez? You can save up to 40% on rates, by signing up for plannin.com! Click here to join and book:
plannin.com/ho...
To learn more about the El Cortez in fabulous Downtown Las Vegas:
elcortezhotelc...
Check out the Gamblin Granny KZbin channel here:
/ gamblingranny
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Get in touch via email: [e-mail]
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Dale McKenzie
9620 S Las Vegas Blvd
Suite E4 #1206
Las Vegas, NV 89123
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PHOTO CREDITS:
The photo of the night sky and moon is courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
The videos and/or photos of the sunrise, coins dropping, and table game play are all from pixabay.com.
The photo of the Nevada State Museum was obtained from springspreserve.org.
The photos of Jackie Gaughan were obtained from a news article published at the time of his death, and are credited to the Las Vegas News Bureau.
The photo of Steve Wynn was obtained from vegaslegalmagazine.com.
A few photos of the interiors of rooms were obtained from the El Cortez website (link appears above).
The photo of the walking pathway from Las Vegas Blvd over to 6th Street is by Mikerussell, courtesy of Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.o...
The photo of the exterior of the Cabana Suites at twilight is by BLTVEC, courtesy of Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.o...
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Credit for the opening segment goes to Trent Rentsch - thank you Trent! Contact him at [e-mail].
The drone shot of the Lake at Lorenzi Park is by Count Chris, courtesy of pixabay.com.
Songs from the KZbin Audio Library featured in this video:
Love or Lust
Seaside Piazza - Aaron Kenny
Stop Trying to Pretend
Tiptoe_Out_the_Back
Touching Moment
Songs and clips from the Epidemic Sound Audio Library:
ES_Endless Pt. 1 - Peter Sandberg
ES_The Years We Had - Magnus Ringblom
ES_Theater Walla 3 - SFX Producer
ES_My Simple Thing - Peter Sandberg
ES_Leave It All Behind Us - Oakwood Station
ES_Slide Whistle 9 - SFX Producer
ES_Crash Metal 1 - SFX Producer
ES_These Streets Are Alive - Martin Landstrom
ES_Can I Call You Sir - Mac Taboel
ES_HIde and Sneak - The Fly Guy Five
ES_Bird Rooster Cock 2 - SFX Producer
ES_Golden Memories - Golden Age Radio
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Cinematography: Dale McKenzie, Paula McKenzie
Editing, Voiceover, Post-Production: Dale McKenzie, Final Cut Pro X
Script, Research: Paula McKenzie
Cameras & Gear: iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 11 Pro Max in 4K video; Lumix G9 in 4K video for the intro/outro; sound by Rode Wireless GO

[@DaleMcKenzie]

Interested in booking a room at El Cortez? You can save up to 40% on rates, by signing up for plannin.com! Click here to join and book: plannin.com/hotel/03ef4d01-b8fe-4a67-8bca-f89e41d4f8aa?refId=a999eb6d-892e-44e8-983b-b7e8bc111a74

[@AngieandChuckShow]

We booked 3 nights at The El Cortez in November. Our stay is comped with $75 free play and a $100 food voucher. Sounds like a fun time coming up.

[@oklahoman8222]

My old " home away from home ". Every time we use to pull into the front -valet area, the valet and Tony the bellman would always say...There's the Okies.

[@VegasVisual]

Most excellent review of the El Cortez, the oldest casino that is still largely intact, at least on the outside.

[@TacoLover1]

Hi Kevin

[@VegasVisual]

@@TacoLover1 Good to see you TL

[@Coco-up7bl]

Hi Kevin 😊

[@VegasVisual]

@@Coco-up7bl hello amiga

[@KiKiD9554]

Best Hotel review for El Cortez video on KZbin! Thanks Paula & Dale

[@DaleMcKenzie]

Thank you!!!!! ❤️😊

[@selectshelley]

Hats off to Owners for honoring history by maintaining the original architecture.

[@mangopilar]

Just made my reservation, for August 😂 it will be humid but so worth it. Thanks Dale and Paula, for bringing the best of Las Vegas.

[@marywinslow5808]

55 yrs I loved it would love to be there now

[@GamblinGranny]

Good morning Dale and Paula. What a fabulous video and Dice and I are soooo glad you came to our Grannyfest event. It was an honor to have you be a part of it. We love Elcortez and was glad to see this amazing review. We will get in touch with you when we come back in March. 💖💖🤗🎸

[@TacoLover1]

Hi GG! Big Hug!

[@GamblinGranny]

@@TacoLover1 🤗🤗🤗

[@jarnettearnette7600]

As a 72 year old gambling granny, I sure would like to find further info on the fest How could I get info please?

[@GamblinGranny]

@@jarnettearnette7600 hello Jarnette. I’m Gamblin granny and can give you info on Grannyfest. Just watch for info coming out on our channel form next GF23 in October. We announce info on our live streams as soon as we get the dates confirmed. And then we will set up Eventbrite so you can get tickets. We would love to have you.

[@LuisSanchez-iw7bi]

I met Jackie Gaugahn at the El Cortez, quite a man!, no wonder his Son Michael has the same client first and great service policy, Met Michael at The Orleans, when it was part of Coast Casinos, and when he got the South Point ( South Coast), I stayed there and wow, got comped a Suite!! . Thanks Dale and Paula great video!

[@panjo]

Nice that you got to meet Gramblin Granny, other vloggers & super fans who attended Granny Fest.

[@TacoLover1]

HI Panjo

[@panjo]

@@TacoLover1 Hello

[@joseph6948]

When I see the decor in the room, makes me think there's a staircase at the end of the hall, with an antique banister that leads down the stairs to a lady sitting on the piano, singing!

[@joannathibert9738]

Dale and Paula it was such a pleasure to meet you both at Granny Fest, I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw you both sitting there, thank you for letting me take your picture! Your tour of El Cortez was perfect! You fill your videos with so much information and history that I think you should be compensated for your great work by El Cortez. I always pay a visit to El Cortez when I am in Las Vegas, but I was not aware of the history she had, now when I visit I will appreciate her (El Cortez) much more, and think of you for enlightening me. I love your channel, I love you both ❤ thank you for always sharing, and keeping us viewers entertained. Joanna from Canada 🇨🇦

[@xx_theartfuldodger_xx1105]

LOVE this property. They understand how to cater to the real gamblers. Good games, great odds!

[@jasonkniss5999]

I was blown away by the room tour! Great combination of contemporary and vintage that gives a sense of place that is often missing with remodels. Love the bed frame as a nod to the Spanish style architecture of the original building.

[@texadonkey34]

Love the Spanish style theme. It’s seems all Asian themed on the strip. Nice staff too.

[@FrontiersmanAdventures]

So sorry we missed hanging out with you guys at the El Cortez. That is cool 1941 to today, and still going. Great history and I guess I need to look down a little more while walking around Fremont. I stayed at the Cabana Suites and it was very nice. I love the security that El Cortez provides in the parking garage and the Cabana Suites. Your room looked very nice! Great view. Well, there is Thomas! What a great guy. I enjoy Seigel's and had a very tasty New York Strip. The price was really good. Glad you got to meet some of my favorite people/KZbinrs. I have spent some time in the Parlor bar. I love The Neon lights! Great Night time view! Great history. I love the Original part of the El Cortez and what a brilliant job editing fading from black to color! Gamblin Granny did an interview with Management in the Jackie Gaughn Suite - and they actually picked up an orb on camera when they were talking about Jackie!! 😬 What an awesome video!

[@Kelly-tj8xv]

What a great hotel. So happy the exterior hasn't been changed!

[@deniseu2119]

The El Cortez wouldn't have ever been on my radar if not for your vlog! Now I'm really wanting to check it out the next time we're in town. Such terrific history! Thank you for such an informative and entertaining episode.

[@citibear57]

Wow! Interesting to learn about Jackie Gaughan. He certainly was a solid citizen of Las Vegas! Unfortunately, I have never stepped foot in el Cortez. If I ever get back to Las Vegas I will definitely visit it. Thanks kids for the very interesting video this week 🤗

[@TacoLover1]

It was a pleasure to meet Dale and Paula during Grannyfest 2022! Such amazing people!

[@merrylarsen1451]

You guys do the best videos on Vegas! Keep them coming!

[@paulamckenzie]

Thank you Merry! Such a nice compliment 🥰

[@larae5541]

Excellent vlog of the El Cortez. We have stayed at the El Cortez many times, starting in the 90’s. We used to see Jackie Gaughn on the casino floor. Siegel’s 1941 used to be The Flame Steakhouse. I really miss Cafe Cortez. Believe it or not,the El Cortez used to serve the best Chinese Food. I believe they have some of the longest working cocktail servers at the El Cortez, as well. Nostalgia!! 💕

[@jamesnorris1272]

"Obsessed by History?!?" Don't feel like the only one(s)! Beautifully done Guys; Thank You!

[@VegasAction]

Really enjoyed this video! The El Cortez is such a fun place. We enjoyed Grannyfest. We were hoping to meet you after but Steve met you both in the elevator Saturday morning. ❤️❤️

[@bobm7499]

Missed you by 1 week! Agh! I was in Vegas for the ND/BYU game and always, always spend time at El Cortez when I'm in town. Love that Old Las Vegas vibe with all the pics of the old days on the walls. First time I went there years ago I probably spent an hour just walking around and taking it all in as like you guys, I love the history. It's obvious the owners realized you shouldn't change what you can't improve and all their remodel did was update a good thing and make it better. I've had dinner at Seigel's many times and always enjoy just sitting sipping a glass of wine while waiting for my dinner listening to Frank, Dino, Sammy and the gang sing those great old songs. Love the place.....now if they'd only loosen things up a bit. Trust me, Dale, I feel your pain. Literally.

[@SoLongMarianne_]

Going in May, can't wait 🩷

[@denisezuckerman1114]

That is our DLVTT from Denmark , Thomas ! I crossed paths with you and Paula on your way to Granny Fest . Hope to see you again next year .

[@Coco-up7bl]

Hi beautiful Denise amiga 💕 🤗

[@denisezuckerman1114]

@@Coco-up7bl 😍🤟🏼

[@theresal.525]

I love anything historical so I sure appreciated this vlog on El Cortez. I've been wanting to try this casino mainly for the coin operated slot machines and hopefully, their sign of boasting they have looser slots will be true! I'm sure I will appreciate the history of this wonderful, nostalgic casino and it's views of downtown Old Las Vegas.

[@60gregma]

Love the 'tez. It's my home away from home. i visit 3-4 times a year. Many times, I never leave the building.

[@bodyloverz30]

Ten years ago, I dined at Roberta's, where he was having dinner, the employees loved him. I remember seeing the following about Jackie: he had an employee pension, "so his employees would retire with dignity."

[@jamesoreily1472]

hi dale and paula love your channel, its nice to see you got a nightime skyline shot

[@roiijamez33]

El Cortez is a favorite!

[@trixie9867]

love it love it - thanks for all the history lesson especially at the end

[@pat75]

It was such an honor meeting you two at Grannyfest! I was the guy who was talking to you along with Norma. This was a fun one to watch and I definitely loved my stay at the El Cortez! 😀

[@smujer1]

I have stayed at the El Cortez many, many times. Love the machines, the food, the staff and the rooms. Not sure if they still do it, but used to be if you hit $250 or more, you got a ticket for a free steak dinner for 2. I have won a lot of money there over the years. Met Jackie Gaughn several times. He lived in the penthouse suite. He was quite a character. Can't wait to get back and try my luck after a good meal.

[@kathleenbrenner2889]

That was fantastic!!! I can’t get enough of old Vegas history and your dive into that place didn’t disappoint! What an amazing hotel. Loved Loved this video 💕

[@tonyjaz]

Well done ❤el Cortez

[@James-ns7kc]

Thank You so much for sharing this with us. I was actually there at the El Cortez on the 11th of this month with my oldest daughter. We really enjoyed our time there, but did not realize there was so much more to see. We just came in to visit and gamble a little. I had actually stayed there back in the early 80's and just wanted to see it again. I was really impressed of the service, generosity, and how much the casino floor had been updated (not full of smoke). We stayed at the Flamingo on the strip and it was ok, but, on my next visit I will be staying at the El Cortez. Thanks for Sharing!

[@christhomason3936]

Mr. Dale & Ms. Paula just a Quick Note to Say Thanks For this Great Video on El Cortez! Great History lesson Really Appreciate All the Hard Work You Both Put into this video. Gamblin Granny & Dice are Great Folks, So Glad You Had a Wonderful Time at Granny Fest. Keep Up the Great Videos. Chris and Rick From Chicago ♥️

[@kathleenmanley9733]

Love the stories of the original owner. In fact, if his son is available I know a lovely widow I used to work with in town. He should meet her. Your friendly showgirl.

[@deanvoss7098]

I remember staying at the El Cortez and playing poker and the owner the man himself Jackie would come down and play low limit Texas Hold'em with us.. how cool is that to sit beside him and play poker?

[@DaleMcKenzie]

That’s amazing!!!!! Wow!!!!😊❤️

[@davidbell9130]

i enjoyed my stays there decades ago-exciting casino back than

[@NachoMamaNow]

Great review. El Cortez has been my hotel for the last few years. Love the old school classic Las Vegas vibe.

[@stevekckm7879]

Anther great history lesson. I stayed in the vintage rooms last time i stayed there. Loved the old Vegas feel. I love the $16.95 prime rib all day special at Siegel's 1941.

[@pennymarmar]

El Cortez from your point of view give me new insight in the history and how updated it is. 👍👍

[@frankcolonna6279]

Thank You for telling us some of the history of the El Cortez and it's owners. Very Interesting. Great Job and Keep up the Excellent Job.

[@svetlanaozarenski1647]

Thank you very much for your interesting video. You are the best.

[@texadonkey34]

Dale, I can’t believe you never gambled there before. We started going in the 1990s for the video poker. I like the smaller casinos, because the walk is shorter to gamble. The coin machines are fun too. I like the machines by the corner door. 👍😻

[@TheVictorCruz]

Love Cortez and in walking distance is Donut Bar. Some amazing donuts that tend to sell out daily before noon. Anyone staying at El Cortez (or anywhere downtown!!) should try and visit ....well worth it. Great video as always.

[@MYOBASSUME]

Was just there last week. My fav! I always get a vintage room. Funnest casino on Fremont.

[@texadonkey34]

Bring back the fun book. I miss it. No free shot glasses and hotdogs anymore🤣. It’s finally felt cowboy season. You look great👍😻

[@gmajoanne5692]

Awesome video! Very well put together! I’m so happy you were able to attend Grannyfest! My kids were delighted!!

[@joeo1168]

Jackie Gaughn was from Omaha, he gave lots of Midwesteners great jobs in his casinos. He was loved.

[@Yolduranduran]

This was my favorite videos of yours. I loved all the history. I have been to Vegas so many times, as I live in California , but never been to El Cortez. I will definitely go!

[@Twags62066]

It’s my fav place to stay. Love it there.

[@SteveJLegallet]

I enjoy your polished videos. Thanks!

[@josephmalloytravels7516]

We always go there when down town I really appreciate all the hard work you guys do to bring us such wonderful vlogs Much love ♥️ Cheers 🥂🥂

[@louisbaltimore1389]

Love this so much❤! Got two haircuts there from the original owner of the barbershop

[@Anna-ww9cl]

This historical place El Cortez was my grandparents favorite ❤ they actually slept in the Vintage Rooms too I’ve seen so many pictures of them on their vintage slot machines when I gamble there I think of them so much ❤❤ great vlog Dale and Paula

[@granttonkin2195]

Great video guys. I really enjoyed it. 2 thumbs up! I’d give you more, but I only have two thumbs. 👍👍

[@aonetruthr]

I’ve gambled a shekel or two at El Cortez. I love old Las Vegas. I’m booked at Caesar’s for thanksgiving but I hope to visit there again! For the past few years, I go to Ellis Island with friends on Thanksgiving night. Free pumpkin pies! Oh Dale…$300? I donated a little bit on you’re most recent video to help with the pain! 😂

[@Coco-up7bl]

Amazing video as usual! It was such a pleasure to meet you Dale at Grannyfest, sadly I missed meeting Paula. I was so happily surprised to see you both. 🤗 You do such a fantastic job of putting your videos together, the voice over, the history and of course the music 🎶! Hopefully I'll see you next year at Grannyfest 😉. GG and Dice are such great people 😁

[@m7i7lton]

This may be your best staycation video. And of the other KZbin videos I have seen on El Cortez, this is easily the best. Great job of showing the whole property, where it sits, the views, the history, and much more. Now I want to book one of the Vintage Rooms.

[@lindlesj604]

Beautiful bathroom nice room so much history you make the best videos thank you 👏👏

[@paynephilip]

great video! I like Dale's hat on the little table!!!

[@lisaanderson8235]

This place is such a GEM! And free parking must have made Dale pretty darned happy. 😁👍👍

[@phillopez9223]

Great video you guys!! Enjoyed all the history of the El Cortez!!👍👍Great job!!✔️✔️

[@sweeney0558]

FIRST TIME IN VEGAS WE STAYED THERE THAT WAS IN THE 80'S STILL GOING THERE NOW LOVE IT THEN AND ALWAYS WILL THANKS FOR THE VIDEO!

[@lawrencegarcia9402]

Great video! I really enjoyed this one.

[@Christine_1075]

Good Morning Dale & Paula ❤

[@lancestaab2372]

From now on, I will no longer say Hi to Dale and Paula!!! I will refer to the both of you as the Legends. As always, I look forward to all your Vloggs every Sunday Morning, THE LEGENDS are great

[@timothyrill3825]

Love the history! All the Casino owners were not mafia and gave back to the locals. Thank you for sharing!

[@TheOtherMeLV]

Always an amazing job. Great video. I can't win at ElCortez either lol.

[@lindafrias1291]

Love this video...and Thankyou for the history...also being a Beatles fan i like the Abbey Road crossing and Ringos handprints...🎶🎶🎰🎲

[@shelzp7272]

I watch all your videos and this is my favorite one ever…so interesting… ✔️

[@markhayden4386]

I had many meals at the coffee shop. I believe it was called kareful Kitty's if my memory is correct. I would often get the graveyard special (steak & eggs) for less than a dollar using a $5 food voucher from the funbook. The food was good and cheap. I would play full pay video poker and some single deck Blackjack. The current video poker offerings are not as strong as the past, but still has some full pay games. Thanks for the excellent history.

[@L.V.1]

Great video Dale and Paula! Really enjoyed it! Can’t wait for Scotchmas, we just ordered the 2022 Advent calendar and it’s on its way!

[@maryweir6474]

What a great video. So much interesting information.👍

[@j.russelllacour318]

Well that settle's it. Next stay El Cortez. I am a major history buff and you have totally enamored the enamored me with the detail. Jacob and I hope to be there this year we so looked saying there and hopefully seeing you. Russell in Tucson, AZ

[@jerrydwaileebe1661]

Nice video! My go to place in Vegas. Checking in tonight.

[@rephaelrechitzky9763]

Thank you Dale and Paula for the fantastic presentation.

[@merileehughes4863]

This was such a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing!

[@jacobrosen1988]

This was actually one of the best vlogs you have produced. Very, very interesting with the right amount of emphasis on history. Really good!

[@richcicer192]

Great video as always! Any plans for a future Paula's Kitchen? We miss those videos!

[@darrellconway1704]

love these history videos great job guys

[@maybelucky2558]

Thank you for your very interesting videos.

[@cakienudge]

That was great! Thank you.

[@stephaniehenry571]

Great stories

[@judithjohnson7962]

This was a great walk down memory lane. The El Cortez was a great place to visit when my mom would only stay at the Fremont! I told her about the old machines and she said she wished she could visit again, her health won't let her now. Thanks for all your vlogs!

[@amandadodgson2444]

Hope you like it....we loved it, the full story going back way back when...you are Vegas Veterans.....

[@bibianaguadalupeislasherre9880]

The history of this hotel is very amazing, I love history in general whether is from Mexico or worldwide.

[@darrellconway1704]

great video guys love to hear history of vegas keep it up your buddy from kentucky

[@deborahjones2045]

Thank you for an awesome video! ❤️

[@vegaslegacy]

Absolutely love the history you guys include in your videos! It was such a pleasure meeting you both that evening. Highlight of my trip for sure ❤️ -Ashley

[@the_benjamin_effect]

Great video. I always enjoy the historical bits. Thumbs up for the coffee maker and fridge! And, great price on the prime rib and meal. I'm going to stop there for sure next trip

[@jessicap.8828]

Great video, I love El Cortez. This def made me subscribe and can't wait to see more.

[@unclerudy9797]

Thanks Folks ! Heard good things about this spot also ! Thanks for taking us along ! Cheers, Rudy and Kat.

[@MCHighLife]

It was so great to meet you two 🥰🤗 Loved learning all about the history of El Cortez 💜

[@jillczerwinski8870]

Great vlog! Thanks again for all the hard work! It's nice to see El Cortez is still going strong and has kept the vintage feel of the property.

[@garypetermeier3865]

Love the history lesson and info of Gaughan. I love the history of Las Vegas and any city for that matter.