
El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Best for travelers seeking an adults-only, historic downtown Las Vegas experience steps from the Fremont Street Experience.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
El Cortez Hotel and Casino is an adults-only, vintage downtown Las Vegas casino hotel on Fremont Street for travelers who want Old Vegas character and immediate access to the Fremont Street Experience. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is a large, pop-culture–themed Strip resort with multiple pools, restaurants and a big casino — read this if you want a mainstream, high-energy Strip stay with shopping and shows.
Updated · about 10 km apart (roughly a 10–15 minute drive)

Best for travelers seeking an adults-only, historic downtown Las Vegas experience steps from the Fremont Street Experience.

Best for guests who want a central Strip address, big-casino energy, multiple pools and a wide range of restaurants and shows.
When El Cortez wins: pick El Cortez if you want a 21+ vintage Las Vegas vibe, easy walk access to Fremont Street attractions, a smaller footprint casino and on-site steakhouses and bars with Old Vegas character.
When Planet Hollywood wins: pick Planet Hollywood if you want to be on the Las Vegas Strip near Miracle Mile Shops, need pools and bigger resort facilities, or want more on-site dining, retail and a larger casino floor.
Bottom line: choose El Cortez for an adults-only, downtown Fremont Street experience that emphasizes history and a compact casino environment; choose Planet Hollywood for a mainstream Strip resort with multiple pools, many restaurants and larger-scale entertainment.
| Category | El Cortez Hotel and Casino | Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Vintage, Old Vegas; intimate downtown casino hotel | Lively, pop-culture–themed large Strip resort |
| Location | Fremont Street / Downtown Las Vegas — steps from Fremont Street Experience | Las Vegas Strip — steps from Miracle Mile Shops and central Strip attractions |
| Size (guest rooms) | Approximately 362–364 rooms | About 2,496 rooms (supplier listing) |
| Age policy | Adults-only, 21+ property (ID required) | All ages welcome (not adults-only) |
| Casino floor | Smaller downtown casino — about 750 slot machines and 24 gaming tables (historic downtown scale) | Large Strip casino — listed at ~2,352 slot machines and 75 gaming tables (supplier listing) |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool | Two outdoor pools and two hot tubs on site |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple downtown venues including Siegel's 1941 (breakfast/lunch), Alex Prime Steakhouse (dinner) and several bars/lounges | Nine restaurants, five bars/lounges and multiple coffee shops/cafes (supplier listing) |
| Spa & wellness | NV Spa with massage/reflexology; 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa plus 24-hour fitness facilities |
| Shopping & entertainment | Walkable to Fremont Street entertainment, Downtown Container Park and The Mob Museum | Steps from Miracle Mile Shops, close to many Strip theaters and shows |
| Parking | Complimentary guest parking included via daily amenity fee | Self and valet parking available for a surcharge |
El Cortez sits at 600 East Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, one block from the Fremont Street Experience.
Choose El Cortez if you want immediate access to downtown nightlife and Fremont Street attractions.
Planet Hollywood is on the Las Vegas Strip at 3667 Las Vegas Blvd S, adjacent to Miracle Mile Shops.
Choose Planet Hollywood for a central Strip address and quick access to Strip shops, shows and nightlife.
El Cortez has roughly 362–364 rooms with several named room types and a compact, historic-hotel layout.
Pick El Cortez for smaller property scale and rooms tied to its historic identity.
Planet Hollywood lists 2,496 guestrooms with standard Strip-resort amenities and large inventory.
Choose Planet Hollywood when you want the convenience and availability of a large Strip resort.
El Cortez focuses on a mix of retro and chef-driven downtown venues.
El Cortez suits guests who want standalone downtown dining and a retro-to-upscale single-property dining flow.
Planet Hollywood features a larger roster of restaurants and bars across its resort footprint.
Planet Hollywood is a better match if you want many on-site dining choices and immediate access to Strip restaurants and retail.
El Cortez does not have an on-site swimming pool.
If pool time is essential, El Cortez is not the right fit.
Planet Hollywood provides two outdoor pools, two hot tubs and pool cabanas (surcharge).
Pick Planet Hollywood when you want pool access and daytime poolside activity on the Strip.
El Cortez offers NV Spa and a 24-hour fitness center alongside downtown nightlife.
El Cortez pairs modest wellness facilities with immediate access to downtown nightlife.
Planet Hollywood lists a full-service spa and 24-hour fitness facilities plus large-scale evening entertainment.
Planet Hollywood is better for guests who want spa treatments and large-scale Strip entertainment.

El Cortez — historic 1941 property, downtown location and vintage dining and bars.

Planet Hollywood — two outdoor pools, hot tubs and pool cabanas (surcharge).

Planet Hollywood — steps from Miracle Mile Shops and close to major Strip venues.

El Cortez — 21-and-over property with ID checks and adults-only access.
El Cortez — it emphasizes El Cortez’s vintage history, downtown casino scene and direct access to Fremont Street.
Planet Hollywood — it lists two outdoor pools, two hot tubs and pool cabanas on site; El Cortez does not have a pool.
No — El Cortez is strictly 21-and-over; Planet Hollywood allows guests of all ages.
Planet Hollywood — supplier listing shows a much larger casino (about 100,000 sq ft and ~2,352 slot machines) versus El Cortez’s smaller downtown casino (roughly 750 slots).
Explore how El Cortez Hotel and Casino stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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