
El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Best for classic downtown casino action, vintage Las Vegas history, and 24/7 gaming.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
El Cortez Hotel and Casino is a historic, adults-only downtown casino hotel on Fremont Street; read this if you want classic Vegas gaming, vintage character, and a downtown location. Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA Las Vegas is a five-star, all-suite, non-gaming CityCenter property with a full-service spa; read this if you want a quieter, suite-focused stay near the Strip and spa amenities.
Updated

Best for classic downtown casino action, vintage Las Vegas history, and 24/7 gaming.

Best for suite-style luxury, a quieter non-gaming stay, and a full-service spa in the CityCenter area.
When El Cortez wins: Choose El Cortez if you want to be in the heart of Fremont Street, prefer an adults-only environment, and want a historic casino with multiple on-site bars and late-night gaming.
When Vdara wins: Choose Vdara if you want roomy kitchen-equipped studios/suites, a full-service spa and steam room, and a calmer non-gaming base steps from high-end Strip destinations.
Bottom line: El Cortez is the pick for downtown, gaming-first travelers who value Old Vegas character and a 21+ property; Vdara suits travelers who prioritize spacious, non-gaming suites and spa amenities closer to the Strip.
| Category | El Cortez Hotel and Casino | Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA Las Vegas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Lively, vintage downtown casino and bars — 24/7 gaming focus | Quiet, contemporary all-suite hotel with a spa and limited on-site gaming (none) |
| Location | Fremont Street / Downtown Las Vegas (steps from the Fremont Street Experience) | CityCenter / near the Las Vegas Strip (2600 West Harmon Avenue) |
| Size (rooms) | About 362–364 rooms | About 1,400 guestrooms (studio and suite formats) |
| Ages | Adults-only (21+; ID required) | All ages permitted (not adults-only) |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool | Outdoor seasonal pool, pool cabanas (surcharge) |
| Restaurants & bars | Several on-site venues including Siegel's 1941 / Alex Prime Steakhouse, Hot Noods, Sushi Ichiban, Eureka!, and multiple bars | Market Cafe Vdara (restaurant), coffee shop/cafe and 1 bar/lounge; room service (limited hours) |
| Spa & wellness | NV Spa with 12 private treatment suites; spa treatments and discounts for guests | Full-service spa with massages, body treatments, facials, steam room and fitness center |
| Gaming | Large on-site casino with slots, table games and sportsbook | Non-gaming property |
| Smoking policy | Designated smoking rooms/areas available | Smoke-free property |
| Parking | Free valet and garage parking for guests (included with amenity fee) | Valet parking (surcharge); off-street parking available |
El Cortez puts you inside the Fremont Street Experience and the Fremont East entertainment district.
Take El Cortez for a downtown, walkable Fremont Street stay and easy access to downtown attractions.
Vdara sits in CityCenter near the Strip and high-end resorts and venues.
Take Vdara for a quieter, Strip-adjacent base with easy access to top Strip destinations on foot.
El Cortez offers traditional hotel rooms and a few suites with vintage character.
Rooms at El Cortez are more traditional hotel layouts aimed at adults who want downtown access and gaming.
Vdara is an all-suite-focused property with kitchenette-equipped studios and larger suites.
Choose Vdara if you want the space and convenience of suites and in-room kitchenettes for longer or quieter stays.
El Cortez has multiple restaurants and bars serving everything from breakfast to steakhouse dinners.
El Cortez gives many on-property dining choices geared to an adult, downtown crowd and late-night service.
Vdara offers a smaller on-property food-and-drink footprint focused on cafe and market-style dining.
Vdara suits guests who prefer in-suite dining or walking to nearby Strip restaurants rather than many on-site restaurants.
El Cortez does not have an on-site swimming pool.
If a pool is essential, El Cortez requires going off-site; otherwise enjoy its NV Spa and 24-hour gym.
Vdara lists an outdoor seasonal pool plus pool cabanas and full spa facilities.
Vdara is the better choice if on-site pool access and a resort-style spa are priorities.
El Cortez blends a small spa and 24/7 casino nightlife and bars.
Pick El Cortez if you want spa treatments available alongside active casino nightlife.
Vdara emphasizes spa and relaxation without on-site gaming distractions.
Pick Vdara if your priority is spa-focused wellness and a quieter night at the hotel.

El Cortez — large downtown casino, multiple bars and 24/7 gaming.

Vdara — studio and suite layouts with kitchenettes and separate sitting areas.

Vdara — full-service spa, steam room and an outdoor seasonal pool with cabanas.

El Cortez — operating since 1941 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
El Cortez: it’s one block from the Fremont Street Experience and within easy walking distance of downtown attractions.
Vdara has an outdoor seasonal pool and cabanas. El Cortez does not have an on-site swimming pool.
El Cortez is strictly 21-and-over (adults-only). Vdara is not an adults-only property.
Vdara favors spa-focused guests with a full-service spa, steam room and hot tub; El Cortez also offers NV Spa treatments but without the same on-site pool/steam amenities.
Explore how El Cortez Hotel and Casino stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·