
El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Best for classic Vegas history, 24/7 gaming and being steps from the Fremont Street Experience.
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El Cortez Hotel and Casino is a historic, adults-only downtown Las Vegas casino hotel on Fremont Street for travelers who want vintage Vegas, gaming and easy access to downtown nightlife. Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas is a luxury, non-gaming Strip hotel aimed at guests who prefer a quieter, service-focused stay near major Strip attractions and a full-service spa.
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Best for classic Vegas history, 24/7 gaming and being steps from the Fremont Street Experience.

Best for a calm, upscale non-gaming stay with a focus on spa, service and Strip-side location.
When El Cortez wins: Choose El Cortez if you want an adults-only downtown experience with a working casino, late-night bars, vintage rooms and immediate access to Fremont Street entertainment.
When Waldorf Astoria wins: Choose Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas if you prefer a refined, non-gaming hotel on the Strip with an on-site spa, outdoor pool and quieter service-oriented atmosphere.
Bottom line: The two properties serve different needs — El Cortez puts you in the middle of historic downtown gaming and nightlife for adult-only stays, while Waldorf Astoria offers a quieter, luxury non-gaming alternative on the Strip.
| Category | El Cortez Hotel and Casino | Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Vintage downtown casino, lively and nostalgic | Modern luxury, calm and service-focused |
| Location | Fremont Street / Downtown Las Vegas, steps from Fremont Street Experience | Las Vegas Strip (near ARIA/CityCenter) |
| Size (rooms) | Approximately 362–364 rooms | Not published |
| Built / history | Opened 1941; listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places | Modern luxury brand property (Waldorf Astoria), positioned as non-gaming |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool | Outdoor swimming pool (pool with view listed) |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues (Siegel's 1941, Alex Prime Steakhouse, Hot Noods, Sushi Ichiban, Eureka!, Starbucks, several bars) | On-site restaurants and bar(s); breakfast and poolside bar available |
| Spa & wellness | NV Spa on-site (12 treatment suites; massages, reflexology) and 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa, sauna, hot tub and fitness center listed |
| Casino | Yes — active casino floor with slots, table games and sportsbook | No — positioned as a non-gaming hotel |
| Family / age policy | Adults-only (21+), no under-21 guests allowed | All ages allowed (not adults-only) |
| Parking | Complimentary guest parking included via daily amenity fee | On-site parking and valet available (self/valet listed) |
El Cortez sits on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, a short walk to the Fremont Street Experience and many downtown attractions.
Pick El Cortez if you want to be in the middle of downtown action and historic Vegas.
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas is located on Las Vegas Boulevard near CityCenter and ARIA, placing guests close to high-end shopping and Strip shows.
Pick Waldorf Astoria for a central Strip position with easy access to shows, shopping and Strip dining.
El Cortez offers a range of room types that reference the property's vintage character, including Cabana and Tower rooms.
Choose El Cortez for rooms with classic downtown Las Vegas character and varied room categories.
Waldorf Astoria's rooms are positioned as modern luxury accommodations, with soundproofing and strip- or city-view options listed.
Select Waldorf Astoria for quiet, modern rooms with a focus on comfort and accessible options.
El Cortez has many on-site restaurants and bars ranging from casual to steakhouse, plus 24-hour casino bars.
El Cortez is best if you want a range of downtown dining options without leaving the property.
Waldorf Astoria lists on-site restaurants, a bar and poolside dining options focused on higher-end service.
Waldorf Astoria suits travelers seeking a quieter, hotel-centered dining experience on the Strip.
El Cortez does not have an on-site swimming pool, reflecting its historic downtown design.
If a pool is essential, El Cortez will require visiting nearby venues off-property.
Waldorf Astoria lists an outdoor swimming pool and poolside bar among its amenities.
Waldorf Astoria is the better choice if you want an on-site outdoor pool experience.
El Cortez combines an on-site NV Spa with 24-hour casino bars and live entertainment in its Parlour Bar.
El Cortez mixes wellness options with active casino nightlife — good for guests who want both.
Waldorf Astoria emphasizes spa, sauna and service-led wellness alongside quieter evening options.
Choose Waldorf Astoria for a wellness-forward stay without on-site gaming noise.

El Cortez — downtown casino floor, 24/7 bars and live entertainment steps from Fremont Street.

Waldorf Astoria — Strip location with spa, outdoor pool and quieter rooms for rest-focused travelers.

El Cortez — operating since 1941 and listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Waldorf Astoria — many accessible and hearing/mobility room types listed and contemporary amenities.
El Cortez — it is steps from the Fremont Street Experience and downtown attractions.
Waldorf Astoria lists an outdoor swimming pool; El Cortez does not have an on-site pool.
El Cortez is adults-only (21+), so children and guests under 21 are not permitted. Waldorf Astoria is not adults-only.
El Cortez has an active casino floor with slots, table games and a sportsbook. Waldorf Astoria is a non-gaming hotel.
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