Premium Room, Tower (North View)

As the name says, the windows face north toward downtown Las Vegas. The room sits in the hotel's tower, and blackout drapes let you shut out the light when you want to sleep in. El Cortez Hotel and Casino is in the Fremont East Entertainment District, one block from the Fremont Street Experience.

You can choose 1 King or 2 Queen Beds. The room sleeps up to four guests, which is the maximum allowed in any El Cortez room. The king suits a couple. The two queens work better for friends or colleagues sharing.

No. El Cortez is an adults-only (21+) hotel. Every guest must be 21 or older, and there must be at least one person aged 21 or over in each room. A valid government-issued photo ID is required at check-in. The room suits couples, friends and small groups of adults.

The room has a private bathroom with a bathtub or shower. It comes with free toiletries, fresh towels and a hair dryer. Housekeeping is available on request.

The room has a 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels and pay movies, a coffee/tea maker, a refrigerator and free bottled water. Free WiFi and free local calls are included. There is also a laptop-compatible safe, plus an iron and ironing board.

El Cortez charges a daily amenity (resort) fee, reported at roughly $26 to $34 plus tax per night depending on dates and booking channel. It covers free parking in the attached garage, fitness center access and two in-room bottled waters daily on request. It also covers free boarding pass printing, unrestricted local calls and in-room Keurig coffee. A discounted massage at NV Spa and a complimentary glass of wine or 12 oz domestic draft beer with an entrée purchase at the restaurant are included too.

There is no on-site swimming pool. The property was never built with one. There is a fitness center open 24 hours, with ellipticals, treadmills and cycling machines. NV Spa is on the second floor above the casino lobby and is open daily from 10 AM to midnight. It offers massage and reflexology, and hotel guests receive a discount on certain massage packages. Call 702.885.6612 to reserve.

Siegel's 1941 serves breakfast and lunch, with comfort classics such as matzoh brei and a patty melt. At 5 p.m. it becomes Alex Prime Steakhouse, a prime steak and seafood dinner restaurant. Hot Noods serves ramen, udon and wok-fried noodles. Eureka! is known for its burgers and craft beer. There is also a Starbucks on property, plus several bars including Ike's Bar, which is open around the clock.

El Cortez is at 600 East Fremont Street, about 15 to 18 minutes by car from Harry Reid International Airport. The hotel offers a complimentary one-way, drop-off-only airport shuttle. It runs daily from about 7 AM to 2 PM on the hour, first-come first-served for up to 5 passengers. Hotel guests park free in the attached garage, and height restrictions apply.

Check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for a fee, subject to availability. At check-in you need a government-issued photo ID and a credit card in the name of the primary guest on the reservation. Cash is not accepted for the refundable incidental hold. Stays are normally limited to 7 days per month, and extra days carry a $25 per-day fee. Pets are not allowed, though ADA-defined service animals are accepted.