The El Cortez Hotel is one of the oldest properties in downtown Las Vegas but management has spent tens of millions to make sure it doesn’t look dated. Those renovations are underway and the results speak for themselves.
What’s Old is New Again
The Las Vegas Strip is where all the pricey hotels, casinos and sportsbooks reside. However, downtown is making a comeback and one of the oldest properties is in the midst of another expensive renovation that will not only spruce up the hotel but also enhance the surrounding Fremont Street area.
CEO and Chairman Kenny Epstein said in a release in May, “We are thrilled to unveil our latest expansion project, which represents a significant milestone for El Cortez and the community of downtown Vegas. These enhancements arrive at a pivotal moment of heightened demand from both locals and visitors to Fremont Street. We are excited to continue to elevate the guest experience with these additions, ensuring every visit is filled with comfort, convenience, and timeless hospitality.”
Epstein’s El Cortez Hotel is getting glammed up to the tune of $20 million and one part of the renovations was recently completed, the Seventh Street construction project, as it has become known. This will allow customers greater accessibility to the hotel and includes a host of cosmetic changes that will create a more alluring environment including widened sidewalks, freshly paved streets, lush greenery, modern streetlights, and festoon lighting,
It was only a few years ago that the property’s original 47 rooms, its premium tower rooms, high limit room, and casino floor bathrooms were given a $30 million facelift. The competition is fierce in Las Vegas, which is why the city’s oldest property is spending bundles of money to evoke a modern appearance while maintaining some of the nostalgia from its long, storied past.
The Master Plan
Although the Seventh Street portion of the project has been completed, renovations continue. Once the construction is complete, guests will see a casino with 10,000 more square feet and a renovation of another 4,000 square feet including the high-limit room that is dedicated exclusively to table games.
A Starbucks will be welcomed into the renovated area along with an Asian-themed noodle bar. There will also be new bars, including one with a stage for live music and a 20’ x 10’ monitor for black-and-white movies.
“With all the young people coming in, we have to stick to our history – we’ll be 83 this year,” said General Manager Adam Wiesberg. “The young people want to be a part of that, so we have to continue to stay modern and exciting. These new bars will create a new energy.”
The expansion is led by McCarthy Building Companies, Ike Gaming, JIVE Architecture, and interior concepts from Kenneth Ussenko Design according to the El Cortez press release.
“We’re grateful to partner with such an experienced team who understands the significance of this investment for downtown and the El Cortez Hotel & Casino,” Ross Edwards, senior vice president at McCarthy Building Companies, said in the release. ”We’re not just focused on meeting expectations; we’re committed to exceeding them and ensuring a great experience for everyone who walks through the property’s doors.”
