El Cortez Hotel & Casino has occupied the same block of Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas since 1941, welcoming gamblers and guests for 77 years. Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, its facade dates to 1952, a bit of classic Las Vegas amid the rapidly evolving Fremont East Entertainment District.
Inside the casino-hotel, however, things have come a long way since the '50s. In February, the property announced a renovation that will make over 73 Tower rooms and is expected to debut in late summer.
The updated rooms, designed by Las Vegas-based Tandem, have a bright, classic look with Spanish colonial elements contrasting with modern accents and art. Think white walls and exposed wood beams with carved poster beds and minimalist side tables. Accent rugs sit on wood floors, and Vegas-inspired art decorates the walls. In the bathrooms, black and white tiles and contemporary furnishings lend a sleek, refreshed feel. The hallways have also received a reboot with large murals featuring the vintage Downtown skyline, pop art motifs and an abstract rendition of El Cortez's neon sign.
"Since we first opened on Fremont Street over 75 years ago, we continue to find ways to grow, evolve and invigorate our property," said El Cortez partner and executive manager Alexandra Epstein-Gudai in a statement. "We loved the process of working with Tandem to design rooms and hallways that are completely updated and contemporary, while maintaining the warmth and nostalgia for which El Cortez is known."