El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas Announces Expansion Project

El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will undergo a $20 million renovation that expands its casino floor and adds a new high limit lounge, restaurant, bars, and cafe. 

The project, which will also include some casino renovations, begins this summer and will culminate in 2025. Hotel officials say the makeover will retain the vintage charm of El Cortez, which is the only operating casino on the National Register of Historic Places. 

“We are thrilled to unveil our latest expansion project, which represents a significant milestone for El Cortez and the community of downtown Vegas,” said Kenny Epstein, CEO and chairman of El Cortez Hotel & Casino. “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.”    

With this project, El Cortez will expand its casino floor by 10,000 square-feet and renovate about 4,000 square-feet of the existing space. The property will also welcome two new bars – a roulette bar and a show bar featuring a large screen playing black and white films and sports games – and a high limit lounge offering an intimate, elevated gaming experience. 

El Cortez will also add a Starbucks coffee shop opening in June 2024 and a modern Asian restaurant, Hot Noods, opening in 2025. 

The expansion project comes after the hotel’s $30 million renovation project, which enhanced its original 47 rooms and other parts of the casino, wrapped up last year.