El Cortez Hotel & Casino vs Golden Nugget: Head-to-Head Comparison
Two of Las Vegas's Downtown casinos compared side by side. El Cortez Hotel & Casino offers 364 rooms, while Golden Nugget offers 2,419 rooms. Here's how they stack up across gaming, rooms, amenities, and value.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | El Cortez Hotel & Casino | Golden Nugget |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Fremont East | Fremont East |
| Price Range | $ | $$ |
| Star Rating | 3.9 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Total Rooms | 364 | 2,419 |
| Casino Sq Ft | 45,000 | 38,000 |
| Table Games | 20 | 50 |
| Slot Machines | 850 | 1,100 |
| Poker Room | No | Yes |
| Sportsbook | Yes | Yes |
| Pool | Yes | Yes |
| Buffet | No | Yes |
| Spa | No | Yes |
| Nightclub | No | No |
| Live Shows | No | Yes |
| Casino Group | Independent | Independent |
| Year Established | 1941 | 1946 |
Which is better for…
Gaming enthusiasts
With 50 table games and 1,100 slots, Golden Nugget offers a wider gaming selection than El Cortez Hotel & Casino's 20 tables and 850 slots.
Luxury seekers
Golden Nugget pairs a $$ price tier with a 4.5/5 rating, edging out El Cortez Hotel & Casino on the luxury scale.
Budget travelers
El Cortez Hotel & Casino ($) generally runs cheaper than Golden Nugget ($$).
Poker players
Golden Nugget has a dedicated poker room, while El Cortez Hotel & Casino does not.
Families
Golden Nugget scores better for families with a pool, live shows, and all-ages access.
Couples
Golden Nugget wins for couples with a 4.5/5 rating and a full spa.
Location & getting between them
Both properties are located on the Fremont East, walking distance apart. All Fremont East casinos are within a 10-minute walk of each other under the Fremont Street Experience canopy. El Cortez is a short walk east past the canopy into the Fremont East arts district. The Mob Museum is just two blocks north. See our Fremont East guide for the full walkable cluster.
The verdict
Golden Nugget wins 8 of the compared categories to 1. Choose El Cortez Hotel & Casino if you want lower prices; choose Golden Nugget if you prefer a bigger gaming floor.