I’m a student in photography and I happen to travel all over the US to take pictures of US Cities. I can’t afford great hotels, and if you are reading this I suppose that you are in the same condition if you are looking at the review of El Cortez. I stayed there during the Hot August Nights, back in August of 2010. I was only looking for a place where I could spend the night, and I was out most of the day.

I paid around $30 a day, and for that price I was satisfied of what I got. The bed was clean; I didn’t catch any skin disease. The bathroom was old but in a relatively good state, and it was clean too. I had a window AC unit, which sort of worked but took a long time to cool down the place. A window was cracked, but it was alright; I didn’t dare opening the windows to much lest it would fall off, but I’m sure it was only an impression. The TV had basic cable, but the room had not Internet. Keep in mind that people working there won’t treat you as if you were Jesus rising from the dead, but for the price it is not surprising, and the service is correct, although I found the person at the counter not very talkative. The elevator scared me at first and I sort of freaked when the doors didn’t open for something like 30 seconds. There is a library above the lobby, and you can take books there to read in your room for free.

If you compare what you have for the price, I think it is a good deal. If you’re a student or someone traveling and don’t mind about those little details, your stay will be good Weekly rates are also available.

Tonight I called the front desk to ask simple information and was greeted rudely by the front desk person. Apparently the hotel cannot transfer my call to the bar. My room was ill-equipped with a notepad or pen and the front desk person was too impatient to repeat the phone number a second time. After asking for the supervisor, the front desk person informed me that he was the only person on staff. This facility is extremely unprofessional and while the rooms were acceptable (not great), the customer service is about the worst I've ever had. To be fair, it could just be tonight's (October 10, 2009 at 9:15 PM) staff, but I would certainly not recommend this hotel, especially with the vast selection in Reno, NV.

I have stayed at the El Cortez many many times and I love it.It is older,but very clean and nice.But if you want all the luxeries of life it is not a place to stay.I always return as it has character and class.The elevator alone is an adventure by itself.I have stayed at Circus Circus and others,but I always returnto E C.The staff is curtious,friendly.The hotel never changes and I love it.It is alot of fun for those who want to go to Reno but can't afford to stay in the other hotels..If it wasn't for the El Cortez I would never of been able to see the Biggest Little City in the World.Hoorah El Cortez!!!! Hope to be able to visit again soon as it has been awhile.