New York-New York vs El Cortez: Themed Mega-Resort vs Historic Downtown Classic
New York-New York Hotel & Casino
El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Location & Accessibility
New York-New York (8/10) sits prominently on the Las Vegas Strip, offering immediate access to major attractions, shopping, and entertainment. Its central location provides excellent walkability to other MGM properties and the Park MGM pedestrian bridge. El Cortez (7/10) occupies a prime Downtown location on Fremont Street, placing guests steps from the Fremont Street Experience and historic casinos. While slightly less convenient for Strip access, it offers authentic old Vegas charm.
Winner: New York-New York
Room Quality & Comfort
New York-New York (8/10) features recently renovated rooms with modern amenities, comfortable bedding, and New York-themed decor. Standard rooms average 350-500 sq ft with quality furnishings. El Cortez (6/10) offers smaller, more basic accommodations that maintain vintage charm but lack modern luxury. Rooms range from historic original sections to slightly updated Cabana Suites, with sizes typically 250-400 sq ft.
Winner: New York-New York
Amenities & Facilities
New York-New York (9/10) boasts extensive amenities including a massive casino, multiple pools, the Big Apple Coaster, numerous restaurants, and direct access to Park MGM facilities. The property features a full-service spa, fitness center, and shopping arcade. El Cortez (6/10) offers more limited amenities focused on gaming and basic comforts, with a historic casino, rooftop pool, and several casual dining options but no spa or premium facilities.
Winner: New York-New York
Dining Options
New York-New York (8/10) features diverse dining including Tom's Urban, Gallagher's Steakhouse, Nine Fine Irishmen, and numerous casual options representing New York culinary traditions. El Cortez (7/10) offers classic Vegas dining with Siegel's 1941, The Cal, and a 24-hour coffee shop, providing good quality at reasonable prices but less variety.
Winner: New York-New York
Gaming Experience
New York-New York (8/10) offers a massive 84,000 sq ft casino with all modern games, lower table limits than premium Strip properties, and a lively atmosphere. El Cortez (9/10) provides an authentic vintage gambling experience with some of Vegas's best odds, lower limits, and historic charm that gambling purists appreciate.
Winner: El Cortez
Value for Money
New York-New York (7/10) offers good value for a Strip property, with room rates typically $100-300/night considering the amenities and location. El Cortez (9/10) provides exceptional value with rooms often $40-120/night, low gaming limits, and affordable dining, making it one of Vegas's best bargains.
Winner: El Cortez
Atmosphere & Experience
New York-New York (8/10) delivers a vibrant, energetic atmosphere with its spectacular New York skyline replica, roller coaster, and constant activity. It's perfect for visitors seeking excitement and spectacle. El Cortez (9/10) offers unique historic atmosphere as Vegas's longest continuously operating casino, with vintage decor and a more intimate, nostalgic experience.
Winner: El Cortez
Service Quality
New York-New York (7/10) provides competent corporate-level service with efficient check-in, clean rooms, and professional staff, though it can feel impersonal during peak times. El Cortez (8/10) offers more personalized service with veteran staff who know regular customers, creating a warmer, more attentive experience.
Winner: El Cortez