Treasure Island vs El Cortez: Modern Strip Resort vs Historic Downtown Classic

Location & Accessibility

Treasure Island (Score: 9/10) occupies a prime mid-Strip location adjacent to The Mirage and across from The Venetian. This positioning provides excellent walkability to major attractions, high-end shopping, and fine dining. The hotel connects directly to the Fashion Show Mall and offers convenient access to monorail transportation.

El Cortez (Score: 7/10) sits in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street, offering authentic old-Vegas atmosphere and easy access to the Fremont Street Experience. While less convenient for Strip attractions, it provides a more concentrated historic gambling district experience with better parking availability and lower congestion.

Winner: Treasure Island for superior Strip access and modern convenience

Room Quality & Comfort

Treasure Island (Score: 8/10) features recently renovated rooms with contemporary decor, plush bedding, and modern amenities. Standard rooms average 450 square feet with marble bathrooms, premium toiletries, and stunning Strip or mountain views. The property maintains consistent housekeeping standards and comfortable furnishings.

El Cortez (Score: 6/10) offers a mix of vintage-style rooms and newer Cabana Suites. While clean and functional, many rooms maintain their historic character with smaller layouts and basic amenities. The Cabana Suites provide more modern accommodations but lack the luxury finishes of Strip properties.

Winner: Treasure Island for superior room quality and modern comforts

Casino Experience

Treasure Island (Score: 8/10) features a 95,000 square foot casino with modern slot machines, table games, and a dedicated poker room. The atmosphere is energetic but less intense than larger Strip casinos, with favorable table limits for mid-stakes players. The casino floor is well-maintained with comfortable seating and good drink service.

El Cortez (Score: 9/10) boasts one of Las Vegas's most historic gambling floors with classic casino charm. Known for player-friendly rules (including single-deck blackjack), lower minimum bets, and authentic vintage atmosphere. The casino maintains its original character while offering modern slots and table games.

Winner: El Cortez for authentic Vegas gambling experience and better player value

Dining Options

Treasure Island (Score: 8/10) offers diverse dining including The Coffee Shop, Phil's Italian Steak House, and quick-service options. Quality ranges from casual to upscale, with reasonable pricing for a Strip property. The property lacks celebrity chef restaurants but provides solid variety.

El Cortez (Score: 6/10) features classic Vegas dining with Siegel's 1941, The Parlour, and a 24-hour coffee shop. Options are limited but offer good value and authentic atmosphere. The focus is on traditional casino fare rather than culinary innovation.

Winner: Treasure Island for greater variety and higher-quality dining

Entertainment & Amenities

Treasure Island (Score: 9/10) offers multiple pools, a full-service spa, fitness center, and shopping arcade. The property features regular entertainment and is adjacent to major production shows. The pool complex provides a resort-style experience with cabanas and bar service.

El Cortez (Score: 5/10) offers basic amenities including a small pool and fitness center. The property focuses on gambling rather than resort features, though it provides easy access to Fremont Street entertainment. Limited on-site entertainment options.

Winner: Treasure Island for comprehensive resort amenities

Value & Pricing

Treasure Island (Score: 7/10) offers mid-range Strip pricing with rooms typically $100-300 per night. Provides good value for a Strip property but higher than downtown options. Resort fees apply and dining/gambling costs are typical for Strip locations.

El Cortez (Score: 9/10) offers exceptional value with rooms often under $100 per night, lower resort fees, and more affordable dining/gambling. Provides one of the best cost-to-experience ratios in Las Vegas, particularly for budget-conscious travelers.

Winner: El Cortez for superior overall value and affordability

Service Quality

Treasure Island (Score: 8/10) provides professional, efficient service typical of MGM-operated properties. Staff are well-trained and responsive, though can be less personalized due to larger scale. Check-in/check-out processes are streamlined.

El Cortez (Score: 8/10) offers surprisingly excellent service with friendly, attentive staff who provide personal attention. The smaller scale allows for more individualized service and quicker response times. Maintains old-school Vegas hospitality standards.

Winner: Tie - Both properties excel in service for their respective categories