LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The iconic El Cortez Hotel & Casino celebrated a historic milestone in downtown Las Vegas Thursday, marking its 85th birthday as the longest continuously operating hotel-casino in the city.
The legendary property first opened its doors in 1941, boasting a storied past with early ownership ties to notorious mobster Bugsy Siegel. More than eight decades later, city leaders, longtime team members, and guests gathered to celebrate the property’s enduring legacy.
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley joined the birthday celebration in person to deliver official congratulations on behalf of the city.
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“The El Cortez was already a legend back over 60 years ago, and here we are at your 85th anniversary celebrating something truly spectacular,” Berkley said. “It is a landmark, it’s a legacy hotel, and it’s a wonderful place to go.”
For longtime staff, the occasion—and the mayoral visit—carried deep personal meaning. Linda Gomez, a 43-year employee at the El Cortez, said having the mayor visit on the floor meant the world to the team.
“It was amazing she would find time to come out here just to come see us,” Gomez said. “We’re just normal people; she came out of her office just to come visit us. It’s amazing; that’s very special for us.”
Gomez, who has spent more than four decades welcoming guests through the casino’s doors, said her focus remains on spreading warmth and reliability to everyone who walks in.
“Give them a smile, no matter what they are going through,” Gomez said. “My business is to work and nothing but love… and someone you can count on.”
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