I have stayed at the El Cortez twice, and I certainly will again. The room was quiet, the water was hot, and the Internet fast enough. Check-in was efficient. The hotel provides shuttle service on the hour to the airport. The prices were very low, and the view was very nice. Be sure to ask for a Tower room on the Ogden St side, because the Fremont St side can be noisy at night. There are food places within the hotel, and there is a good deli across the street and a Denny's two blocks away.
The casino is a good place to play. It is larger than it first appears because it has several different areas or rooms. As with all downtown casinos, it CAN have a problem with homeless wandering in, but do not hesitate to contact security if you have suspicions.