This is for the casino only.
We like the El Cortez. It has what could be called an old school atmosphere. All the staff seem friendly and happy to be there. They have good pay tables on the VP that we like to play, and the cocktail service is frequent and efficient. We ate in the cafe for breakfast and thought it was good. They have other restaurants too, but we didn't try any of them.
This casino can get a little smoky at times, but no worse than some of the newer, more trendy places.