For starters, yes I played a gig here, yes it was a tribute act and yes it was everything Vegas should always be.
SO back to the El Cortez... I was appalled when I first walked in to this smoky, tobacco tinted, untouched since the 70s casino. Mostly because if the casino was in such shape I couldn't wait to see what would be lurking in my hotel room and what I might take home with me.
After a few hours what was completely shocking to me soon became quite charming. Hell, if you are going to smoke inside, it should at least be a little smoky! The casino was always bustling even though it is on the old side of town. Everyone seemed in the Vegas spirit (not the fist pumping pool party but more like the drab "a loan shark's holding my kids hostage spirit.") I prefer the latter.
The El Cortez recently built a new tower to accomodate more guests and to modernize the facility and the rooms are awesome. No Smoking allowed. The rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable. You truly get the best of both worlds. Sleazy, dingy Elvis-y Vegas and clean, classy and comfortable Vegas.
I will also say, I love this side of town. I had never been there before but it is really a unique place. There is an awesome coffee shop across the street and several small restaurants leading up to the old strip. Easily my favorite place in Vegas and not a bad place to play a gig eaither.