This is the place to stay if you want to stretch your dollar a long way but not sacrifice safety and comfort.
Check-in is always prompt and courteous. Okay, it's a little smokey but it's a casino so that's to be expected. The food at Cafe Cortez is excellent and very inexpensive (don't miss the tuna melt!). I haven't tried the steak house yet but hear very good things about it.
Sign up for a players card and get some freebies.
I personally like to hang out in the Parlour lounge (located near the check-in desk) and enjoy the TVs and, in the evenings, live music. This usually consists of an excellent piano player but sometimes a very talented guitar player as well.
The server/bartender Scott works the day shift (10 am - 6 pm, off Wed-Thurs) and is the best I've ever met. He's been there for ages and his father worked there before him. In fact, his father still drops by on occasion and I've had the privilege of meeting him. Both will chat you up and always have very entertaining stories to tell.
You see, this is the type of place where you can almost become family after just a few visits. I'm not in town very often but they always remember me. Try that on the Strip!
I usually receive offers for free stays during each visit and I did nothing to earn them except check in. You really do get a lot here for you money.
The El Cortez. A throwback to the better days in Vegas. Come check it out.