The El Cortez Hotel & Casino, in conjunction with the Las Vegas Design Center, has launches a one-of-a-kind design competition in which local Las Vegas interior designers will remodel 10 of the hotel casino’s luxury suites. The “Design A Suite Downtown” competition closed its deadline for Call for Entries on Thursday, July 22  to all interior designers, architects and teams.

The purpose of the competition is for local interior designers to redesign a suite for the El Cortez Hotel tower. Several suites will undergo remodeling. The top four finalists will have the opportunity to make their design come to life with one winner selected from the final four. The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to remodel the remaining suites, which will be unveiled during the iconic hotel casino’s 70^th anniversary celebration in 2011.

Entries required a $150 entry fee that will be donated to Keep Memory Alive. Finalists will be given a $20,000 budget and all materials used in the design must come from the Las Vegas World Market Center. Particular attention will be paid to innovative ideas for materials and comfort. Judging will be focused around uniqueness of design, technique and execution and the use of items from World Market Center.

The El Cortez Hotel & Casino and Las Vegas Design Center will announce four semifinalists in the “Design A Suite Downtown” competition on Thursday, July 29th, as well as present Keep Memory Alive (KMA) with a check for all funds raised by the competition.

Complete contest details can be found at http://www.designasuitedowntown.com.

The El Cortez Hotel & Casino is celebrating May with Gift Cards! Throughout May,  Club Cortez players winning a jackpot of $200 or more on a slot machine, a $200 or more jackpot on a video poker five-cent or lower denomination machine, a $300 or more jackpot on a video poker ten-cent or higher denomination machine or a $200 or more jackpot on live keno will receive their choice of a gift certificate from either Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Smith’s, Shell or Chevron.

If you’re already a member of Club Cortez, all you have to do is insert your Club card into any machine and the rest is taken care of for you. Not already a member? All you need to do is sign-up in person, or click here and sign-up online.

The El Cortez is located in Downtown Las Vegas at the corner of Fremont Street and 6th. You can reach them at 1-800-634-6703 or online at www.ecvegas.com

1. We have 28% looser slots than the Clark County average – and that’s certified! 

2. Every Friday in December, when you earn 1500 points on your Club Cortez Membership, you’ll receive a free box of See’s Candy.

3. During the entire month of December, any time you hit a $200 jackpot or more, you’ll receive a gift card from either Wal-Mart, Smith’s, Shell or Chevron courtesy of the El Cortez.

4. All jackpot winners will also receive an entry into the weekly Saturday night 42” LCD HDTV giveaway and $2,000 cash prize drawing. 

5. Jacuzzi Suites: Indulge yourself. Relax and de-stress in the two-person jetted tub. Curl up in the ultimate King Bed. Relax the next morning while lounging on the sofa watching one of two TVs.

6. Don’t want to risk your winning streak just to grab a bite to eat? Dine game-side with eC Gambling Gourmet. We’ll bring the finest food and beverages to you so you can play uninterrupted.

7. Florida Stone Crab flown in fresh and available Fridays and Saturdays at the Flame Restaurant for only $28. Just make sure you come hungry because the meal features one-pound of Florida Stone Crab, coleslaw and cottage-fried potatoes.

8. Players cashing their tax return, government check, or casino payroll check from all Clark County gaming properties may receive five percent of their check in free play, up to $50. 

9. Located just across the street from its sister property, the Cabana Suites are the most modern and stylish accommodations in all of Downtown.

10. Find rooms available this month for as little as $27/night, plus tax and fees. ~LMM

Did you know the El Cortez is the oldest continuously running property in all of Las Vegas? They must be doing something right. Now they have an entirely new look, AND a sassy sister property to draw your attention back to the legendary Downtown Las Vegas. The eC, as it has come to be known lately, is proud to introduce the Cabana Suites to Las Vegas and the world. With a modern, vibrant style unlike anything else found in the area, you’re bound to be impressed with this new luxurious property.

The Cabana Suites offers three different types of rooms to suit anyone’s needs, a fully functional business center and a state of the art fitness facility. What you won’t expect are some of the most unique furnishings and décor ever to be seen in the Vegas area. The oh-so-chic design is a reason to visit the suites alone, but they have so much more to offer. Every room is equipped with the following amenities: a fully stocked snack bar; 42″ plasma screen TV with digital feed and free movie channels; iHome Stereo with iPod dock; Wi-Fi; coffee maker; full-length mirror; Sealy mattresses; hair dryer; safe; refrigerator; iron & ironing board and your own private voicemail.

Imagine spending a weekend away in a hip and happening hotel with your very own suite this weekend. Or, why not plan your New Year’s celebration in the recently rejuvenated area of Downtown. All of your needs can be met and exceeded within these walls, and you will be right in the heart of the city to ring in the New Year. Reservations are still available at this time, but are booking-up fast.

With the all of the amenities and the great location, you may find it hard to believe that rooms start at only $29 a night – just another reason the Cabana Suites is the best deal in all of Las Vegas.

Call 1-800-634-6703 to book your escape today.