Hay KEN,
I had stayed at the El Cortez for for several days & nights, during the 2006 CC>CC convention. Not to speak of about a dozen other times. In both the hotel tower and the garage rooms over the garage. I haven't gotten robbed, mobed, or anything yet. And I walk to the downtown area. And to catch the bus, to the stip a lot while I am there. While I admit it's not the best or classist part of town, or like on the strip. Las Vegas is in the process of cleaning it up. And has made headway since I first started staying there. A person just has to be careful And stick to the sidewalks. Also 50 story very high priced condominium building. Is being built right accross the street from the El Cortez. Between Neotroplis and the El Cortez. This should make it better to get to the El Cortez.
One suggestion though, stay in the hotel tower. Instead of the over the garage rooms. If at all possible, rooms are much better. And not as hard to get to and quiter. The garage rooms is more like a motel. And posibally not quite as safe as the hotel tower.

As far as the hotel rooms, they was redone right after the time. That Barrick Corp. bought the Las Vegas Club and Plaza. While, not like on the strip, but clean and nice. And since I donot stay in the room much, except to sleep. Plenty good enough for me.
The casino while not the fancyest, biggest, nicest, or prettyest. It doesn't bother me to much. I play the strike machines or maybe a slot machine or 2 there and move on.

If a person wants something like on the strip. Then GO PAY the $100 to $450 a night, on the strip.

WOULD I STAY AT THE EL CORTEZ AGAIN.---WITHOUT HESATATION.
DAN