El Cortez Cabana Suites

If you’re thinking that a Downtown hotel room has to be a circa-1975, cigarette-burned hole in the wall, as gaudy as it is neglected, then you must have overlooked the recently face-lifted Cabana Suites at 651 E. Ogden Ave., between 6th and 7th Streets. Formerly the Ogden House, the Suites long served as the El Cortez’s overflow property before falling into disrepair. But following a $6 million makeover—part of the $25 million-plus El Cortez overhaul—the 64-room boutique hotel will open this Thursday with a mayoral ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The throwback chic, art-deco lobby features an art installation by Vegas’ own Jerry Misko, a concierge desk, a shag-carpeted nook, Swarovski crystal chandeliers and two computer stations. Upstairs, the 102 spare, tiny rooms have been gutted and reconfigured into suites, although one petite original 250-square-foot room remains on each floor—for about $40 per night mid-week! That will make all the difference come last call at the Griffin! More at elcortezcabanasuites.com.