El Cortez Don Room and Terrace Est. Prior to 1930

702 Ash Street, San Diego, California

- Photographer: True Photography
- Photographer: True Photography
- Photographer: True Photography
- Photographer: True Photography
- Photographer: Jasmine Star Photography
- Photographer: True Photography
- Photographer: ABM Photography
- Photographer: True Photography
- Photographer: Yes, Dear. Studio
- Photographer: Sutography Weddings
- Photographer: Sutography Weddings
- Photographer: True Photography
- Photographer: ABM Photography

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El Cortez Don Room and Terrace

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Directions

619.338.8338

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A leading landmark of San Diego hosting several former presidents including JFK, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama since 1927!

Book the divine 24 carat "Don Room" or the outdoor Terrace complete with "unique" urban fireplace.

The Lowdown

Type: Ballroom; Banquet Hall / Event Facility; Historic Building; Other

Views: Courtyard

Style: Classic; Elegant; Glamorous; Ornate

BEST type of CELEBRATIONS: Charity Event; Corporate Event; Product Launch; Dinner Party; Holiday Party; Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Reception; Social Event; Wedding Ceremony; Wedding Reception; Anniversary; Engagement Party

Venue Setting

Designed in 1919, El Cortez opened in 1927 and luminaries such as Elvis Presley and Ginger Rogers left their footprints upon our storied Don Room Floor. Thoughtful restoration, attention to detail and the integration of original interior features, brings forth classic decor; including bronzed handrails and original Mahogany ballroom floor, a signature look for this historic luxury venue on Cortez Hill. You can see this in our most captivating focal points - our 24k gold leafed ceiling with mica chandelier.
Your footsteps, our ballroom floor, history happens!

Fees

(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)

Price Range: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
Does this include catering fees?: No
Estimated Price Per Head: from $65 to $150
Additional Charges: Fine Event Rentals and Lighting (In house)
Catering/Linens/China/Serviceware (Preferred List)
Bar Services (In house)
Insurance: Additional Insurance Is Not Required To Host An Event Here

Capacity

Seated: 250

Buffet: 220

Standing: 500

Celebrations Hosted Here Since: Prior to 1930
Curfew: 11 PM
Venue Spaces: Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering: Client Must Select A Caterer From The List Provided By The Venue
Alcohol: Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services; Corkage/Bottle Fee – You Can Bring Your Own Alcohol For A Fee
Music: Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking: Designated Smoking Areas Only
Eco/Green Events: Yes
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Other: Yes

Inside Scoop

Kathi Skillman, Events Director planned two (2) events for President Barack Obama. He enjoyed a private breakfast in the Don Room and delivered a speech on the Terrace at El Cortez in 2008.
El Cortez's iconic neon letters at the top of the building are 12 feet tall and were added to the building in 1937.
The Don Room was one of Elvis Presley's favorite places to play.

Amenities

Street Parking
Wifi
Dining Chairs
Dining Tables
Onsite Restrooms

Venue Features

The Scene:: The octagon shaped Don Room with 24-karat gold carved ceiling makes a grand setting for an elegant Event and our 10,000 square foot “urban” Terrace is a generous location for a pre-reception cocktail party or ceremony. The unexpected Terrace fireplace creates a special glow your guests will certainly take pleasure from.
Design:: Designed in 1919 and opened in 1927, El Cortez is historic landmark number 269. The octagon shaped Don Room with 24-karat gold carved sandlewood ceiling and mica glass chandelier along with oil bronzed fixutures and Mahogany Ballroom floor, make this venue very special!
Standout Venue Features:: Our team offers each and every client personalized service from the moment we are contacted through the planning of their function and until the very last guest has departed. We are committed!
Extra Perks:: The Don Room offers complimentary Wifi, and guests receive complimentary champagne for that special toast. Our rentals and lighting company Tavolo Chaise, offers eight (8) complimentary up lights in the Don Room to enhance the beautiful walls, and offers ceremony seating inside the Don Room at no additional charge.

Awards & Notables Kathi Skillman Events Director - James V. Cunningham Personailzed Service Award
Various Design Awards for the Building
Televison and Movie Projects:
SANTA MONICA 23 PRODUCTIONS FOR CW NETWORK: “Hitched or Ditched” produced by Mike Fleiss, Executive Producer of ABC's "The Bachelor"
CMT “Bridal Boot Camp”
DREAMWORKS (US) “Almost Famous”
FOX TELEVISION “How to Marry a Billionaire”
HBO “The Mercenary”
"WE" WOMEN’S ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION “The Wedding Planner”
MYNETWORK TV “Fashion House”
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER (MGM) “A Ticklish Affair” (Old time)
VARIOUS PROJECTS FROM 20th CENTURY FOX AND VH1

Eats & Drinks

Food, Restaurants, Cafes, Bars & Lounges

Food, Restaurants, Cafes:: Cafe Sole Luna - Italian Cafe - Neighborhood Gem
Bars & Lounges:: Our in house bar company, Best Beverage Catering is a licensed and insured full-service beverage catering company since 1990, and is the exclusive bar company for the El Cortez Don Room and Terrace. If a cocktail is your drink of choice, Best Beverage Mixologists can provide a wide array of signature drinks and savory offerings. Should you wish to unwind with a fine wine; pairings from appropriate appellations will be suggested for your most discerning guests. Should you choose not to provide alcoholic beverages at your event; BBC will expertly provide your cold beverage needs.