El Cortez Don Room and Terrace
Est. Prior to 1930
702 Ash Street, San Diego, California
Up to 500 guests
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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
BallroomBanquet Hall / Event FacilityHistoric BuildingOther
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!

Capacity

Seated
250
Buffet
220
Standing
500
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price range

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

Connect
Request a Venue Tour
Call: 619.338.8338
Event Logistics and Amenities
(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)
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
Amenities
  • Street Parking
  • Wifi
  • Dining Chairs
  • Dining Tables
  • Onsite Restrooms
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.
 

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
Awards, recognitions, or noteworthy achievements associated with the venue.
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
Food Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Lounges
This section provides insights into our diverse culinary and social offerings.
Cafe Sole Luna - Italian Cafe - Neighborhood Gem
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.

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El Cortez Don Room and Terrace
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