El Cortez Don Room and TerraceEST. Prior to 1930
Claimed
Space onlyAvg. venue rate
$2.9k - $8k
This venue has been favorited 80 times
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
Venue use
Space onlyBest for these Occasions
anniversary
charity event
corporate event
dinner partyengagement party
holiday party
Product Launch
rehearsal dinner / Welcome Reception
social event
wedding ceremony
wedding receptionVenue type
BallroomBanquet Hall / Event FacilityHistoric BuildingOther
Views
courtyard
Style
ElegantClassicGlamorousOrnate
Venue Settings
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!
Your footsteps, our ballroom floor, history happens!
Capacity
250Seated220Buffet500Standing
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
- Venue price range
- Does this include catering fees?
- No
- Estimated price per head
- $65 – $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 with this Venue
Explore availability, walk the space, and get tailored pricing.
Amenities
Event Logistics
Essential logistics and amenities for a seamless, memorable event.
- 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
Onsite amenities
Street ParkingWifiDining ChairsDining TablesOnsite RestroomsVenue 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 & Events
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
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
Getting there
San Diego International Airport
2.1 mi
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…
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$2.9k - $8kThis venue has been favorited 80 times
