Hello, the El Cortez is downtown on Fremont Street and just two easy and safe walking blocks to the "Fremont Street Experience" which has an overhead continuous light show at night as a no cost attraction. The hotel has security at the entrance to the parking ramp so your car should be safe. The neighborhood surrounding Fremont street is questionable and you will see some of the most interesting and bizarre people at the Fremont Street Experience, but most seem to be tourists enjoying or being amazed at the people watching and live bands that perform on a couple of stages facing the street. Lots of security there! Also on Fremont Street there are several hotel-casinos and many restaurants to choose from. The rooms at the El Cortez are fine with several prices and amenities to choose from. I prefer the "Cabana Suites" which are located right across the street, but part of the hotel. The rooms on the north side are much quieter and don't face the busy street with the loud traffic noise. To summarize and respond to your question, the El Cortez is safe and so is the 2 block walk to the Fremont Experience, but I would not suggest wandering too far away at night. During the day time I have jogged the neighborhood and to the south it is a lot of government buildings, law offices and bail bonds businesses - plenty safe.

Yes. Stayed at the Bellagio and their pool is open, but I think you have to stay there.

We stayed in one of the older rooms and the toilet / shower had a door, while the sink was outside.