El Cortez Hotel (historic high-rise)

El Cortez opened in 1927 as one of San Diego's first major high-rise hotels and for many decades was the city's tallest building. Located in downtown San Diego, the building became known for its prominent rooftop entertainment space, the Starlight Room, and later underwent conversions and restorations to preserve its historic character. The El Cortez is a designated local historic landmark reflecting early 20th-century Spanish Revival and Art Deco influences in San Diego's skyline.