The Cortez Hotel first opened its doors in 1928 as one of the Valley’s Finest Hotels. Civic-minded persons realized that a first-class hotel was one of the chief essentials for the building of a substantial city. Prospective land developers would arrive at the Weslaco train depot across the street and walk over, with luggage in tow, to stay at the hotel.

The Cortez offered all the modern conveniences; telegraph office, coffee shop, barber & beauty shop and a beautiful ballroom for all types of social engagements. The attractive four-story structure of Spanish design had seventy-five guest rooms encompassing a beautiful south Texas courtyard.

The long history of the hotel is interwoven with the social activities of Weslaco. Many marriages and proms were celebrated at the Cortez. The Cortez was also a special place for service organizations to meet.

In 1998 the “Villa de Cortez” once again opened its doors to the Valley as a premier social establishment. The second floor has been created with an atmosphere of an old Spanish Villa. You enter through a graceful cantera arch with a wrought iron gate. The Villa has its own unique wine cellar, cantina, library, living room, grotto and ballroom.

The elegant ballroom with its spacious wooden dance floor is ornately decorated with two sparkling crystal chandeliers. We are inviting you to be a part of the Cortez heritage. The unique surroundings are perfect for distinctive business or social events.

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