El Cortez Eight Floor
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SQ. FT.
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SQ. FT.
A 15-story tower on Cortez Hill
Few buildings in San Diego have a story like El Cortez, the 1927 landmark that once welcomed hotel guests. El Cortez is a 15-story historic condominium tower at 702 Ash Street on Cortez Hill, in Downtown San Diego’s 92101 zip code. Built in 1927 and later converted to 85 condominium homes by J. Peter Block Companies, it takes in city views and sits a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter.
Few buildings are as woven into San Diego’s story as El Cortez. Designed by Walker & Eisen Architects, the former El Cortez Hotel has been a downtown landmark for nearly a century, and Cortez Hill itself takes its name from the building. Today the residences pair that history with modern living: one-bedrooms range from roughly 664 to 820 square feet and two-bedrooms from about 880 to 1,523 square feet. Residents share a pool, spa, fitness center and BBQ area, with on-site security, and pets are welcome under the HOA’s rules.
From the hilltop, Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, East Village and Little Italy are all an easy walk or short ride away. For buyers who want a home with genuine character and all of downtown within reach, El Cortez is one of a kind.
Street Address: 702 Ash Street
HOA Fees: $1,270–$1,470/mo (2026 data)
Storage: No
Pets: Yes
Pool: yes
Spa: yes
Year Built: 1927
Units: 85
Stories: 15
Guest Suites: No
Exercise: Yes
BBQ: yes
Concierge: No
Security: Yes
Guest Parking: No
Lease Restrictions: 30-day minimum
Builder: J. Peter Blocks Cos
HOA Management Group: N. N. Jaeschke
HOA Phone Number: 619-299-6899
El Cortez condos for sale
El Cortez market snapshot, October 2026
7 homes are for sale at El Cortez, listed from $399,000 to $2,500,000.
2 homes sold over the past 12 months, most recently in August 2026.
Based on MLS data compiled by The Neuman Team. Updated October 5, 2026. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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Floor plans at El Cortez
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El Cortez Eleventh Floor
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El Cortez Fifteenth Floor
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Lifestyle in El Cortez condos
Is El Cortez right for you?
El Cortez suits buyers who want high-rise views and city living without paying for a full-service lobby, while still enjoying the pool, spa, fitness center and BBQ area. Pets are welcome under the HOA’s rules, a plus for dog and cat owners. For anyone who wants quieter streets with the city center a short walk away, the location is a real draw.
What to weigh before you buy
Dues run $1,270–$1,470 a month (based on 2026 sales and listings), covering the pool, spa, fitness center, BBQ area and common-area upkeep. There is no concierge or guest parking, so visitors use nearby street or public parking. The association is managed by N. N. Jaeschke.
Leases must be at least 30 days, so nightly rentals aren’t allowed, but monthly and longer rentals are.
Buying or selling at El Cortez
The Neuman Team has represented buyers and sellers of Downtown San Diego condominiums since 1981, with more than 7,400 closed sales, and has been #1 in 92101 for homes sold since 2000. Contact us to see which homes at El Cortez are available, or to find out what your unit could sell for today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the El Cortez still a hotel?
No. The El Cortez opened as a hotel in 1927 and is now a condominium building of 85 privately owned homes on Cortez Hill. It remains one of Downtown San Diego’s best-known historic landmarks.
Does El Cortez allow pets?
Yes. El Cortez allows pets. Owners and tenants must follow the HOA’s pet rules, so check the current policy for any limits on number, size or breed before you buy.
What are the HOA fees at El Cortez?
HOA dues at El Cortez were about $1,330 per month in a 2026 closed sale and vary by unit size. Dues cover the pool, spa, fitness room, BBQ area, security and common-area upkeep of the historic building. The association is managed by N. N. Jaeschke.
Can I rent out my El Cortez condo?
Yes, with limits. El Cortez requires a 30-day minimum lease, so nightly and weekly short-term rentals such as Airbnb aren’t allowed. Monthly and longer rentals are permitted under the HOA’s rules.
What amenities does El Cortez have?
El Cortez offers a pool, spa, fitness room, BBQ area and on-site security within its 15-story 1927 building. There is no concierge, guest parking or separate storage.
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