Good Times in Atlantic City

Overview

I've been visiting Atlantic City ever since I was little. In fact, it's almost like my home away from home... I've stayed in every hotel except for Showboat and the Sands. My grandparents vacationed there all the time. In fact, that's where they honeymooned... before there were mega-resorts and casinos... back when Frank Sinatra and the rat pack ruled the town. The boardwalk was the place to be!

Nowadays, the boardwalk isn't nearly as crowded (or popular for that matter), and the surrounding city is a bit run down. However, with new resorts popping up, and the old hotels remodeling to keep up, Atlantic City is becoming popular again!

With the addition of the "Borgata" casino/resort, the rest of the hotels are quickly remodeling to compete with this mega resort. The Borgata is like something you'd see in Las Vegas! It is by far my favorite casino! However, I'll stay wherever my free comps take me.

Aside from the gambling, there are many other things to do while in Atlantic City. The beach is much nicer than it was 15-20 years ago. They really cleaned it up... and almost every resort has added a beach bar right next to the boardwalk.

Speaking of the boardwalk, some things never change. It is still lined with numerous souvenir shops, tons of food stands, and the Steel Pier is there if you want to go on some amusement park rides. The food is fantastic! You can choose from pizza, burgers, boardwalk fries, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and of course, salt-water taffy! However, for those with more discerning tastes, you can also choose from numerous 5-star restaurants located inside the casinos. For example, the Borgata just opened a "Wolfgang Puck" and a "Bobby Flay Steak", among others.

These resorts also offer fabulous entertainment. Whether you are interested in singers, dancers, or comedians, there are always a variety of headliners to choose from.

Regardless of what your interests are, Atlantic City has something for everyone.

Quick Tips:

Before you gamble, make sure to sign up for a casino/reward card. This way, you'll get credit for the money you spend, and you'll earn free comps in return.

Best Way To Get Around:

During the summer, the boardwalk is a great way to get from casino to casino. However, in the winter you'll need to take a cab to get to most places. You'll also need a cab if you want to go to hotels off of the boardwalk like the Borgata, Trump Marina, and Harrah's.

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Harrahs Atlantic City

Hotel | "Harrah's Atlantic City"

I recently stayed at Harrah's in Atlantic City, NJ. Although it wasn't my first choice, my boyfriend and I had a free room offer, so we decided to stay there.

The reason I don't care for Harrah's is because of its location. It's far from the boardwalk, and is located back on the bay behind Trump Marina...it feels like you're hidden in the back...away from all the action.

However, the girl at the front desk who checked us in was extremely polite and accommodating. She even gave us coupons for complimentary drinks and food.

When we entered our room (on the 16th floor), I was somewhat disappointed. Our view was of the bay...we could not see any part of the ocean, boardwalk, or city. All we saw was a swampy looking bay area. There were also cranes and a large construction area outside our window as well. (They are adding a new addition from what I understand.)

As for the room itself, it was kept neat and clean, but there was no carpeting. Instead, there was some kind of ceramic flooring that is made to look like a hardwood floor. Although it looked new, it was kind of weird to get out of bed and step onto a hard floor. As for the beds, they were very comfortable! The decor was attractive, but the colors were a little too dark for my liking. The floors were a very dark brown (almost black) and the fabrics were darker shades.

The bathroom looked like it had just been remodeled. It was very clean, and we had a good supply of towels, shampoos, etc. The only thing I didn't like about the bathroom was the sink. It was so small! If you washed your hands, water splashed all over the counter. Not the best design in my opinion.

Although I wasn't too impressed with the hotel itself, I do have to say that the people that work at Harrah's are very friendly and helpful! That is something you don't find at some other hotels.

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by shepherd333 on September 15, 2006

Harrahs Atlantic City
777 Harrahs Blvd. Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 441-5000

Borgata

Hotel | "Borgata (The)"

You can't get much better than the Borgata! This is by far my favorite Atlantic City hotel and casino! Driving in on the AC express way, you can see the massive Borgata in the horizon. With its gold mirrored exterior, it dwarfs the other hotels around it.

As soon as you walk in the front door, you feel as though you're in Las Vegas. This is a hotel of Vegas proportions. Everything from the marble floors to the elaborate glass sculptures and lighting on the ceilings are first class!

I've stayed here several times and I've never had a bad experience. Each time I've stayed over, I've been in a standard room. These rooms are spacious compared to some other hotels. Everything is new (the hotel is only 3 years old). The room is decorated in light colors and features a huge floor to ceiling window that takes up the whole wall. The beds are very soft and comfortable with their plush, white pillows and comforters.

The bathrooms are huge! They offer plenty of counter space and shelves, as well as a great selection of mint thyme bath products. There is a large, glass-enclosed, stand-up marble shower (which you could fit 4 people in if you wanted).

The casino is large and features a circular bar right in the center (B-Bar). All of the bars and restaurants in this hotel are very cool and eclectic. Some of the restaurants featured are Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay Steak, and SeaBlue to name a few. There is also a "food court" where you can grab a slice of pizza or a burger if you want.

There are also two nightclubs, Mixx and MurMur which feature great DJ's and headliners. It seems that this hotel is geared more towards the younger crowd.

Even if you're staying at another hotel, you should definitely make it a point to walk through the Borgata. You can really appreciate the architecture and decor.

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by shepherd333 on September 15, 2006

Borgata
One Borgata Way Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 317-1000

Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort

Hotel | "Taj Mahal"

The (Trump) Taj Mahal is another of my favorite hotels/casinos in Atlantic City. Located right on the boardwalk, it is convenient walking distance to most of the other nearby casinos and attractions. (Showboat and Resorts are its direct neighbors).

I've stayed at the Taj numerous times, since that is where I get most of my comp room offers. I've stayed in rooms ranging from the typical standard to the ultra-luxurious "rajah" suites. In most cases, they will upgrade your room at no additional cost if they have the available rooms/suites to give out. All you have to do is ask!

Within the past 1 or 2 years, all of the rooms have been remodeled. Each room has a "safari" theme, decorated with tasteful animal prints and neutral beige tones. The standard rooms are average size, with all of the amenities you'd expect (refrig., coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, safe, etc.). The bathrooms in the standard rooms are a nice size...plenty of room, with a large vanity area for your toiletries. As for the suites, they range in size from 600 sq. ft. to over 1200 sq. ft.
I've had the pleasure of staying in one of their expansive rajah suites (as I believe they're called). The pictures included in this review show how large this particular suite is. It featured a marble wet bar, entertainment center, remote-controlled fireplace, and mirrors everywhere! Also, all of the bath products were from Bath & Body Works. We couldn't believe that we stayed in this room for free! We just asked if there were any available comp suites, and they gave us one of the largest they had!

As for the casino, it is very large and well lit. They just remodeled (summer '06) and added a bar/lounge right in the center of the casino. It is called "Ego" and is an open-air bar that features live entertainment. A very cool place in my opinion.

As for the restaurants in this hotel, they range from moderately-priced buffets to 5-star cuisine. One of my favorite restaurants here is Marc Anthony's. It is an upscale Italian restaurant that overlooks the ocean. The food is fabulous and the service is fantastic as well. The Safari Steakhouse is located right next to Marc Anthony's, but I've never eaten there since they have limited hours.

A nice feature that the Taj offers, is an enclosed walkway that leads to the neighboring "Resorts" hotel/casino. This is convenient in the winter or on rainy/windy days when you don't feel like going outside to get to the hotel.

I would recommend the Taj Mahal to anyone who is traveling to Atlantic City. It is a beautiful resort that has much to offer.

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by shepherd333 on September 18, 2006

Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort
1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Avenue Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 449-1000

Trump Marina Hotel Casino

Hotel | "Trump Marina"

Even though I frequently visit the Trump Marina hotel/casino, there are some pros and cons to this resort.

First, this is definitely a place to visit in the summer! Located several blocks away from the boardwalk, this resort has a huge deck that overlooks the marina, where you can eat, drink, and listen to live bands. The Deck features a big outdoor bar and a large stage area for a variety of bands to play. This place gets packed in the summer due to its well-known party vibe. This is also a great place to sit and have lunch while soaking up some sun.

Inside, there is a dance club called "The Wave" that's open til 3 or 4 in the morning. This place offers DJ's as well as live bands. It gets pretty crowded here, on the weekends especially.

As for the casino, it is average in size. I don't care for the decor, however: it is rather dark and dismal-looking. (I prefer open and airy casinos that have brighter colors).

The restaurants range from casual to fine dining. There is a great restaurant on the second floor called Harbor View, which features upscale dinners as well as a fantastic Sunday Brunch buffet! The view is beautiful, as it overlooks the marina below and the boardwalk skyline in the distance. Among the many other restaurants, the "Upstairs Cafe" is popular with the more casual crowd. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It stays open 24 hours and usually packed around 3am, when all of the people head there after the nightclub closes.

I wasn't happy with the rooms at all. We stayed in a standard room last summer, and I will never stay there again. The rooms are in desperate need of updating! The carpets and bedspreads seemed very old and worn. The beds weren't very comfortable and the bathrooms were very small. The bathroom had cracked tiles and old, dingy fixtures, not much counter space, and terrible fluorescent lighting. I couldn't wait to leave the room the next morning. Hopefully, they will remodel the rooms in the near future.

I would definitely recommend Trump Marina for those looking to party and have a good time, but I would recommend booking a room at another hotel!

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by shepherd333 on September 18, 2006

Trump Marina Hotel Casino
Huron Ave. and Brigantine Blvd. Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 441-2000

Ballys Park Place Casino Resort

Hotel | "Bally's Park Place Casino Resort"

I've stayed at Bally's several times in the past couple years. Even though it's not my first choice to stay or gamble, I would still recommend it to people looking for a nice place to stay.

The rooms at Bally's are very nice. Each time I stayed there, I was in a standard room; however, since I was on a different floor each time, the rooms were somewhat different. One of the rooms was on the 2nd or 3rd floor, and I had absolutely no view. The room could've used some updating, but it was kept very neat and clean. The bathroom was quite large, however. The shower was a large square Jacuzzi tub that could fit several people. There was also a long counter with two sinks and plenty of space for toiletries.

The other room I stayed in was on the next to highest floor. We had an amazing ocean/boardwalk view, and the room was plush and luxuriant! Even though it was a standard room, it was a little more spacious and featured brand-new carpeting, comforter, furniture, etc. The bathroom was all marble and featured "Bulgari" designer bath products. The higher the floor, the better the amenities, I guess.

Another room we stayed in was on the 33rd floor (about halfway up). All I know is that the bed in this room was probably the most comfortable bed that I have ever slept in! The mattress must have been one of those Tempurpedic kinds with the foam that conforms to your body. I didn't want to get out of bed. If you're going to be staying at Bally's, request room no. 3328 if you want a good night's sleep!

As for the casino, it's rather small and dimly lit. It's not as open and spacious as some of the other casinos. It seems a little smokey in their as well (not the best ventilation in my opinion).

This hotel offers many restaurant selections as well as a beach bar outside by the boardwalk. The Bikini Beach Bar is pretty big and has a good party vibe. People from the beach and boardwalk are drawn to this bar because of the dance music that is always playing.

Bally's is also a nice property to stay at because of its location. It is situated right in the middle of the boardwalk, near to most everything. The staff is very friendly and helpful as well.

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by shepherd333 on September 18, 2006

Ballys Park Place Casino Resort
Boardwalk and Park Place Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 340-2000

Mark Anthony's

Restaurant | "Marc Anthony's"

If you are staying at the Taj Mahal, you'll definitely want to have dinner at Marc Anthony's. This upscale restaurant features northern Italian cuisine and a great view of the ocean! I've had dinner here several times, and each time has been a great experience.

The decor is beautiful as well. A rich burgundy color fills the entire restaurant, while marble pillars and huge floral arrangements serve as accents. The staff is well-trained and very knowledgeable about the menu. They start out by bringing you an assortment of breads and olive oil (with herbs) for dipping. The menu offers a variety of dishes including pasta, steak, chicken, and fish/seafood. The portions are large and well presented. The average price per entrée is $25-$30. Average price per appetizer is $7-$10. They also have an impressive dessert selection!

At the far end of the restaurant, is a floor to ceiling window that overlooks the ocean. You may not have much of a view at night, but if you go for Sunday brunch, definitely ask for a table by the window! As for their Sunday brunch, it's out of this world! They have everything you would expect and then some! This restaurant is first class!

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by shepherd333 on October 21, 2006

Mark Anthony's
Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 449-1000

Bombay Cafe

Restaurant | "The Bombay Cafe"

If you are staying at the Taj Mahal, and you want to eat at a casual, no-frills restaurant, the "Bombay Cafe" is the place to go. Located on the main floor (right off of the casino) they are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offer a wide selection of menu items, as well as a buffet.

This restaurant is perfect for people that want to get something to eat without getting all dressed up. You can have something quick to eat (i.e. bagel and coffee), or a full course meal if you prefer. This is a very big restaurant, but at certain times of the day, it fills up quickly. This is due to its convenient location and casual fare. At these times, you may have to wait in line for a bit. The service is good as well, but as I stated before, if it is busy, you may have to wait a little while before you get your food.

This is a nice restaurant that I would recommend for a casual meal. Prices are reasonable, and the food is good. A quick tip: Bring a sweater...it always seems to be cold in there.

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by shepherd333 on October 21, 2006

Bombay Cafe
Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 441-6000

Metropolitan

Restaurant | "The Metropolitan"

Located inside the Borgata Hotel & Casino, the "Metropolitan" restaurant is great for people who want to have a nice meal without getting all dressed up.

This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all at reasonable prices. They also feature an oyster bar, as well as a gelato stand. The food and service are great, but you may have to wait in line, depending of the time of day. Well-lit and nicely decorated, the Metropolitan is located on the main floor of the hotel. It is in a central area right off of the casino, which gives it convenient access for gamblers.

Note: They have 2 separate lines. If you are a Black cardholder (as opposed to a Red cardholder), you can bypass the regular line and be seated first. However, you have to be a big gambler to get a Black card!

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by shepherd333 on October 21, 2006

Metropolitan
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 317-1000

Bobby Flay Steak

Restaurant

Upon my last trip to Atlantic City, my boyfriend and I decided to have dinner at the brand new "Bobby Flay Steak" restaurant located on the main floor of the Borgata hotel/casino.

I can't say enough about this restaurant! Everything from the food to the decor is outstanding! Upon entering, there is a cool and eclectic cocktail area to your left, and a lobster bar to your right. Decorated in rich red/orange tones, this place offers great architecture and funky fabrics.

The food is pricey, but well worth it! My boyfriend and I shared the Steamed Clam appetizer for $14. After my Mesclun salad ($10), I had the Lobster-Smoked Tomato Bisque ($14) for my entree. Although it is an appetizer, the bisque is very rich and full of fresh lobster chunks...perfect as an entree. My boyfriend had a spicy southwestern steak entree that he said was fantastic! Everything is a la carte, so we ended up paying $9 for a side of french fries! :(

The portions are large and the service is fabulous! Our waiter was very professional and courteous. He answered all of our questions and was very efficient throughout the evening.

For anyone visiting the Borgata in Atlantic City, I highly recommend "Bobby Flay Steak" for a great dining experience!

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by shepherd333 on November 3, 2006

Bobby Flay Steak
1 Borgata Way Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(866) 692-6742

Animations Coffee Shop

Restaurant

Animations coffee shop is located inside Bally's hotel/casino. It is located on the second floor, near the conference/meeting areas and ballrooms.

This restaurant is very casual, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. My boyfriend and I had a quick lunch here not long ago. I had a burger and fries, and he had a spicy chicken wrap. Our lunches were about $8 a piece, but the portions are very large. Our server was very friendly and quick with our food and check.

The decor in this place isn't anything to write home about, however. And the bright overhead lighting is anything but romantic. (but then again, not many people would go here to have a romantic dinner) This is a basic place to fill up before you hit the casino, boardwalk, etc.

You can basically stroll into this place wearing sweats after you've just rolled out of bed. This is a good place to get some "comfort food".

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by shepherd333 on November 5, 2006

Animations Coffee Shop
Bally's Atlantic City Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 340-2000

Portofino

Restaurant

Located inside the Trump Marina hotel/casino, "Portofino" is a beautiful restaurant that serves fine Italian cuisine.

I last ate here with my parents and a couple of their friends. Since their friends were big gamblers, they invited their casino host to have dinner with us. Not only was the entire dinner comped, but the food and service were amazing!

We started out with an antipasto sampler for the whole table, that included fresh meats and cheeses such as prosciutto, salami, fresh mozzarella, etc. This sampler was a feast in itself! The plate practically took up the whole table! Then our entrees came, and even though we were already full, we stuffed ourselves with different selections of pastas, chicken, and steaks in rich sauces.
The prices in this restaurant are on the higher side, and require a dressier attire.

This restaurant has a great view as well! If you are lucky enough to get a table by the window, you will be able to look out over the marina below, and the Atlantic City skyline in the distance.

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by shepherd333 on November 5, 2006

Upstairs Cafe

Restaurant

The Upstairs Cafe is located on the second floor of the Trump Marina Hotel/Casino. It is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Dress is casual, and the food is your basic fare, (i.e. eggs/bacon, burgers/fries, soups, hot and cold sandwiches, etc.).

This is a perfect restaurant to stop for a bite to eat. Sometimes there is a line to get in, depending on what time of day you are there. However, the line goes very fast since there are many tables.

This place is also convenient for people who have been partying in the nightclub (The Wave) all night. You can dance and drink until 3am, and then go straight to the Upstairs Cafe for an early morning breakfast!

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by shepherd333 on November 5, 2006

Upstairs Cafe
Trump Marina Atlantic City, New Jersey
(800) 777-8477

Casbah Cafe

Attraction | "Casbah"

The Casbah nightclub is located in the Taj Mahal Hotel & Casino. This high-energy club is for people that love to dance. Geared more toward the younger crowd, this place features more techno music than anything.

There are 2 bars inside (1 large main bar by the dance floor, and 1 smaller bar in the "lounge" area). Tip: their shots are huge...you really get your money's worth! This club is dimly lit with lots of flashing lights that pulse with the music. Also, there are professional male and female dancers in cages above the dance floor.

If I remember correctly, this club stays open until 4 or 5am. Last time I left this place, the sun was coming up!

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by shepherd333 on October 21, 2006

Casbah Cafe
Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 449-1000

Ri Ra

Attraction

"Ri Ra" is a pretty cool place to go if you're staying at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. It's an Irish bar/pub/restaurant, where the music is great and the bartenders all have strong Irish accents! Decorated in rich, dark wood, this restaurant is great for wings, burgers, fries, etc. Or you can just hang out at the bar and have a beer.

This is a casual place for food and drinks, and it's a lot of fun! The laid-back crowd is usually made up of people in their 20's, 30's, and 40's. (You probably won't see any senior citizens in here.) If you're looking to get some food, have a beer and relax, I would definitely recommend this place. It's a good time!

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by shepherd333 on October 21, 2006

Ri Ra
The Tropicana Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 348-8600

Blue Martini

Attraction

If you are staying at Bally's Atlantic City, you might want to try "Blue Martini" for a relaxing cocktail.

Dimly lit, this upscale bar is located right off of the casino floor. There are many small tables and couches, perfect for having a romantic drink or a private conversation. You can also sit at the bar and watch the live band (which plays on select nights), or check out a sporting event on the flat screen television behind the bar.

There is also a cool feature if your sitting at the bar...there is a frosty, illuminated strip that runs down the length of the bar. It's there to keep your drink cold (if you choose to set your drink on it), but most people like to write their names in the frost.

Even though this bar is in such close proximity to the casino, it is very quiet and relaxing...you can't hear any bells or sirens coming from the slot machines.

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by shepherd333 on November 10, 2006

Trump Marina

Attraction | "The Deck"

"The Deck" is a bar/restaurant located at the Trump Marina hotel & casino in Atlantic City, NJ. Situated away from the boardwalk (on the bay side), this hotel overlooks the vast marina which houses hundreds of beautiful boats and yachts.

"The Deck" is just that...a huge deck with a long rectangular bar, numerous tables, and a big stage for the live bands that play there regularly during the summer.

This place gets packed during the summer months! (it is only open May thru Sept.) During the afternoons, most people sit on the deck and have lunch in the sun. On the weekends, there is usually a live band that plays all afternoon and another band that will play all night. There are numerous bands from all over that come to play here.

The bar is always packed, and its sometimes hard to get a drink. You might have to wait a while. If you're there on a weekend, it's tough to get a seat...you may end up standing. (which isn't that bad) Unfortunately, because this is such a popular summer hangout, the drink prices are pretty high. (think $5 for a beer). But this is still a great place to hang out!

The average age of people that hang out here is between 20-50. (You don't see too many senior citizens hanging out here...they're usually inside at the slot machines). It's mostly groups of young people and boat owners.

Due to the great party vibe, I definitely recommend "The Deck" as a place to visit during the summer!

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by shepherd333 on November 10, 2006

Trump Marina
1 Castle Blvd Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 441-8500

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