Upon initial observation, the hotel landscape in Atlantic City, New Jersey, may appear as a scaled-down version of Las Vegas, lacking the grandiosity. However, there’s a unique charm to Atlantic City that sets it apart. With on-site casinos, stellar entertainment, vibrant nightlife, and celebrity-endorsed dining options, the comparisons are inevitable.
For the 27 million annual visitors to Atlantic City, the distinctiveness lies in its rich history, quirky charm, and a prime oceanfront location along the lively Jersey Shore, complemented by a bustling boardwalk. Hotels in the area capitalize on these features, each offering a unique experience, ranging from glamorous to the eccentric.
To steer clear of any less-than-ideal accommodations, we present the definitive list of the best and only hotels in Atlantic City worth considering.
Choosing the right one may prove challenging, but for those eager to immerse themselves in the city’s captivating gambling scene, a top recommendation is securing a meticulously maintained charter bus for a seamless journey.
Yet, deciding on the ideal resort to experience can pose a considerable challenge. One standout recommendation for delving into the captivating gambling scene of Atlantic City is to secure a meticulously maintained charter bus for your journey. For more detailed information about bus rentals in Atlantic City, you can find it on the website through the provided link.
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
Nestled in the serene Marina District, away from the bustling boardwalk, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City stands as a distinctive escape among the multitude of beachside hotels. A quick Uber or drive, or a leisurely 30-minute walk from the more crowded sections of town, it offers a tranquil haven.
Boasting 2,590 recently renovated guest rooms, Harrah’s provides a stunning panorama of the Bay and the beloved Brigantine Island. The standard guest rooms showcase graphic white wall elements and vibrant mulberry hues, creating a lively contrast against the modern dark wood furniture. Each room is equipped with amenities such as a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, free Wi-Fi, and blackout curtains.
For those seeking a heightened experience, suites like the one-bedroom Billiard Suite in the Waterfront Tower feature breathtaking ocean views, rich hardwood floors, and rounded coffered ceilings.
The resort’s pool, a lavish paradise adorned with lush tropical plants and teal bungalows beneath a domed glass ceiling, stands out as a year-round retreat. Maintained at a cozy 82 degrees and indoors, it’s a rarity among Atlantic City hotel pools, providing an ideal setting for relaxation.
Twice a week, this tropical haven transforms into an exclusive adults-only nightclub, complete with a live DJ and occasional celebrity appearances. Vibe Dining at The Pool After Dark offers a unique experience with fire throwers, aerialists, dancers, and mermaids, presenting highly Instagrammable creative plates on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Harrah’s further elevates its offerings with culinary delights at Gordon Ramsay Steak, as well as the introduction of Rum Point Crab House for seafood enthusiasts and The Baywalk for live music enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views.
The recent addition of a full-service spa enhances the resort’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and indulgent experience for its guests.
Tropicana Casino
Strategically positioned within a stroll’s reach from the beach and the lively boardwalk, Tropicana Casino & Resort is the perfect retreat for those seeking a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor experiences in Atlantic City.
For an indulgent stay, guests are recommended to select a meticulously designed room in the recently renovated Havana Tower. Adorned with patterned walls, contemporary furnishings, and vibrant red bedding, the rooms exude a modern and inviting ambiance. The Havana Tower also offers spacious one-bedroom suites featuring wet bars, providing ample space for relaxation. Catering to diverse needs, the resort boasts a range of room layouts, many of which boast captivating ocean views.
Fondly referred to as “The Trop” by locals and returning guests, this resort showcases spirited Escape Rooms, engaging live entertainment, an immersive IMAX theater experience, and a diverse dining scene. Noteworthy options include the acclaimed Chelsea Five Gastropub and the sophisticated Il Verde, offering elegant Italian fare. Hotel patrons can also indulge in a comprehensive room service menu for added convenience.
However, the true gem of this establishment lies in its 10,000-square-foot spa. Featuring four interconnected hot tubs on its water circuit and a dedicated Oasis Pool, the spa allows guests to choose tailored packages for individuals, couples, and even special occasions like weddings, bachelor, and bachelorette parties.
For those who prefer a different kind of aquatic relaxation, the hotel boasts three other visually appealing pools, including an indoor option for year-round use.
Tropicana Casino & Resort stands out as a versatile haven, providing a range of experiences to suit every guest’s preference.
Resorts Casino Hotel
Resorts Casino Hotel delivers the quintessential Atlantic City immersion. Situated directly on the iconic boardwalk, the hotel showcases an abundance of Art Deco designs reminiscent of the area’s golden era during the roaring twenties, a period vividly portrayed in the prohibition-era HBO sensation “Boardwalk Empire.”
According to the Resorts website, it holds the distinction of being the inaugural casino hotel in Atlantic City and the first legal casino outside of Nevada, cementing its status as a pivotal element in A.C.’s storied history.
Accommodations are housed in two distinct towers: the original Ocean Tower and the more recent Rendezvous Tower erected in 2004. Surprisingly, the rooms in the latter exude a slightly antiquated charm, featuring a yellow color scheme, plush armchairs, and oversized desks and armoires. While this aesthetic may appeal to those enamored with kitsch and a throwback ambiance, many Atlantic City guests find the experience in the Rendezvous Tower more appealing. Rooms here boast updated, floral-patterned carpets, bold geometric ogee curtains, and crisp white and cream-colored sheets, creating a striking contrast against the yellow beds and headboards.
The outdoor pool is partially sheltered by a greenhouse awning, lending a distinct ’80s vibe and providing refuge from inclement weather. For a whimsical island-inspired experience, indulge in a piña colada and volcano nachos at the Margaritaville venue conveniently located on-site.
Hard Rock Hotel
Marking its triumphant third anniversary, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City caters to the musical aficionados who have an exceptional appreciation for live music performances.
A stroll through the vibrant atmosphere of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City immerses visitors in a symphony of instruments, melodies, and harmonies throughout the day. Guests can easily marvel at iconic pieces of pop culture history, featuring costumes worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Prince, and Lady Gaga. The collection also includes unique artifacts such as Clarence Clemons’s Harley, a car once driven by Elvis, and John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics to the timeless “Imagine.”
Adding a local touch, the Hard Rock Atlantic City draws inspiration from the nearby boardwalk, situated a mere 100 feet away from Atlantic City’s Steel Pier—a popular destination extending over the ocean adorned with amusement rides.
The gaming floor is a haven for enthusiasts, boasting 2,215 slot machines, 150 of the most sought-after table games, and a dedicated Sportsbook. Culinary delights are a highlight as well, with Council Oak Steaks & Seafood standing out as a favored fine-dining establishment, along with the delectable and innovative Japanese restaurant on-site, Kuro.
Holiday Inn Express
For those seeking accommodation within the IHG family of hotels, the Holiday Inn Express in Absecon, NJ, just outside Atlantic City, presents an appealing option.
Although technically situated beyond Atlantic City’s limits, this hotel is conveniently positioned with easy access to public transportation and a short drive from downtown Atlantic City. Its central location opens up opportunities for travelers to explore other captivating destinations in the vicinity, including Ocean City, Stone Harbor, Wildwood, and the popular Cape May, New Jersey—all reachable within 45 minutes or less. A brief drive leads to the historic village of Smithville and the venerable Renault Winery, one of New Jersey’s oldest operating wineries. Nearby attractions also encompass Storybook Land, a children’s amusement park, and the Noyes Museum of Art. The proximity to some of Jersey’s finest beach towns, including Brigantine, Margate, and Ocean City, further enhances the hotel’s appeal.
Guest rooms feature inviting amenities such as comfortable white linens on triple-sheeted beds adorned with four plump pillows, in line with the quality expected from a modernized Holiday Inn. The rooms are both clean and functional, providing excellent value for visitors seeking a diverse experience beyond the realms of casinos and beaches.
Each guest room is well-equipped with a mini-fridge, a microwave, a coffee and tea maker, a flat-screen TV, and a spacious workstation complete with an ergonomic chair. This thoughtful combination of comfort and functionality caters to the needs of a broad range of travelers.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
When contemplating a stay at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, a sprawling haven with 2,000 rooms and suites, the first decision lies in selecting a preferred view. Each option is exceptional, offering glimpses of nearby marshes and marinas, the boardwalk, the city skyline, or the expansive Atlantic Ocean.
As a longstanding premier choice in Atlantic City, this MGM Resorts luxury destination boasts a multitude of upscale amenities, including two indoor and two outdoor heated pools, along with an infinity-edge indoor lap pool perched on the 32nd floor. The property also boasts two spas, with the more contemporary multi-story Immersion Spa standing out as the preferred choice, despite its temporary closure.
Welcoming visitors in the main lobby are stunning blown glass art pieces by Dale Chihuly, serving as iconic symbols of the property. Borgata exudes classic Italian charm and style throughout, a theme that seamlessly extends into guest rooms like the Classic King and Queen or The Fiore Suite. The latter combines various textures and pops of color against a clean, neutral room palette, offering ample seating and an impressive marble bath featuring a soothing soaking tub.
For enthusiasts of tequila, the Gypsy Bar beckons with an impressive selection of blue agave spirits, skillfully blended into creative margaritas and cocktails or served in enticing flights.
Undoubtedly, Borgata stands as a magnetic attraction for gaming enthusiasts, with a sprawling 161,000 square feet of gaming space encompassing everything from slot machines to a myriad of table games, providing endless entertainment options for visitors.
