What is the best Casino Hotel to stay at in Atlantic City?

[brian_riendeau]

I am working on planning a vacation to Atlantic city this summer. If anyone is familiar with the area, what is a good place to stay at during the trip? I found a big list here:

http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/accommodations_cashotels.asp

The list does not help me out much, I would like some feedback from people who have gone to Atlantic City. I know I could stay for cheaper outside the direct area, but I definitely want to spend at least a couple night in a Casino Hotel. Thanks for any input.

 

[Jzero]

They are all the same.
As a casual tourist, you'll probably want to stay on the Boardwalk (Showboat, Taj Mahal, Wild Wild West, Bally's, Resorts, Claridge, Caesar's Palace). The Borgata is very trendy and cool but it is on the marina side of the island and you cannot walk to other casinos or restaurants or the beach. Same with Harrah's and Trump Marina.

They are all pretty comparable in terms of cost and amenities, although I think the Borgata might be a little more expensive. You might want to check into what bonuses each one is offering when you sign up for their card. You might be able to cop a free night.

On the Boardwalk side, I'm most fond of Wild Wild West, Resorts and Showboat, but it's just personal preference.

If you like the beach itself, you'd do well to drive North to Brigantine and check out the nice quiet beaches there. Choose the right beach and you might even bump into yours truly, especially if it's Saturday or Sunday. Hint: I have a yellow helmet, a red kayak, and a black paddle).

 

[ThePresence]

I personally like Caesar's.

 

[waylman]

not sure if you are aware, but AC is a major hole. Their are some nice hotels/casinos but the outerlying area is GHETTO. That being said, if you still want to go the Borgata is brand new and easily the nicest hotel there. If you can, go to Vegas!

 

[richardycc]

hotels in AC are expensive, last time I checked, it was cheaper for me to fly to vegas and stay at nice hotel like Paris than driving to AC and stay at a OK hotel for the same length of time.

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: richardycc
hotels in AC are expensive, last time I checked, it was cheaper for me to fly to vegas and stay at nice hotel like Paris than driving to AC and stay at a OK hotel for the same length of time.

I think it was Lewis Black who said that losing in Vegas feels like giving your money away to a beautiful prostitute and losing in AC feels like being mugged by a crackhead.

That might have been Dave Barry, though.

But yes, there are no "cheap" casinos to stay at in AC, although there are cheaper hotels outside AC proper.

And the city is pretty ghetto. Stay on the boardwalk, don't wander the streets, especially not alone.

 

[brian_riendeau]

I would prefer Vegas, but I dislike flying and live in the Northeast so Atlantic City is not too far away. I think my wife even has enough frequent flyer miles to get us to Vegas for free, oh well...

Thanks for the info on the Borgata. It is $180/night for weekdays, which is not too bad I guess. I am probably going to go in late June or early July (not on July 4 though). I only plan to spend a few nights there, I just want to be able to have a good time, lose some money, and not have to worry about getting back to the hotel afterwards.

I lived in Roxbury, MA for a while, I am used to ghetto