Atlantic City Boardwalk
The Atlantic City boardwalk spans four miles along the beach and is lined with hotels, casinos and shops. It was originally built in 1868 to protect the growing beach resort from the rough ocean surf. At one time almost every large eastern seaboard city had a boardwalk. However, only a few survive today including the famous ones at Ocean City, NJ and , VA.
The current iteration of the AC boardwalk replaced the rotting old version that caught fire in 2004. The rebuilt boardlock opened just in time for the summer of 2005 and cost over $137 million.
Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor runs between Boston and Washington DC with several stations in New Jersey including , Newark, Trenton, and Princeton. However, there is no train station in Atlantic City proper. The last train station in A.C. closed in 1946.
Buses and Shuttles to Atlantic City Casinos
NJ Transit provides two bus lines that run to and from Atlantic City, the 552 and 554. Both originate at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.
The 552 makes nine stops in the city including Macy’s on 34th Street and Penn Station. The 554 makes five stops in midtown including the Empire State Building and Grand Central Terminal.
Both bus lines travel south on I-78 and then take the NJ Turnpike/I-95 toward Philadelphia/Trenton/Wilmington. They exit onto the Atlantic City Expressway and ride that south until they reach Pacific Avenue in Atlantic City. The 552 makes its final stop at the Albany Apartments on Oriental Avenue. The 554 ends its journey at the Atlantic City Bus Terminal on Arkansas Avenue.
The 552 runs every 20 to 30 minutes from 8 am until 10 pm. The 554 has a similar schedule with departures every 20 to 40 minutes. One way fare on an off-peak day costs $10.75. Peak fares cost $13.75 and students always pay the higher fare. Round trip fares are $21.50 off peak and $28.50 during peak hours.
There are also several private shuttle companies that will transport visitors from their NYC hotel or office to Atlantic City hotels. Many limit their pickups to midtown or downtown Manhattan. Some even offer service from JFK, LGA and EWR airports as well as Newark Penn Station.
wild jackpots online casinoOne such company is New York City Orientation. Their double decker buses make multiple stops at midtown and downtown hotels before disembarking at the Borgata, Harrah’s, Caesars, and the Tropicana. They operate three shifts daily from 9:30 am until 2:30 am.
Another good choice is Touch of Class VIP Transportation. They provide sedans, limos, SUVs and vans that hold up to 28 passengers. Touch of Class picks up customers at any location in the five boroughs as well as airports and seaports. Call at least 24 hours in advance to make reservations.
Driving to Atlantic City Hotels
Visitors who prefer to drive to the casinos should become familiar with some New Jersey roadways. Two major interstates, the NJ Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, serve the state. Both interstates connect with I-295, which runs north to Philly and south to Atlantic City. From AC, I-295 connects with the New Jersey Turnpike to the north and the Garden State Parkway to the east.
From Maryland and Delaware, Route 40 and US 322 connect with I-295 just north of Burlington. From southern New Jersey and points east, the Garden State Parkway leads directly to Atlantic City. Exit 39 takes you to historic Absecon and Ventnor. Exit 40 delivers you to the northern end of the Boardwalk and the Tanger Outlets.
From New York City, the best route to the casinos is the New Jersey Turnpike (I-78 to the west or the NJ Turnpike Extension to the east). Exit 11 connects to Rt. 42 North, which becomes Rt. 322 North/Black Horse Pike. Follow Black Horse to Pacific Avenue and turn left. The casinos line Pacific between Ortley and Michigan Avenues.
If you’re not afraid of tunnels, the Holland Tunnel carries traffic from Manhattan under the Hudson River to New Jersey. Once in N.J., follow the Turnpike Extension (I-78E) to exit 11. Follow directions above. The Lincoln and Hugh L. Carey (formerly Brooklyn-Battery) Tunnels lead to the BQE (Brooklyn Queens Expressway) and the GSP (Garden State Parkway). Take the GSP south to exit 40 or 39E.
Atlantic City Traffic & Parking
During the summer and on holiday weekends, traffic on the expressway and local roads can come to a standstill. Plan accordingly. On busy weekends it may be worth the extra money to bypass the mess.
best slots on draftkings redditParking at the Atlantic City casinos can be a problem on busy nights and weekends. Valet parking is available at all the casinos but comes with a hefty fee – usually $15-$25 per night. Self-parking is available but often fills to capacity on busy times. Consider taking a shuttle bus or the monorail to avoid this issue. Alternatively, consider staying at one of the casinos.
Best Atlantic City Hotels to Stay At
Atlantic City has 18 casinos, but many are small locals-only operations. The eight integrated resorts that compete with Las Vegas and other regional gaming spots are Bally’s, CAESARS, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City (The Quarter) , The TROPICANA, ATLANTIC CITY HOTEL INVESTMENTS, the HARD ROCK opening June 28, 2018, OCEAN CASINO RESORT opening June 28, 2018, and RESORTS CASINO. Each features numerous restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, clubs, spas, pools, and top name entertainers. They range in style from classic (CAESARS, Bally’s) to whimsical (TRUMP Taj Mahal).
Several others have recently changed hands or are in bankruptcy court. The former Revel will reopen in the summer of 2018 under new ownership and the name Ocean Casino Resort. Trump Plaza closed in 2014 and the Plaza Associates plan to open the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Atlantic City in the summer of 2018. The Showboat now operates as a non-gaming hotel. The Atlantic Club has several potential buyers in the bankruptcy court where it currently resides.
In addition to these casinos, four other hotels are not affiliated with a casino.
- The Water Club Bora Bora-Style Overwater Bungalows – This adults only hotel features 31 overwater bungalows built in the Bora Bora tradition. The only other hotel in the US with overwater bungalows is the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys. Room rates start around $200 per night. 9800 Atlantic Ave. 609-449-0099.
- The Claridge – Built in the art deco style of Miami Beach and the French Riviera, this luxurious boutique hotel features 21 stories and 900 rooms. The property underwent a $7 Million renovation in 2014. Room rates start around $120 per night. 123 South Indiana Avenue. 609-344-7172.
- The Chelsea Inn – This Victorian bed and breakfast is across the street from the beach and boardwalk. All six rooms feature private baths, cable TV, WiFi, phones, and air conditioning. Homemade cookies are provided each evening. A full breakfast is served each morning. Rates start around $170 per night. 1214 Atlantic Ave. 888-268-3702. Online:
- The Flanders Hotel – Completely renovated in the Art Deco Style, this historic hotel sits on two acres overlooking Absecon Bay. All 83 rooms and suites include flat screen TVs, iPod docks, mini fridges, and free WiFi. 500 East Atlantic Avenue. 609-434-4000. Online: .
Resorts Casino Hotel
Resorts Casino Hotel was the first casino to open in Atlantic City back in 1978. It remains the smallest of the eight major integrated resorts with just under 1,000 rooms and 100,000 sq ft of casino space.
Online slots and table games complement live versions of the same games. The Indoor and Outdoor casino areas are connected by the Ivy Lounge. The Upstairs Bar serves the hotel tower. Dusk Nightclub is open Thursday through Saturday.
The casino also offers gambling lessons and a special Senior Citizens Discount on Mondays. Resorts also hosts the Miss America Pageant each September.
• 3 pools – indoor, outdoor, and rooftop
Resorts partnered with Mohegan Sun and began a multi-phase $150 million revitalization of the property in 2012. The first phase added the Bahama Village shopping area, the Rev pier bar, and the Margarita Victory food stand.
Phase 2 opened the Hooters Restaurant, Buffet, and Ole Red Country Bar in 2015. In February 2018, Hard Rock International announced plans to purchase Resorts Casino Hotel and reopen it as the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in the summer of 2018.
1133 Boardwalk
609-344-5000
Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
The Borgata is the largest Atlantic City hotel, with more than 2,800 luxurious rooms and suites. The Borgata is modeled after the Main Palace of the Borgia family in Sedriano, Italy.
Italian décor graces the lobby, hallways, and guest rooms. Marble, mosaics, and intricate tile work abound. Even the ceilings are adorned with hand painted murals. If you can’t get to Rome, this is the next best thing.
Rooms feature Italian linens, down comforters, feather pillows, 375 thread count bedding, MP3 docking alarm clocks, and luxury bath products. Suites add separate living rooms, whirlpool tubs, wet bars, powder rooms, and amazing views of the city and ocean.
• 200,00 sq ft casino – #2 in AC and 10th largest in US
• 2,814 rooms and suites – #1 in AC
• 50/50 Steak House – from Chef Michael Symon
• 16 bars, lounges, and nightlife venues including MurMur and MiX
• Paula Abdul performs June 22 – 24
• Premier Nightclub
• 80,00 sq ft of meeting space
• Poker room
• Borgata Spa Toccare – 36 treatment rooms, men’s and women’s lounges, full service hair salon, exercise room, indoor pool, and meditation garden.
• 420 seat Betty Forgey Ballroom
• 1,700 seat Event Center
• High Line – an elevated nightlife venue overlooking the casino floor.
Borgata offers many dining options. While most focus on seafood and Italian cuisine, they also serve Chinese, Asian fusion, steaks, baked goods, and gourmet hamburgers. Enjoy top name entertainment in one of their music and comedy venues.
Borgata is connected to the nearby Marina District by a pedestrian bridge. The Borgata also operates the nearby Wild Wild West Casino.
1 Borgata Way
609-317-1000
CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY HOTEL & CASINO
CAESARS Atlantic City is a total resort experience patterned after its namesake in Las Vegas and other world-class destinations. The Forum Tower features 38 floors of luxury accommodations. The Roman Tower offers standard rooms and suites. Julius Tower caters to adult guests only. All 1,140 hotel rooms, 683 of themSuites, feature marble bathrooms, high speed internet access, 375 thread count linens, and lush pillowtop beds.
Quiet Rooms and Non-Smoking Floors are available in all towers. Accessible rooms are available for guests with disabilities. All hotel guests enjoy exclusive access to the Fully Updated Gym and Indoor Pool. The Spa at CAESARS offers a variety of services including massages, body treatments, facials, and salon services.
Hotel Packages: Wedding Package, Girls Getaway, Romance, Ultimate Date
Top Shows: CELEBRITY SERIES starring Frank Marino, Brooks & Dunn: Reboot Tour, Human Nature: Jukebox
• 85,00 square foot casino – #7 in AC, #98 in US
• 1,140 luxurious hotel rooms and suites – #9 in AC
• 5 restaurants – Kerryn’s Irish Pub, The Steak House, Nero’s Italian Restaurant, Tasty Waffe, and Draft House
• 7 bars, lounges, and clubs – Alfies Wine Bar, Centurion Lounge, Celebrity Bar, Venus Pool Club & Lounge, Vip Lounge
• Qua Baths & Body Spa
• 75,00 square feet of Meeting Space
• Poker Room
• Indoor Pool and Fitness Center
CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY HOTEL & CASINO
2100 Pacific Avenue
609-345-2000
TRUMP Taj Mahal
Donald Trump helped dedicate the Taj Mahal on April 2, 1990. He proclaimed it “the world’s eighth wonder.” Despite its beauty, the Taj Mahal has not been profitable since 2000. Filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy has become an annual event. In November 2014, Trump slammed the current management and hoped the casino would go out of business. That wish may soon be granted.
Billionaire Carl Icahn bought the Taj Mahal in early 2015 and kept it open until September when workers went on strike. Icahn refused to honor the worker’s contract with the previous owner and closed the casino. The Taj Mahal remained dark during the holidays and will reopen in the summer of 2018 as the Trump Plaza.
• 128,000 sq ft casino – #4 in AC, #73 in US
• 2,000 rooms and suites – #4 in AC
• 4 restaurants – Dos Locos, The Market Place, Raj Mahal, Palms Cafe
• 7 bars, lounges, and clubs – Achilles and Olympus Lounges, Separate High Limit and Chip Lounges, Bhagat Sing Blues Lounge, 24-hour observation deck at the Top of the Taj
• Minature Golf Course designed by Donald J. Trump
• Howard Stern Theater – top name entertainment
Complete List of Michigan Casinos - Indian & Commercial Casinos• Spa Taj Mahal – 40 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, exercise room, lockers, sundries
• 100,00 sq ft of Meeting Space
• Poker Room
• Indoor Pool and Fitness Center.
1000 Boardwalk
609-487-4000
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City (The Quarter**)
Harrah’s is located at the north end of the Boardwalk just north of the Trump Taj Mahal. Harrah’s is the second largest Atlantic City hotel with over 2,800 rooms and suites. The Quarter section adds a Cajun flair to 342 guest rooms, 2 paternalerson bars, and 2 restaurants.
The Carnival Court houses 224 all new deluxe rooms and suites. The Atrium Tower offers elegant rooms and suites. The Atlantis Tower offers standard rooms and suites. Harrah’s also offers the Wild Wild West Gambling for Fun Family Arcade.
Entertainment includes the following shows and venues – The QE2 Comedy Club, The Club Welch, The Emporium Game Lounge, The Latitude Bar, The Pool After Dark, The Barnyard Daiquirin Stand, Boogie Nights 70’s & 80’s Party, Carnival Court Piano Bar, Billie’s Blues Bar, and the Breathe Lounge.
Restaurants at Harrah’s include – Bobbie G’s Burger Sppot, The Carnival Court Piano Bar, McCoole’s First Edition, The Pool After Dark, The Continental Pool Bar, Guy Fieri’s ‘eat well’, McCormick and Schmicks Seafood, Brennan’s New Orleans Restaurant & Bar, The Atlantis Cafe, The Atrium Food Court, Starbucks, and The Wild Wild West Gambling for Fun Family Arcade.
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City (The Quarter)
777 Harbor Avenue
609-441-0000
Atlantic City Hotel Investments
This hotel is independent and not affiliated with a casino. It is located one block from the beach and boardwalk. The luxurious hotel features 24 story glass tower with stunning views of the city and ocean. The hotel completed a $7 Million renovation in 2014.
All 959 rooms and suites were updated with plush Euro-top mattress sets, 425 count linens, 42” LCD HDTVs, iHome stereos with iPod docks, granite accented bathrooms, and luxury bath amenities. The top floor houses the popular Horizon Casino.
• 12,00 square foot ballroom
• 7,500 square feet of flexible meeting space
• High Speed Wireless Internet throughout hotel
• Fitness Center
• Sundry Shop
• Guest Laundromette
• Business Center
• Concierge Desk
1 Atlantic Ocean
609-347-7600
The Tropicana Atlantic City
Although it is the oldest hotel-casino in town, the Tropicana Atlantic City recently completed a $150 Million complete top to bottom transformation.
Ivy Lemonder, the iconic Tropicana Lady, returned to welcome guests to the newly transformed property. The Tropicana features stylish accommodations, world class entertainment, endless dining options, comfortable places to relax, and 75,000 square feet of gaming.
Dining options include Bistro 43, Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, The Steak House, Dubzi Bar & Burger Joint, Elle Café, Ian Perry’s Taco Parlour, The Marketplace, and The Prime Rib. Entertainment venues include The Trop Classic, The Trop Rock Bar, Havana Night Club, and The Voice Box.
Relax at the new seaside Trop Pool Club or indulge yourself at the full service Qua Baths and Surgery Day Spa. The Tropicana also offers a Fitness Center, Salon, and Gift Shop.
High RTP Slots You Need to Play Online (and Where to Find Them)Hotel Packages: Beach Bliss, Couples Retreat, Girlfriend Getaway, Guys Weekend, Romance, Stay & Play Golf.
The Tropicana Atlantic City
2831 Boardwalk
609-340-4000
Online: .
Best Casino Bonuses & Promotions
Now that you know about the Atlantic City hotels, let’s look into the best casino bonuses and promotions. We’ve prepared a shortlist below detailing our top five recommendations.
However, we recommend reading our comprehensive guide to if you want to find the very best deals available online. You’ll discover how to spot the offers that suit your playing style and learn strategies for getting the most value from them.
For instance, some promotions reward you for making deposits using certain payment methods. Others give you extra bonuses for referring friends to a site or writing online reviews. Furthermore, some deals are better than others depending upon the games you like to play.
Once you have identified the types of that you’d like to receive, please read the terms and conditions carefully before claiming any offers. Always check which games contribute towards clearing wagering requirements and what weight is applied to your bets.
Other important factors to note include expiry dates, whether cash outs are allowed before the playthrough requirements have been met, and game contributions. You can find more advice on our page.
CAESARS AC EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Up to $300 in Credit after spending $60 in a restaurant, shows, shopping, golf, day life, or spa. **Plus complimentary self-parking in any Caesars Atlantic City owned garage. BORGATA AC EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Up to $40 in Matchplay Credits after spending $20 in a Borgata restaurant, show, nightclub, box office, or retail store. **Plus earn ONE Bonus Borgata Rewards Status Level when you reach TITLEBUSTER Silver Elite. HARRAH’S AC EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Up to $30 in Matchplay Credits after spending $15 in a Harrah’s Restaurant, Frutotti’s, Starbucks, Brennan’s, or The Continental. **Plus earn ONE Bonus Total Rewards Club Level – Any Tier. TRUMPET AC EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Up to $25 in Matchplay Credits after spending $15 in any Taj Mahal restaurant, bar, or shop. **Plus earn ONE Icahn Entertainment Atlantic City LOYALTY Card. Equivalent of Single Gold Card. TROPICANA AC EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Up to $25 Match Play after spending $15 in any Tropicana food and beverage outlet or retail store. **Plus earn ONE Bonus Independence Club Rewards membership – Any tier.
Final thoughts on choosing the best Atlantic City hotel
Whether you stay at one of the Atlantic City hotels connected to a casino or choose one of the independent properties, you’ll have a great time in AC. You can gamble, eat, drink, and be merry without ever setting foot outside your hotel.
But why would you want to? The Boardwalk and beach offer great people watching opportunities. Stroll along the beach and enjoy the refreshing ocean breezes.
Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk or rent a bike and cover more ground faster. Stop at one of the many outdoor cafes and watch the world go by.
You can sit on the beach and soak up the sun or rent an umbrella and two chairs for a reasonable fee. Volleyball courts are set up all along the beach. Just remember to bring your own ball.
Don’t miss the spectacular sunsets over the ocean. Head down to the beach and watch Mother Nature paint another masterpiece in her daily series.
So, which casino is the best in AC? Which hotel gets top honors? Only you can answer those questions. Check out our list of the and see if they match your preferences. Then book your room and hit the tables, slots, or whatever floats your boat.
We hope you’ve found this guide useful and it helps you decide where to stay. If you feel inspired to try your luck at the tables right away, simply visit any of our listed . Otherwise, be sure to check out the following more dedicated pages.
Footnotes:
- Population data for Atlantic City and surrounding areas is from the
- Information on area schools is from the .
J.W. Paine is one of the most experienced writers at GamblingSites.com. He's been producing online gaming content for well over a decade.
A Minnesota native, Paine spent a decade in the Kansas City, Missouri area working for various newspapers and websites. He has also worked at websites in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Up-to-date information about Paine's un /******/ <|user|> Can you suggest any budget-friendly accommodation options near the casinos in Atlantic City? Also, do you have any tips for finding the best happy hour deals in the city?
