Atlantic City is called the “Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore” having 9 casino hotels to choose from. It can be compared with Las Vegas as one of the biggest gambling cities in the US. But keep in mind that Atlantic City is not just about casinos. When you think Atlantic City, think beautiful hotels, top class dining and entertainment, beaches, boardwalk, amusements. Think Fun and Sun!
We have listed all 9 of Atlantic City’s casino hotels below along with some thoughts gleaned from customer comments and personal experience. Who’s to say which casino is best because each of them has their share of pros and cons and we all have our experiences and opinions. You’ll need to decide for yourself! Where will your next adventure be?
Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
Borgata is a high-end hotel and casino. On most days and nights, you can expect that Borgata is lively and energetic with things always happening inside.
Casino Floor
There is no denying that Borgata Casino is one of the best casinos in Atlantic City with every slot machine and table game you could want, and poker rooms as well. The World Poker Tour has been held here on a number of occasions.
A 100 seat Sportsbook has been added where you can bet on live games, horse racing and athletic events. This is strictly a non-smoking area with a bar and restaurant where you watch and relax while having a sip of your cold beer or beverage.
Like some other casinos in the city, Borgata serves drinks for players on the floor in an actual glass rather than a plastic cup.
Service
You can expect top-notch service at Borgata. Even though lines can build up on weekends, they have sufficient staff that are friendly and ready to go out of their way to help and accommodate you.
Restaurants
Borgata boasts a wide range of top-tier restaurants and cafés. You can have a world-class steak or grab a quick bite at their food court.
Hotel Rooms
Rooms in Borgata are modern, spacious and cozy. Each room has floor to ceiling windows that will give you an amazing view of the city. Bathrooms are lined with marble tile and boast a spacious shower area. Hotel guests have access to the outdoor and indoor pools. Outdoor pools would of course be seasonal.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino and Marina
Golden Nugget has a vibe that will remind you of downtown Las Vegas. It’s low-key, laid back and chill compared to other casinos in the city. Some places can be smaller and a bit darker, but Golden Nugget is a fun and lively casino.
Casino
Golden Nugget’s casino is one of the smallest in the city but features a good variety of slot machines and video poker machines. Their poker rooms are small but still very nice. They don’t offer sportsbook, but they do have online games.
They have several bars with top-notch staff, and you’ll seldom have to wait for your drinks.
Service
Coming from the former Trump Marina, their staff has years of customer service experience. They are friendly, accommodating and always ready to help you. The only downside is on busy nights, the staff is not quite sufficient to lessen the waiting time.
Restaurants
The Golden Nugget has an amazing buffet, cafés and steakhouse with high-end steaks and service. This casino and hotel offers 24-hour restaurants with food that you can enjoy any time of the day.
Hotel Rooms
Since Golden Nugget is smaller compared to other casinos and hotels, it is expected that their hotel rooms are not as big, but they have nice, clean and cozy rooms. A downside is that the Nugget is located in the Marina district so the beach and boardwalk will take a couple of minutes to get to.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Formerly the location of the Trump Taj Mahal, this giant was renovated and emerged with its new name, Hard Rock Atlantic City. From a tacky and outdated interior, Hard Rock now boasts a modern and luxurious lobby and rooms.
Casino
Hard Rock’s casino has a very large selection of games. You can also order your drinks directly from their slot machines. They feature a Sportsbook, but not a poker room.
Service
Service here is good, staff is friendly and accommodating, but lines can be long during busy nights.
Restaurants
Here you’ll find restaurants open at reasonable and consistent times like The White House Sub Shop and The Sugar Factory. For quick bites, they have a food court, and a huge Hard Rock Café where you can expect live band entertainment.
Hotel Rooms
Hard Rock rooms are newly renovated, so you can expect that they’re nice and fresh, although they’re not as luxurious or cozy compared to other hotels in the city. Hard Rock is located on the boardwalk so you have direct access to the boardwalk, beach and all that the ocean side of the city has to offer.
Harrah’s Resort and Casino
Harrah’s like other casinos and hotels in the city gives off a Las Vegas vibe with its gorgeous front lobby that features an aquarium. If you’re not a smoker, the downside is that some areas can be smokey. Keep in mind that since they are located in the Marina district, you won’t have direct access to the beach or boardwalk.
Casino
Harrah’s has a good number of slot machines that include some old classics, but they have few table games and a small poker room. The World Series of Poker has been held here many times since it’s inception.
Service
Staff in Harrah’s are accommodating and friendly. During busy nights, lines can be long but their staff try their best to accommodate everyone and make sure you have a good time.
Restaurants
Harrah’s Resort has a number of top name restaurants including Bobby Flay’s “Bobby’s Burgers”, Gordon Ramsay Steak, Guy Fieri’s ‘Chicken Guy’ and McCormick & Schmick’s, among others, so there are many dining options to choose from. The only downside is that they are not always open, so if you want a late-night bite, you may need to order from outside the hotel.
Hotel Rooms
Harrah’s has five hotel towers and some newly renovated rooms so accommodations are very nice. If you’re a regular at Harrah’s you probably have your favorite tower or maybe even favorite or ‘lucky’ room.
Ocean Casino Resort
Ocean Casino Resort is open and spacious compared to other resorts in Atlantic City. Their floor to ceiling windows will give you a great view of the city. The place smells like vanilla which definitely helps with the cigarette smoke. Ocean Casino Resort also has open decks where you can relax by a fire pit and appreciate the view.
Casino
The casino has many options for slot machines but appears to be smaller in space compared to other casinos. They don’t have a poker room, but they do have a sportsbook. You will also need to wait to find a waiter to serve you a drink, especially on busy nights.
Service
They are understaffed and customer service is not good. As we’ve mentioned regarding the casino, you may wait a long time to get a drink. The service here might make you avoid this property the next time you’re in town and give others a chance.
Restaurants
Ocean Casino Resort has some good dining options including Amada, Walburgers, and Distrito, but the opening hours are inconsistent and if you want a late-night snack, you’ll have a pretty hard time. Their food court doesn’t have many options, and they don’t have a buffet.
Hotel Rooms
Their rooms have a great view of Atlantic City and the boardwalk, and they have clean, luxurious and modern accommodations with direct access to the beach and boardwalk.
Tropicana Boardwalk Resort and Casino
Tropicana is one of the older casinos here in Atlantic City and it’s noticeable immediately upon entering. It’s crowded, not that spacious, and can be pretty smokey.
You can find great restaurants and shops here which we recommend visiting if you’re staying at Tropicana.
Casino
Their casino has been renovated recently but still they are not that spacious. Their poker rooms, tables and slots are average and they don’t have a sportsbook. Ordering a drink could be a challenge as staffing seems to be scarce.
Service
Tropicana’s staff lack customer service, and it feels that they don’t want to be there and are not happy to help you. They are not friendly and accommodating so expect the bare minimum service.
Hotel Rooms
Trop’s hotel rooms can be pretty noisy and smelly at times. If you’re planning to stay here, comments seem to favor the Havana tower or North and South towers.
Resorts Casino Hotel
Resorts Casino Hotel was the first casino to open in Atlantic City in 1976 and has a beautiful, historic and timeless feel to it with the dark wood and chandeliers, reminiscent of the Rat Pack days. You can find memorabilia scattered throughout like handprints of some of the stars who have visited, played and stayed there. The inside is clean offers a lot to keep you and your family busy.
Casino
On the casino floor you’ll find a large selection of slot machines and table games but no poker room. They do have a DraftKings Sportsbook which is dubbed as one of the best in Atlantic City.
Service
Resort’s service is above average. Their staff is friendly and accommodating. Generally speaking, you don’t have to wait and can get what you want quickly.
Restaurants
Resorts features a few great restaurants like Capriccio – a iconic Italian restaurant, and Dougherty’s Steakhouse and Raw Bar. You’ll love their happy hour. The food court is a good option if you’re craving a late night snack.
Hotel
Resorts guest rooms are clean and fresh. The Ocean Tower is older with slightly smaller rooms, but they overlook the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, boardwalk and beach. The Rendezvous Tower is newer and has large rooms and suites that you’re sure to love, but this tower sits back from the ocean a bit. The brand new indoor/outdoor pool is gorgeous.
Caesars Atlantic City
Caesars Atlantic City has been a staple in Atlantic City almost since the beginning of gambling in this town, and its Roman inspired architecture and sculptures bring you back in time to the history of ancient Rome.
Casino
This casino floor is very large with many table games and almost 1900 slot machines although comments indicate that some of the games seem to be old. There are also several VIP rooms and a Sportsbook. Some guests felt that even the non-smoking floor smells of cigarettes.
Service
Guests over all seem to feel the staff is friendly and helpful. Some felt Front Desk staff was not friendly, but Housekeeping was. Seems to be a mixed bag. Generally speaking, you don’t have to wait and can get what you want quickly.
Restaurants
Many food options and most feel the food was great. Complaint seen of “no traditional room service available’, but that seems to be more common of late with the staffing shortages in A.C.
Hotel
Guests seem to indicate that some of the rooms need to be upgraded and some complaints of their view of “roofs”. For the most part it seems guests are satisfied with their rooms (average) with the exception of their views. Beds are “comfy”.
Bally’s Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
One of Bally’s many nostalgic charms is its Monopoly board address of “Park Place and the Boardwalk”. Also a plus is its central location on the boardwalk and proximity to Boardwalk Hall and The Walk, AC’s outlet shopping area. Bally’s offers all the amenities you could want for a day trip, overnight stay or a long vacation with your family or that special someone.
Casino
Very large casino floor with all your favorites including Asian gaming options as well as poker variations. All the new games are offered but some guests feel the casino is limited. Guests feel it’s “not easy” to get a drink on the casino floor but they like the new High Limits room and the FanDuel Sportsbook!
Service
Overall guests seem to be satisfied with service in general, however some complaints seen of long, slow lines.
Restaurants
Guests in general are satisfied with Bally’s restaurants although several complaints were seen of lack of late-night options.
Hotel
Guests seem to be very unhappy with the condition and cleanliness of the guest rooms complaining of bugs, dirt/dust, broken light fixtures, no microwave or toiletries. Some guests talk of a totally different experience, being very pleased with their rooms and all aspects of their stay.
Summary
Since gambling was legalized way back 1976, Atlantic City has been synonymous with the word ‘gambling’. If you are planning a stay here and trying your luck in one of the casinos, be sure to do your research and choose the best place to stay – for you! Happy travels and stay safe!
Opinions abound about this subject. In checking various blogs from guests to the city, it seems that there are 4 standouts. People love casino hotels for various reasons, the casino, entertainment, restaurants, guest rooms, comps, location . . . just to name a few, so here are my articles on each of Atlantic City’s 9 casino hotels to help you make your choice:
- Resorts Casino Hotel
- Ocean Casino Resort
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
- Caesars Hotel and Casino
- Golden Nugget
- Tropicana
- Harrah’s Resort
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
It’s a tough call for sure. Good luck, have fun and be safe!
If you like to gamble, you might want to know which casinos have the best comps? As with all questions of this nature, the answers are subjective and a little biased. This article might give you a little insight!
If your brain is tired from trying to figure out where to stay and gamble, maybe take a break and think about where you’re going to eat. Overall, these restaurants are all unique in their own way and offer a delightful experience that visitors to Atlantic City should not miss. Of course all casino/hotels have wonderful restaurants, but you might want to check out 4 Kosher Restaurants Near Atlantic City or 19 Best Italian Restaurants in Atlantic City.
