Atlantic City

[tiggerlover]

I want to surprise DH with a trip for him and a friend to go to Atlantic City, but I do not know a thing about Atlantic City. HELP!

 

[SydSim]

Accomodations....the Borgata is probably what most would consider, one of the most upscale hotel/casinos in AC. It isn't right on the Boardwalk though, but has many nice restaurants and casino and spa.

Trump owns a lot of hotels and casinos that are very nice as well. The Taj Majal is nice, on the boardwalk near a small asmusement park. Trump Plaza, with recently renovated rooms, is right on the boardwalk near the mall (which has many upscale shops and restaurants). Caesars is also right there.

There are many more hotel/casinos and a few beach bars located throughout.

 

[Cogswel_Cogs]

I like Harrahs, it is in thed Harbor area not the Boardwalk. You can probabbly go to their website and if a first timer get a decent room rate.

 

[LisaNJ25]

I am a Ceasars/Ballys girl. I used to work for them.

I have stayed at most on the Boardwalk. I like being able to walk from casino to casino.

 

[bballmom56]

We stay at the Tropicana 3-4 times a year. You can get some excellent rates if you sign up on their website for email offers. Last month we got a room (and were upgraded to a suite on the next to the very top floor) for $55 plus a $20 food credit.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Borgata is lovely. It is IMHO the "best" in class/amenities/clientelle, etc.
The down side is that you are Not on the boardwalk area (which is generally hopping with people, action etc). It is away from that area. Thus, if you would both enjoy walking the boardwalk, seeing the kitschy sites, hearing the ocean, sunning on the beach, stopping for a drink, eating some boardwalk fare. going in/out of other casinos (which can be fun), it may not be for you.
You can always take the 10/15 minute drive over to see it. (you will pay to park, as all the casinos charge ).

On the boardwalk we usually stay Showboat (its always free for us, thats the only reason we stay there OR if there is a good show ) or Tropicana (which is nicer/I prefer) also free/discounted usually (join the rewards program and get the cards for you both when you go and be sure to use your card EACH time you play).
We enjoy the visit, enjoy the fresh air, walking and lastly some gambling.
Go with the mindset that the $$ is down the drain and you won't win, so if you DO hit, it'll feel great
All casino's Have to pay out a % but they are not paying and not giving it away, but thats another story...
Anyhow, it is not very beautiful (boardwalk area ) but it is an experience/fun and if its nice weather, one can also get some sun on the beach (or the pool at Borgota is beautiful )
Either way, watch your wallet/money/personal items, they are SLICK down there
Enjoy! I/we actually enjoy visiting....losing $$, not so much

 

[a1tinkfans]

We stay at the Tropicana 3-4 times a year. You can get some excellent rates if you sign up on their website for email offers. Last month we got a room (and were upgraded to a suite on the next to the very top floor) for $55 plus a $20 food credit.

 

[tiggerlover]

Besides reserving the hotel and giving him gambling money what else can I "give" to him for his gift?

 

[bballmom56]

Besides reserving the hotel and giving him gambling money what else can I "give" to him for his gift?

There are different entertainers down there all the time. Maybe get him tickets to a show of a favorite performer?

 

[N&B'smom]

I live about 10 min from AC and my vote is for the Tropicana! Right on the boardwalk, it's BEAUTIFUL!! I agree the Borgata is nice too but it is so far from everything else.

 

[LisaNJ25]

Besides reserving the hotel and giving him gambling money what else can I "give" to him for his gift?

Tell him to make sure he registers for the comp cards at the casinos he plays in for the perks.

If you wanted to go crazy you could get him a helicopter ride
http://www.steelpier.com/helicopter-rides-steel-pier.aspx

 

[Hillbeans]

I agree with everything posted...the Borgata is a Las Vegas style hotel but you get a different feel when you stay in a hotel on the Boardwalk.

A few years ago I went to eat with a friend to Buddakan in the Caesars Pier. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was beautiful. I'd highly recommend that or Bobby Flay @ the Borgata.

There are shows of all kinds down there, singers and Comedy shows.

Have fun!

 

[disneyred]

If I was driving from out of town.. where can i park (for reasonable price) ... to take a walk at the boardwalk and basically spend the day there....

 

[DebD4T]

While the Borgata is beautiful, it honestly didn't blow me away when I stayed there.

Showboat is a fun hotel to stay in. We used to always stay at Caesars, but the past few times it has felt a little "seedy".

The Palms Restaurant in Tropicana is great!! We have had quite a few family parties there.

Aside from gambling $ and the room, maybe make a reservation at a restaurant that he might like. Or as another poster said, see if there are any shows he might like.

Make sure he signs up for a card. It doesn;t cost anything and you will get coupons and free rooms mailed to you. (then you and he can make another trip!! )

 

[DebD4T]

If I was driving from out of town.. where can i park (for reasonable price) ... to take a walk at the boardwalk and basically spend the day there....

Parking in most casinos is only about $5 - 7.