Ever played Monopoly? The game and its street names were inspired by New Jersey’s Atlantic City, a resort city with copious amounts of casino acreage. The hypnotic, flashing colors of slot machines! Baccarat! Craps! Poker! The ticking of a roulette wheel and a perfect 21 in blackjack! You’ll find all these in Atlantic City.
Looking to spend some time in “the World’s Famous Playground?” Here are three casino-cum-hotels that offer a variety of amenities for your stay. Note that while the prices quoted below were the lowest we found, it’s very likely they’ll be higher if you’re booking a room for the weekend. We’ve noted approximate weekend pricing for each of our choices below.
Tropicana Casino & Resort
From $45/ night
This 2,072-room resort is only a three minute walk from the beach —although you might not be doing much swimming given all the amenities and activities available on-site. Among the offerings: a nightclub, 18 restaurants and indoor and outdoor pools —and of course the glittering casino. A full-service spa and a salon will ensure you look and feel great for a night out —or you can relax in the darkness of the on-site IMAX theater. As for those 18 restaurants, a few include P.F. Chang’s, Carmine’s (Italian), Fiesta Buffet, Palm Restaurant (steakhouse), Golden Dynasty (Chinese) and Cuba Libre. For weekend stays, prices started around $100.
Caesars Atlantic City
From $77/ night
This well-known, Roman-inspired casino/hotel beats Tropicana in beach proximity —it’s only a two-minute walk from Jersey’s shore. It’s smaller than the Tropicana at 1,140 rooms, but it compensates for this by hosting 75 retail stores on-site. The pool sits on the roof and provides glamorous cityscape views, while the casino’s 135 table games will make you feel like a high-roller. There are 15 spa treatment rooms, while Roman baths available for both men and women provide a distinctive brand of relaxation. Tired of sitting still? Nightclub DUSK will surely get you moving. You can expect weekend bookings to begin at around $200.
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino
From $89/ night
At only 728 rooms, this is the tiniest of the three options here. Don’t be mistaken, however: the Golden Nugget still provides all the fun of its larger gambling brethren, including a casino, nightclub, shopping and a sixth-floor outdoor pool with skyline scenery. If you’d like to work on muscles other than those in your hands, a fitness center is available. Cuisine includes steak and seafood goodies at Golden Nugget’s Chart House or Vic and Anthony’s, while Michael Patrick’s Brasserie is open any time of day. For boundless indulgence, try the buffet. For senses beyond the gustatory, the spa and salon is equipped with 11 treatment rooms. A weekend stay at the Golden Nugget will start at around $200.
