Top 9 hotels in Atlantic City: with luxury accommodations, beautiful ocean views and exclusive entertainment

Atlantic City became a vacation spot for citizens on the seashore back in the 19th century. After gambling penetrated here, which was to turn it into the Las Vegas of the East. Several crises and economic downturns followed, but today it is once again experiencing a renaissance thanks to a new wave of entertainment, gastronomic offerings, excellent casinos and a wide range of activities for the whole family.

Atlantic City's many resorts and variety of hotels make it easy to plan a trip. The main attraction is naturally the casinos, but the excellent beaches and famous waterfront are just as much in demand when you should take a break from gambling.

Hotels in Atlantic City offer energetic beach vacations, stellar spas, terrific restaurants, and a gambling atmosphere. To make it easier to navigate this huge range, this top will showcase the best hotels in different categories based on the type of vacations and adventures that are available in Atlantic City. We have evaluated the different accommodation options taking into consideration the services they provide: location, staff performance, room design, noteworthy amenities, common areas, etc.

Best Overall: Ocean Casino Resort

From a casino to a relaxing spa to a lively nightclub, there's something for everyone. This expansive hotel features more than 1,800 rooms and suites on 20 acres of beachfront property by the famous boardwalk. It is one of the most luxurious and innovative hotels in Atlantic City. Its main attraction is the energetic Ocean Casino, featuring nearly 2,000 of the most popular slot machines, 125 table games and a betting parlor that is one of the best on the East Coast.

The hotel has been awarded 4 AAA diamonds and features a selection of stylish rooms in a variety of configurations, from modern bedrooms with king bed to sophisticated studios and suites. The highlight of the rooms are the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, from which guests can enjoy views of the cityscape and the Atlantic Ocean.

Food and beverage exceeds expectations: there are several restaurants offering fine dining or casual menus, and New Yorkers' favorite candy store, Serendipity 3, opened in late 2022. Don't miss out on food specials and happy hours.

Guest entertainment spans comedy shows, live music, cocktails and nightclubs like HQ 2 where parties last all day. Take a break from the hustle and bustle by the pool, play a round of golf or stop by the beauty salon. This is one of the best hotels in Atlantic City for beach and casino vacations, but it can be especially pricey during peak dates.

Best among the luxurious: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

This chic 4-star hideaway is one of the model hotels for Atlantic City: glamorous, glitzy, and drenched in luxury. The Borgata has gathered at its doorstep everything you can find in the city. Every detail of the elegant rooms and suites is designed to make an overnight stay relaxing and comfortable, from the exquisite furnishings and thick curtains to the decor and top-notch amenities. That said, there are also some fairly budget-friendly rooms.

Guests of most of the famous Atlantic City hotels will need a place to retreat and relax, as these resorts have a very busy entertainment program. For example, the Borgata is home to one of the swankiest casinos in the city. It includes a wide range of table games and poker tables, a huge collection of slot machines and a bookmaker's office (by the way, it is the only one in Atlantic City that accepts bets on horse races). It also regularly hosts a variety of shows - from standup to performances by famous musicians.

After a concert or gambling session, it's time to move to one of the resort's bars, such as the eclectic Gypsy Bar for live music and an excellent range of tequilas, or sit down to high-end gaming and innovative cocktails at the Level One Bar and Lounge. Stop by the Long Bar if you want a relaxed end to the evening, or keep the fun going late into the night at Premier Nightclub. By day, guests can enjoy an outdoor pool with private cabanas and lounge chairs, a spa, beauty salon and a half dozen restaurants and cafes.

Best Entertainment: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Overlooking the iconic waterfront, this 17-acre hotel and casino offers an unforgettable music and world-class entertainment experience. More than 20 superb nightclubs and on-site restaurants create a phenomenal space for relaxation and adventure.

The hotel, which opened in 2018, is responsibly committed to its musical roots and boasts one of the largest collections of musical artifacts and memorabilia in the U.S. belonging to top stars such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Elton John, Lady Gaga and more. There are regular live concerts and performances by artists of various genres. As in many other famous Atlantic City hotels, the center of entertainment is the casino, including more than 2300 slot machines, more than 130 table games, bookmaker's office and online casino. The spirit of classic rock 'n' roll reigns in the gaming scene as well, encouraging guests to play big and experience the rock star lifestyle.

The hotel's restaurants provide Italian and Japanese menus, delicious seafood selections and top-notch steaks, and are complemented by quick bites and coffee shops, as well as the excellent Sugar Factory sweets restaurant. The party never ends at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, so guests must pay attention to its bars, clubs and lounges: savor cocktails at the tropical beach bar, feel the energy of dueling pianos at the stylish Hard Rock Cafe and more.

After an active leisure time, guests return to the elegant rooms and suites to prepare for new excitement on large beds with orthopedic mattresses and soft cotton linens. Guests can swap casino trips and nightlife for poolside lounging, spa treatments and visits to the extensive amusement park on the promenade pier.

Best for adult guests: MGM Tower at Borgata

Borgata's sister hotel is a couple steps away from its entertainment, dining and nightlife venues, yet presents a unique hospitality option.

The renovated tower is one of Atlantic City's most upscale hotels. Its 43 floors feature more than 700 guest rooms and luxury suites that offer panoramic views of the city. They are decorated in a bright yet warm nautical-inspired palette, reflecting the delightful spirit of the coastal atmosphere. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, large beds with luxurious linens and exquisite bathrooms. Special gems of the hotel are the delightful Vista Suites, located at the corners of each floor for maximum privacy. They feature separate living areas, spacious spa-like marble bathrooms.

The amenities of this luxury retreat encompass several indoor and outdoor heated pools and bars to relax after a busy day, high-end boutiques including Fixation, Hugo Boss and Capri, several restaurants, a garden, direct access to the Borgata Spa and Casino. This exclusive vacation destination attracts business travelers and leisure travelers looking for first class accommodations. This level of excellence is combined with one of the highest prices among the top hotels in Atlantic City.

Best for a bachelor or bachelorette party: Harrah's

This huge resort boasts one of the largest hotels in Atlantic City with a whopping 2,950 rooms and suites with great bay views.

A stay at Harrah's offers guests not only first-class accommodations, but also a huge array of activities and amenities to suit every taste. Start by exploring the exciting selection of restaurants and let Chefs Ramsay, Guy Fieri and Bobby Flay make your visit unforgettable. As darkness falls, hotel guests can adjourn to the Eden Lounge for a good time at the live music bar, play casino games or watch TV at the X Bar, and then head to the nightly pool party with programs by the hottest DJs.

Gambling enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel's casino, which includes hundreds of table games, over 1800 slot machines and a bookmaker's office. To unwind and reenergize, visit the resort's spa with steam room, Jacuzzi, sauna, indoor pool and fitness center. Visitors are offered a menu of facial and body treatments, massages and beauty services. There's also a couples suite with a private Jacuzzi, shower and fireplace. But the main attraction of the hotel is the glass dome pool, which transforms into an oasis with a tropical atmosphere.

There are self check-in kiosks and 24-hour virtual concierge support for guests' convenience. The hotel allows pets, offering a dedicated pet-friendly program, from water bowls and paddling to outdoor seating areas.

Best for beach vacations: Tropicana Atlantic City

Atlantic City hotels attract visitors to the city not only with colorful casinos, gourmet restaurants and bars, and crystal pools, but also with great beaches. If it is the latter that is your priority, the Tropicana is a great choice.

The hotel is located directly on the waterfront and offers its guests a magnificent view of the ocean. The rooms and suites of various categories are spacious, well appointed and located in 4 towers connected by the Skybridge for easy access to the many restaurants on site.

A stay at the hotel offers endless entertainment options. Spend the day at the beach or change from the beach to lounging by the pool with refreshing drinks, head to the family entertainment center or try the adventure of the quest room, see the latest in IMAX cinema and check out relaxing and rejuvenating treatments at the spa.

The Tropicana has everything you need for the perfect vacation, and of course, when it comes to popular Atlantic City hotels, you should assume a top-notch casino. A wide variety of table games, from craps to blackjack, over 2,400 different newest and classic slot machines and slots, and a high stakes office are available for gambling enthusiasts.

One of the busiest places in the hotel are the swimming pools. There are four of them, indoor and outdoor, including one on the roof, with plenty of sun loungers, changing cabins and bars. Evenings will also be full of fun and adventure: from the energetic retro dance club Boogie Nights and comedy club Kiss Kiss to cozy lounges with drinks, noisy bars with live music and karaoke.

For families: Club Wyndham Skyline Tower

This 32-story building in the heart of Atlantic City with waterfront views is one of the best hotels if you're planning a company or family trip. It's close to all the entertainment, beaches, museums, casinos and piers, making it the perfect base from which to explore the city and its attractions. But the hotel itself also has everything you need to relax and have fun all day long.

It provides its guests with resort suites with living/dining areas, kitchens, and bedrooms ranging from one to four. The rooms are spacious, featuring large beds, whirlpool tubs and private balconies in most suites and accommodating four to six guests.

The on-site amenities provide all the necessary conditions for a great family or romantic weekend getaway. Guests can relax by the pools or in the indoor and outdoor hot tubs and use the fitness center to keep in shape even while on vacation. Children and their parents will appreciate the availability of a children's playroom and movie theater. And to make efficient use of their time in Atlantic City, guests can ask the hotel concierge to visit the best places in Atlantic City, from shopping and attractions on the promenade, the best casinos at the city's most luxurious hotels, and popular and historic attractions such as Steel Pier, the Aquarium, the Arts Center, and the Absecon Lighthouse.

Best Among Historic: Seaview, a Dolce Hotel

A quiet, sophisticated resort nestled on 670 enchanting acres along Reeds Bay attracts guests including presidents, celebrities, golf champions, rock stars and businessmen with historic seaside charm and modern amenities. It is one of New Jersey's iconic hotels, combining close proximity to Atlantic City's entertainment with old world charm. It has been a cherished vacation destination for generations, welcoming guests for the second century.

Seaview, a Dolce Hotel has 296 rooms and 16 suites equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including luxurious linens, large beds, complimentary internet, and premium bath amenities. The rooms are cozy and quiet, and the common areas still retain a secluded atmosphere. The hotel has three restaurants serving seasonal local specialties. The elegant lobby bar and lounge overlooking the golf course offers guests a place to relax, sip their favorite al fresco beverage and sit by the fire.

The golf courses are the main attraction of Seaview, a Dolce Hotel, making it one of the finest and most sought-after hotels near Atlantic City. Tournaments are still held on these two historic sports courses. Hotel guests can also try playing, attend golf school lessons, or even plan a full tournament while on vacation with friends or business travel.

For a waterfront vacation: The Claridge Hotel

If you're choosing where to stay near the promenade in Atlantic City, one of the most charming hotels within walking distance of the boardwalk and beach is worth considering.

The Claridge consists of 480 rooms decorated in 20th century style. It opened in 1930 during the Great Depression, then became known by the nickname "Skyscraper by the Sea" due to its 370-foot height and Manhattan design. Its history holds memories of the significant events it was a part of and the many famous guests who found temporary refuge within its walls. Among them were Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Princess Grace of Monaco, Martin Luther King, Jr. and others.

The spacious, comfortable rooms and suites are traditionally decorated with large beds, bathrooms with walk-in showers or deep soaking tubs, complimentary toiletries and beautiful dark wood and marble furnishings. For a romantic weekend getaway or honeymoon, the hotel offers a Victorian-style suite with a four-poster bed and Jacuzzi tub for two.

With its waterfront location, the Claridge has one of the most beautiful ocean views of any hotel in Atlantic City. Guests can enjoy it from the rooftop VÜE Lounge, which offers 360-degree views of the promenade, city and water. The hotel also features an award-winning restaurant, and the lobby has a gift store and café where guests can stop in for a cup of Starbucks™ coffee. Other amenities include bike rentals, an arcade and one of Atlantic City's top comedy clubs.

How do I choose a hotel in Atlantic City?

This city is a year-round destination, but it still provides guests with the ultimate program during the summer: you can always step away from the gaming tables, head to the beach, sunbathe by the pool or stroll along the waterfront.

For a trip to Atlantic City, choose hotels that are close to the attractions you want to visit. If your goal is predominantly a beach vacation, look for oceanfront or walkable options to avoid the hassle of finding a parking space and the added expense. But if you're primarily interested in casinos and nightlife, stay at resorts that have these perks in place.

What are the best neighborhoods in Atlantic City?

There are many interesting places and attractions in the city. For example, the Steel Pier amusement park, the famous promenade, shopping centers with a chic assortment of boutiques, and historical sites. There's plenty to see in different parts of the city, and if you're interested in exploring the city, contact your hotel's concierge desk to book a city tour.

When is the best time to go to Atlantic City?

The optimal time to visit is spring and summer. The period from July to August is the peak season: there are a lot of visitors, additional entertainment is open, but the prices are higher. If you need a more relaxing vacation, plan your trip in spring - from March to May.

What kind of budget do I need for a trip to Atlantic City?

It depends on what you plan to do here and how you plan to have fun. Families with children should budget $50-100 per day for amusement park tickets and other adventures, while travelers who are going to gamble in casinos can certainly spend much more. Don't forget to include meals in your estimated expenses, or favor hotels in Atlantic City that include several meals in their rates - this will help you save money.