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Tell me about Harrah's Atlantic City and AC in General

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Casino Hotels' started by Retinyl, May 30, 2012.

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  1. Retinyl

    Retinyl Low-Roller

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    We're thinking about staying there in a couple of weeks.

    It looks like the Marina Deluxe and Harbour Deluxe are the same price. Is one room/view better than the other?

    Is the shuttle a pain in the ass? How long does it actually take to drive/take a shuttle to the boardwalk from there? I tried looking up the Jitney, but finding a route seems confusing.

    Any tips, tricks or recommendations for AC newbies? Do they serve alcohol 24 hours there like Vegas?
     
  2. Retinyl

    Retinyl Low-Roller

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    Also, we'll be arriving on Tuesday and leaving Friday (in June). Is it going to be completely dead there?
     
  3. NeilV

    NeilV Tourist

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    Harrahs

    I think both rooms are pretty similar. If you can, see if they will put you in Waterfront Tower, its newer and much nicer. Drinks are just like Las Vegas.

    Jitneys are much faster and convenient than the Harrah's Shuttle. The routes will make sense once you are there. You can walk next door to the Borgata.
     
  4. Jerseyguy

    Jerseyguy MIA

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    I can give you my opinions,

    We average once or twice a month at Harrahs,obviously we like it there.
    Going there tomorrow for the night as a matter of fact. We like the Harbor Twr. better ,views I cant say .The Bayview and Waterfront near the pool are the newer fancier rooms,you can get a partial ocean view from some.
    Harrahs has live bands thurs nights in June there should be a lot going on in AC even weekdays,log on to Atlantic City Weekly,lots of info .
    The shuttle requires some patience,sometimes a long wait. Ride can take 10-15 minutes avg. Cabs can get you there much quicker. You can get a handle on the Jitneys pretty easy ,read the signs or ask the driver.
    From Harrahs you can walk to the Borgata and Golden Nugget.
    Hard to recommend things to people not knowing their ages ,interests etc.
    There are crime issues in AC ,basic common sense will tell you once you see certain areas ,you dont want to go into esp.at night.
     
  5. jr7110

    jr7110 VIP Whale

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    Atlantic City does have crime issues but Harrah's (and the Borgata) are in an area that is very safe. You can get a Jitney easily from Harrah's to the Boardwalk (it costs $2.25 each way and they take cash) and from now until September is the busiest time of year for Atlantic City because it is a seaside community and the summer is the season where it does the most business.

    The Jitneys are numbered - at the jitney stop you will see a chart telling you which number stops at what hotel. When you return, you just have to make sure you get on the jitney returning to Harrah's.

    With that being said, if you take a jitney to the Boardwalk, you DO NOT want to be out on the streets of Atlantic City after dark waiting for a jitney at a bus stop. Once you step off the Boardwalk the streets are very seedy and sleazy - and at night it is even worse. I would take a taxi back if you find yourself lingering on the Boardwalk after dark - much safer. It is about $10 for a taxi back to Harrah's from the Boardwalk, but worth every penny.

    The return jitney stop that I always take back to the Borgata is the one in front of Caesars. A good idea is to ask the driver where you can get the return jitney as you are getting off - that way you will have an idea of where to pick it up when you want to go back.

    One of the most important things about traveling by Jitney is to know that they are very small and can only carry a small number of people at a time -and there is no standing. You can sometimes wait for a while for a Jitney during high season because they will change the sign to "Full" and will pass your stop until people get off. They do run very frequently so you will eventually get on one, but just be prepared that you might have to wait for several Jitneys to pass before you can get on one with room for you to board.

    There are some fantastic dining options at The Borgata, right next to Harrah's. You can exit into the parking lot of Harrah's (right by the Pool) and then walk along the marshes until you get to The Borgata.

    Borgata is the closest thing to a Vegas style hotel that Atlantic City has, and at one time was co-owned by MGM (you can see the "Bellagio" influence in the glass sculptures and the style of the letter "B" throughout the hotel). There is a Bobby Flay restaurant at Borgata as well as Michael Mina's Sea Blue, Forneletto (a great italian place that is located down a flight of stairs that looks like you are descending into an old Italian wine cellar), Wolfgang Puck's American Grille. Izakaya (Japanese), Old Homestead steakhouse and a pretty good cafe (Metropolitan) etc. It is important to check the Borgata website for hours because not every restaurant is open every day of the week.
     
  6. Jerseyguy

    Jerseyguy MIA

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    If you have wheels or want to rent

    And you want to get out of town for a day trip you can drive 30 miles south on Garden State Parkway to Wildwood and Cape May for a change of pace .
    Also there are several nice beach towns on the way if you like to explore.
    Depends on what you enjoy.
     
  7. oghuman

    oghuman VIP Whale

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    You may also want to visit Revel the latest and newest Casino. BTW, many of the casinos in AC are not that much smaller than Las Vegas. There's another post on the board that gives a very good trip report from a first time visitor's point of view.
    https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78927
     
  8. user3657

    user3657 VIP Whale

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    not to thread jack, but is it true the beaches are free in AC? One can just go to ceasers, walk out onto the beach for free?
     
  9. Joe Strummer

    Joe Strummer VIP Whale

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    Be prepared most table mins. will be higher than Vegas.
    One night at The Borgata -- there was one $25 min Crap table --
    the rest went to $50 + $100 .....yiips !
    I did not play craps.....found VP at the Bar --
    but those machines were tight.
    .
    The jitney is cheap --
    we hit a bump + my back almost went out !
    Sit forward !!!!
    .
    Do not walk off the boardwalk.
    .
    You can access the beach from the boardwalk --
    the hotels will have there spots with lounges.
    .
    AC is not the party atmosphere of Vegas....
    .
    One little fact ---
    the casino/hotels are all lit with red on the boardwalk
    I think this was mandated -
    not sure if it was for aircraft reasons ?
     
  10. Jerseyguy

    Jerseyguy MIA

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    Beaches are free

    Water temp may still be a bit chilly .
     
  11. hammie

    hammie VIP Whale

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    If you are looking for lower table minimums, The Atlantic Club should have $5 blackjack and craps. I have seen this at Resorts as well.

    The water temperature is 65 degrees F, a little chilly, but you get used to it. In a few weeks, it could get to 70. Yes, the beaches are free in AC. They are free in The Wildwoods too. Wildwood Crest was once promoted as having the worlds safest bathing beach due to it's gradual slope. Great waves for body surfing and sand finer than table sugar.
     
  12. wizard950

    wizard950 High-Roller

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    A little room info.
    Harbor Deluxe rooms are the original rooms in the first tower. They have all been remodeled and are the farthest from the new Buffet, Pool, Sammy D's area and closest to the original casino area.

    Atrium Suites are the first addition. They are very nice separate bedroom from a seating area. Very quiet, also close to the casino area and little closer to the pool.

    Marina Deluxe rooms are the second addition, right next to the check-in area. These too have been remodeled and are also nice.

    Bayview Tower is the third addition to the property. Need a little TLC now but very nice and close to the buffet and pool.

    Waterfront Tower the newest rooms. Very nice with flat screen TVs and a sit down shower. Stayed there two weeks ago on the 42nd floor. Fabulous view! Close to the pool and buffet but a hike to the casino.

    If you get a chance try the pool, it is indoors with a huge dome and palm trees. A good place to just kick back and relax.
     
  13. Jerseyguy

    Jerseyguy MIA

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    Harrahs thursday nite & part friday

    Was surprised to see how uncrowded AC was thursday,maybe last day of month? Weather was gorgous also,saw the Revel again ,wasnt able to see a lot last month. Common areas ,outdoor lounge decks were beautiful,nice views. Hotel and casino was pretty empty,at 3pm
    nobody in line at front desk checking in.
    Used shuttle to Showboat,took cab back ,service takes forever.Friday am Harrahs had $5 bj table open,was $10 by afternoon,single deck6/5.
    Had cheap dinner at Irish Pub,$8 open pork sandwich w/ mashed and gravy,wasnt bad at all.
    Tip for breakfast,Sack O Subs ,open at 9am. Very reasonable (8 inch meat and egg sub $7,bagel $2).
    Best nightlife is probly at Xibition Bar,stayed till 2am playing VP.
    Earl Of Sandwich opening in Showboat soon.
     
  14. Patripman

    Patripman High-Roller

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    AC will be dead most weekdays or up to the first week of July. New Jersey schools normally dont end until the third week of June. The shore towns will come to life especially AC, Ocean City, Wildwood, Cape May etc. If your there for a few days and want to explore there are buses that operate trips to the above mentioned shore towns for the day.
    Just a few hints from someone who made the Jersey shore our half home of 25 years.

    The best AC beach area is from The Trop to the AC Hilton (Atlantic Club). There are rental chairs, loungers and umbrellas available. One word of advise do not take to many valuables with you to the beach and if you go into the water keep an eye on your belongings. The past few summers there were a number of thefts on the beach. If you rent any beach item let the rental place know your going to get something to eat and that you will be returning.

    I recommend the jitneys in the morning and afternoon but we always take a taxi after sunset. It is quicker and the cabbies dont fool around. They will get you to your destination safely.

    If you like the witness third world events take an early morning stroll on the boardwalk, oh say around 6:30 a.m. and watch the trash can buffet. You will be approached by panhandlers just like Vegas but in AC they are more aggressive, just walk on by and not even give them eye contact.

    Have a good time an remember you are in the USA and not a third world country, well maybe.

    p
     
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2012
  15. cpreston

    cpreston Low-Roller

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    Although you’re going during the week, it won’t be totally dead. Mid-week does equal lower limit tables though, so that’s a good thing

    Try the $20 trick and ask for the Waterfront Premium room… it doesn’t hurt to try and those rooms are really, really nice, but honestly, we’ve been bumped from a comped waterfront premium to one of the deluxe rooms and we weren’t upset, they’re still nice rooms

    You are not allowed to leave the casino with your drink in hand, but they do ‘technically’ serve in the casino’s 24/7… (good luck getting a drink from a cocktail waitress when it’s the wee wee hours of the morning)

    I’ve never done the jitney, we don’t mind the shuttle at all, except the shuttle stops running relatively early, (I say relatively, because we party pretty late)

    Cabs max out at $13.00, they’re all over the place ALL the time, so it’s easy to get around.
    The beach bars are open and they’re so much fun! Sammy’s beach bar is open 7 days’ a week during the summer from Noon to 3am… Tuesday DJ, Wednesday Reggae, Thursday Karaoke, we always have fun at Sammy’s


    The water temp might be a bit cold, but the weather should be warm and you can hang on the beach and just take a “dip” to cool off if you want

    Sammy’s has chairs and umbrellas for customers and serves right out on the beach


    “can’t miss” in AC… if you are willing to venture outside the casino’s for meals, make a reservation at Dock’s Oyster House http://www.docksoysterhouse.com/
    (you will need a reservation, even during the week)
    Ask for Will to be your server (no I’m not related to anyone I am mentioning) get there a little early and have a drink at the bar w/ Dmitri the bartender
    Order the white clam chowder (amazing) and soft shell crabs (they’re in season, they’ll have them as a special) get them pan fried (I know I’m getting ridiculously detailed)
    Share an order of pomme soufflé as a side
    I couldn’t even begin to tell you what to get for dessert, we never have enough room to order dessert!
    (tell Will that Bob and Chrissy sent you!)
    More “can’t miss” in AC (food related) go to Revel and grab some tacos at the taco truck Distrito… it’s a food truck INSIDE the casino… the lenguas and shrimp were our favorites! Wash it down with a prickly pear margarita!
    Revel is a “can’t miss” in itself just to go an take a tour and check it out
    You can eat at higher end restaurants there if you want (we haven’t yet) but with ‘street food’ this good, we don’t see a reason to

    I would suggest staying off the boardwalk or the streets late at night or early in the morning. While I don’t like to “pile on” about the safety or lack thereof, it is wise to just be aware wherever you are and stay away from the homeless in general (oh, that sounds so rough for me to say that)

    If you’re walking around out on the boardwalk at night, keep your purse tight to your body, don’t be an easy target. Watch your stuff, otherwise someone could take off with it
     
  16. Turtleman

    Turtleman VIP Whale

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    It's been many years since I've been to AC (36 trips mostly to Harrah's and Caesars), but I remember they'd raise the table minimums whenever they thought they could squeeze out another buck. Unlike Vegas, where grandfathering at the lower limit seems to be standard, AC gives a 30 minute warning to take it or leave it. Can't say I miss the place. On the plus side, they sure know how to make a sandwich in the deli!
     
  17. Retinyl

    Retinyl Low-Roller

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    Thanks for all of the info! It looked like we weren't going for a while because our friends can't make it, but my husband and I have decided just to go on our own. Hotel prices have gone up quite a bit at the CET hotels, so now I'm looking at Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza and Resorts. They're all the same price, except for Trump Plaza which is $10 cheaper/night. I think I'm leaning towards Trump Taj. It just looks nicer from the photos and seems to get decent reviews. I've heard about car jackings there though, so we'd stick to valet parking. Any opinions on those places? We're both 30 and have stayed at standard rooms at both Planet Hollywood and Flamingo, and liked both for different reasons. We don't ask for much in a hotel room, but a comfy bed is ideal!
     
  18. mikewolf13

    mikewolf13 Low-Roller

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    Of the 3 mentioned I'd go with Taj. Showboat or Bally's usually has pretty low rates and are fine as well.

    I would rather stay in philly and drive every back every day than stay at the Atlantic Club.

    Golden Nugget (formerly Trump Marina) may have good promotion as they just rebranded...they are in the Harrahs/Borgata neighborhood (geographically not quality)

    And of course ifyou have not done so and you are total reward members login and check the calendar rates or call and give yor TR number, this can greatly improve your rates
     
  19. Retinyl

    Retinyl Low-Roller

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    So after all that I just booked at Trump Plaza. After seeing the taxes and fees (holy crap!), we just went with what was cheapest! Our bankroll is pretty modest as it is.
     
  20. hammie

    hammie VIP Whale

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    Trump Plaza had a $4.99 steak and egg breakfast special in March, it was pretty good. As for the Atlantic Club, I've stayed there twice and would stay again, it was fine. I have a players club card and a pulse, so I get comp rooms Sunday-Thursday. Maybe not in the summer, though. Free parking is a plus.
     
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