Stay and Play at Atlantic City Casinos

The New Jersey Shore is not the first place most people think of when they want a luxury getaway, but with its proximity to New York, Philadelphia and other bustling east coast metropolitan areas, Atlantic City is the perfect spot for some quick weekend pampering. With built-in activities, top level restaurants and plush rooms with water views, why give your wallet a workout for a hotel when you can stay on that classic boardwalk in an Atlantic City casino? Here are five of our favorites:
The Tropicana
Known affectionately as The Trop, this east coast outpost of the well known chain conjures up the same cocoa butter scent and exotic music of the Las Vegas location. Besides the classic table games and slots, The Trop offers up The Quarter, a connected branch that's packed with a food marketplace, clubs and restaurants - there's something here for just about everyone. For a true weekend getaway, step away from the roulette table and tee-off. Golf packages from half a dozen quality nearby grounds go hand-in-hand with a night at this Atlantic City casino.

The Borgata Hotel & Casino
A short ride away from the boardwalk you can find the Borgota sitting over a picturesque row of small yachts and boats at the nearby Trump Marina. With a top rated spa, boutiques at the Shoppes at the Water Club and lush rooms with extra spacious showers, this Atlantic City casino is a top choice for relaxing. Whether you're risking it all at the Borgata Poker Tournament, playing the slots or enjoying a meal at Bobby Flay Steak, you'll return from this casino well rested.

Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Everything about Harrah's, from the festively dressed cocktail waitresses to the lingering smell of exotic drinks will remind you of your favorite casino. Keno, classic table games and even the World Series of Poker have a place on the gaming floor at this Atlantic City casino. When you've given up enough of your cash, pay a visit to the new Pool at Harrah's, a trendy departure from the typical casino pool, with built-in nightlife in the form of a hip party; a draw for the most attractive AC visitors and the tourists who love to watch them.

Caesars Atlantic City
Like its Vegas brethren, the Atlantic City Caesars has recently extended their property - right over a beautiful expanse of land practically merging into the rising surf of the Jersey shore. The Pier Shops at Caesars are decadent and fun, with high end candy shops, couture clothiers, world class restaurants and a spacious veranda where you can simply sit and watch the sun set over the ocean. Back in the tower you can experience the same luxury in the plush suites of the hotel, packed with thick, soft linens, state of the art entertainment systems and high end marble furnishings.

The Chelsea Hotel
If you'd like to stay close to the gaming but not right in it, try this cute boutique. Like something out of a mid-century magazine, the Chelsea aims to bring back those memories of Atlantic City past. All done up in funky 1960's decor but with a chic twist, this boutique is the perfect spot for a girls weekend. If you get hungry, Teplitzky's Diner, named as an homage to the hotel's original owners, lives on the first floor and serves all your home-cooked favorites. As an added bonus, The Living Room, the club just upstairs, masquerades as a dance floor, a bar, or simply a quiet space for a book or laptop, made-up to look like a house complete with living room and library.


Photo by Shawn Perez via Flickr.