Review: Ocean Casino Resort

Why book?

The freshest choice among Atlantic City hotels right now, Ocean Casino Resort will give you all the creature comforts of a big name, long-standing property with a lot more personality and upgrades. Its state-of-the-art amenities, of-the-moment dining and entertainment, and general cool factor make it the perfect resort for a big group trip, couples’ getaway, or a quintessential bachelor/ette party. Essentially, this hot spot will guarantee a good time had by all.

Set the scene

There may not be a more aptly named resort out there; sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean through floor to ceiling windows are everywhere you turn. Ocean Casino Resort stakes its claim directly on the Atlantic City Boardwalk with views of a ferris wheel and lighthouse as though to remind you of the city’s modest beachtown origins. But there’s nothing modest about Ocean Casino Resort once you step inside. Towering escalators transport you up to the casino floor then to the lobby where you should do what you can to earn a spot at the VIP check-in desk to avoid the registration queue. Either way, grab a drink or coffee at the lobby bar or stroll an expansive veranda outfitted with fire pits, walking paths, and the aforementioned ocean view before your room is ready. The clientele is a classic casino mixed bag: couples, bachelor/ette parties, milestone birthday celebrators, and most surprising to me: families, fill the resort. You’ll fit right in no matter your style and occasion, and though there are plenty of nods to luxury, Ocean Casino Resort doesn’t give pretentious.

The backstory

Ocean Casino Resort is somewhat of a comeback kid. Through some convoluted changes of hands, the property’s current investors rescued and reimagined the remains of a previously defunct resort to give us Ocean Casino Resort in all its glory as a sigh of relief for this prime Boardwalk location. Since its opening in 2018, it has consistently been one of the city’s leading properties thanks to a team that plans to continually invest in and expand its authority through entertainment, gaming, and dining.

The rooms

I don’t think you can get a bad room in this place, though there are about 1,858 more I didn’t see. The rooms look and feel brand new. Modern, welcoming, and tasteful, you may lay down in the crisp-made bed and forget you’re in a huge casino property. Stylish, relaxed furniture and decor accentuate the star that keeps coming up—that amazing ocean view.

Pro tip: The “social suite” was the perfect setup to keep multiple rooms for a group or family in close proximity.

Food and drink

Amada was a standout. Go here for moody ambiance and excellent fare on the casino floor. The paella is large and the tapas are, of course, small so order accordingly and perhaps study the menu beforehand. Or better yet—ask about a chef’s tasting. For night number two, treat yourself to a premium cut and glass of red at Ocean Steak where the bar and lounge offers an amazing view of the ocean’s evening sparkle. Post-gambling, -dancing, or -concert, you’ll be set with late night eats like Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi or Wahlburgers. For fast casual, hit Distrito, a taco truck and cantina with margaritas and cócteles especiales to complement your meal. Just don’t plan on poolside lunch, the menu is smaller than Amada’s tapas. Oh, and be on the lookout for a new restaurant or two soon, I’m told.

For cocktails and nightlife, hit TopGolf or Nola’s for live music then end the night strong with a table at HQ nightclub where resident and guest DJs keep the dance floor bumping and bottle servers keep the bubbly and energy flowing. If you have it in you for a daytime party, HQ2 Beachclub is the Vegas-style pool party that Atlantic City (and perhaps the version of you that needs to let loose) always needed. World-class DJs and towering pitchers of electric-blue drinks lure a fist-pumping, club-kid crowd, so enjoy the people watching should you choose to partake in this wet and wild scene.

The spa

Entering the Exhale Spa + Bathhouse will feel as though you’ve transported through time and space to enter 40,000 square feet of zen. Balance out from all the casino hype with an indulgent treatment or power nap in the salt cave. Take a cleansing breath in the sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounges stocked with herbal tea and snacks. Soak in the piece de resistance—the hamam bath. Even if the house does always win, you’ll feel like a million bucks in this must-experience oasis.

The neighborhood/area

Atlantic City has its share of old lore and modern stereotypes, but it also has a timeless kitsch that is fun in small doses. You should probably walk or bike on the Boardwalk at some point to say you did. If you want to experience some of the lore, take a ride in a rolling chair, once the only vehicle permitted on the Boardwalk way back in the 1880s. On your stroll—or roll—you may want to pop into a souvenir or surf shop, ride the Ferris Wheel at the Steel Pier Amusement Park or pop into a neighboring casino, if only to remind yourself that Ocean Casino Resort was the right choice after all.

The service

Throughout the property, staff and service were top notch. A lovely VIP check-in clerk and super helpful bell desk team will make sure you get off on the right foot. The nightlife and dining service staff gave off a familial feel—like a big Jersey family. Kudos to the Exhale staff for maintaining the pristine atmosphere there. All the croupiers I tried my hand with were just friendly enough to quell my gaming naivete. The concierge can hook you up with whatever you need though most of the amenities and processes allow guests to be self-sufficient.

For families

The amount of kids on property was Ocean Casino Resort’s biggest surprise. It took me a minute to wrap my head around why all those kids were there but I soon realized though casinos draw in the masses in Atlantic City, families who want a short drive from east coast cities look at the convenient access to the boardwalk, beach, and amusement park as an opportunity for a classic summer vacation—one with the comfort and amenities of a luxury hotel. Included in this luxury is the Eclipse pool, which seamlessly flows from indoor to outdoor, and totally riddled with kids.

Speaking of the pool…

The outdoor pool deck loungers were packed but not uncomfortably so and many overlooked sprawling views of the ocean. The Rum Shack pool bar served frozen drinks that paired well with a soundtrack of reggae music throughout the deck. A lone hot tub felt packed because it was particularly windy during my stay. It’s important to note that there is an additional adults-only pool area with private cabanas and daybeds. Jump on a reservation there if you are traveling kid-free and want some pool time.

Eco effort

Ocean Casino Resort is committed to investing in positive environmental change through beach cleanups, charitable contributions, and advocacy including a partnership with an organic farm addressing food insecurity, soil regeneration, and community inclusiveness in Atlantic City.

Accessibility

Ocean Casino Resort strives to provide an accessible experience for all guests. The hotel and its accommodations have been designed with accessibility in mind, including elevators, entrances, parking, restrooms, hotel rooms, and routes to and from all restaurants, meeting, and entertainment spaces. Service animals are also welcomed.