While I thoroughly enjoy trips to Las Vegas, for those of us on the East Coast, it’s not as simple as a quick getaway; it requires flights, intricate planning, and time off work. In contrast, Atlantic City is just a two-hour jaunt away, making it a convenient option for a weekend escape. Although Atlantic City and Vegas are frequently compared, I believe they are fundamentally different. That was my opinion—until I visited Ocean Casino Resort.
Although Ocean Casino Resort opened in 2018, I regret waiting this long to visit. This resort distinguishes itself from other boardwalk hotels by offering a strong “Vegas” ambiance, characterized by its tall structure, lavish amenities, and contemporary design. Similar to Vegas properties, it has everything under one roof, including dining, activities, and nightlife. If you’re planning to visit AC and are looking for a taste of a Vegas experience on the East Coast, here’s what you can anticipate during your stay.
Rooms with Ocean Views
With a name like “Ocean,” guests rightfully expect stunning ocean vistas—and I certainly received that. The moment I entered my hotel room, I was struck by the impressive floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased beautiful views of the Atlantic City boardwalk and beach. Even in the dreary winter months, this picturesque scene added joy to my visit. Every room guarantees breathtaking ocean views.
The stylish hotel room reminded me of contemporary Vegas accommodations, featuring luxury amenities such as a full-sized lounger next to the window for enjoying the ocean views. If your past experiences staying in AC were marred by “dark, dingy” memories, this room will certainly shift that perception. After an exciting night out, I found the room not only comfortable but also functional. The hotel also had elevators divided by floor, reminiscent of high-rise hotels in Vegas.
Dining & Nightlife
While the functionality of your hotel room matters, it’s clear that you didn’t come to Atlantic City merely to stay in your room. The real attraction lies on the main floor— bustling with a casino, nightlife, and various bars and restaurants. During my visit, I dined at two of the resort’s most favored spots: Ocean Steak, an upscale steakhouse, and Sunny’s, a lively breakfast and brunch venue. Dining here felt reminiscent of Vegas thanks to the quality of service, atmosphere, and food.
Unique Wine Experience at Bottled
Throughout my stay, certain elements about the vibe and atmosphere stood out, making the experience different from other Atlantic City hotels. An absolute highlight was my wine tasting at Bottled, a wine bar that offers a unique tasting experience using Enomatic wine dispensers. Watching the wine pour from these dispensers adds an extra layer of enjoyment, allowing visitors to sample various wines in quarter- or half-size glasses.
Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar
Every hotel along the Atlantic City boardwalk typically offers a similar range of amenities—slot machines, table games, bars, and eateries. However, during my time at Ocean Casino Resort, it became clear that they strive to offer something more. Ocean attracts guests looking for experiences beyond just dining and gambling. For instance, the newly opened Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar provides a distinctive attraction unique to this hotel.
This indoor mini-golf course, featuring advanced technology akin to what’s found in The Sphere in Las Vegas, offers a welcome break from the casino scene. Spanning 8,000 square feet, it boasts 18 holes, divided between two levels, and includes a vibrant bar at the center. It’s an ideal venue for groups, families, or romantic outings. Such innovative experiences differentiate Ocean Casino Resort, truly giving it the feel of a “resort.” I also look forward to experiencing its year-round heated indoor/outdoor pool, a feature that reportedly enhances this dynamic resort’s appeal.
