Winning big: Atlantic City offers many ways to unwind, from luxury day spas and high-end shops to gourmet restaurants. You can even gamble

Pool & Spa News, Jan 17, 2005 by Kirby Oren

It's hard to believe that a town as synonymous with casino gambling as Atlantic City, N.J., has only had legal gaming for 25 of its 150 years. Built at the turn of the 19th century, the Boardwalk spurred the addition of beachfront hotels, making it a summer destination for East Coast families.

It wasn't until 1978 that Atlantic City welcomed its first casino to the Boardwalk to court more grown-up visitors, not to mention year-round travelers.

Today, you can try your luck at one of a dozen casinos, but your odds of entertainment choices have increased. The town offers live performances, tantalizing dining options and deluxe day spas.

The latest addition to the Boardwalk isn't even a casino. Tropicana just opened the much-anticipated The Quarter (as in Latin). Inspired by the romantic ideal of old Havana, The Quarter is billed as an entertainment complex, with numerous shops, upscale bars and lounges, gourmet eateries and an Imax theater. There's even a spa, bluemercury.

With so much to do, there's no way to lose on a night out in Atlantic City.

CASINO GUIDE

More than a dozen casinos line the Atlantic City Boardwalk and the nearby marina. Each casino provides its patrons with a way to engage the mind (and the pocketbook) and relieve the stress of the day.

Whether you're an experienced player or a novice to even the most basic of games, you're sure to find a way to relax. (Note: Most show acts and schedules were not available at press time. Check with guest services to see what's playing closer to the show dates.)

Atlantic City Hilton

Due to its marina location, the Atlantic City Hilton is a quiet casino, relative to the main Boardwalk's hubbub. Dining: The Oaks for steak; Peregrines' for intimate dining; Empress Garden offers Chinese with an ocean view; Caruso's serves Italian. For casual fare, try Horizons Coffee Shop, Cornucopia Buffet or Empress Breakfast Buffet. Nightlife: Start out with a drink at the Dizzy Dolphin and relax with the sunset view. Then head into the casino for a game of blackjack or try your hand at pai gow poker. Location: Boston and Pacific Avenues; (609) 347-7111; www.hiltonac.com

Bally's Atlantic City

Bally's is central to a climate-controlled pedestrian gateway extending five city blocks through casinos, hotels and shopping. Dining: New York-style Italian at Arturo's; Mr. Ming's for Chinese; The Twenties or Prime Place for steaks. Fifteen casual dining restaurants available, including Animations Coffee Shop, open around the clock. Nightlife: The Mountain Bar at the Wild West Casino features live entertainment nightly. Or work your way through more than 100 martini options (shaken and presented at your table) at the trendy Blue Martini. Live music most nights. Location: Park Place and the Boardwalk; (609) 340-2000; www.ballysac.com

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

The Borgata, the first new casino built in Atlantic City in 13 years, has gotten rave reviews in praise of its glamorous digs. Dining: Executive chef Luke Palladino heads up both Italian eateries on premises, Ombra and Specchio; Suilan by Suzanne Foo serves updated Asian; Old Homestead Steakhouse is an extension of the NYC location. Casual dining is plentiful, from Noodles of the World (aka NOW) to the Borgata Buffet. Nightlife: If you really want to unwind, check out the Toccare Spa and choose from 22 body treatments. Laugh it up at the Borgata Comedy Club; its lineup changes weekly. After 10 p.m., Mixx turns from a trendy fusion restaurant to a bonafide nightclub. Sexy young dancers are strategically placed for your viewing pleasure. Private lounge rooms are available. Location: Borgata at Renaissance Pointe; (609) 317-1000; www.theborgata.com

Caesars Atlantic City

Caesars provides lessons on blackjack, dice and roulette every Wednesday and Thursday, offered at designated table games located on the second-floor casino. Dining: Primavera offers Italian; The Bacchanal for an endless bottle of wine; Nero's Grill for steak; and Temple Bar & Grill for California cuisine. Nightlife: Part of the Caesars gaming floor, the Party Pit features live bands and a DJ. Across the floor is Toga Bar, where you can relax without straying too far from the gaming action. Location: Arkansas Avenue and the Boardwalk; (609) 348-4411;

www.parkplace.com/caesars/AtlanticCity

Claridge Casino Hotel

The Claridge building has been around since the 1930s, and offers an intimate alternative to the sometimes overwhelming glitz of other Boardwalk casinos. Dining: Luna dishes up contemporary Italian; Garden Cafe serves lunch and dinner 24 hours a day. Nightlife: The "Legends in Concert" series features celebrity impersonator vocalists. Call the box office for performance schedules and tickets. Location: Indiana Avenue and the Boardwalk; (609) 340-3400

Harrah's Atlantic City Casino Hotel

Borrowing from its marina location, Harrah's Atlantic City carries a nautical theme throughout its 82,000-square-foot casino, lending an almost serene air to the gaming floor. Dining: Florentino's italian and The Steakhouse both recommend reservations for dinner. Bluepoint Raw Bar and Fantasea Reef Buffet offer a great selection of seafood. Nightlife: The Eden Lounge features live music nightly, and performance bartending at the Sapphire Bar. Location: 777 Harrah's Blvd.; (609) 441-5000; www.harrahs.com