NJShore Guide

Best Hotels in Atlantic City 2026

Casino resorts, beachfront stays, and entertainment hubs on the famous boardwalk. Find your perfect AC hotel.

9Casinos
15K+Rooms
5.5miBoardwalk
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9

Hotels

7

Casinos

4

Boardwalk

Why Stay in Atlantic City?

Atlantic City offers something unique at the Jersey Shore: world-class casino resorts, free beaches, and a 5.5-mile boardwalk with history dating to 1870. Whether you come to play or just to stay, AC delivers entertainment around the clock.

You don't have to gamble. Casino hotels have pools, spas, celebrity chef restaurants, and shows. The beach is free - no badges needed. The boardwalk has rides, shopping, and Steel Pier attractions.

Borgata leads in luxury, Hard Rock brings the music, and Ocean Casino offers stunning views. Midweek rates can be surprisingly affordable. Join casino loyalty programs for deals and comps.

🎰

Boardwalk Casinos

Classic AC experience on the famous boardwalk with beach access and ocean views.

1

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Upscale ($$$)
Atlantic City|Boardwalk|Direct beach access

Music-themed resort in the former Taj Mahal with concerts, gaming, beach club, and boardwalk location.

Live concertsBeach club poolBoardwalk locationGreat restaurants
Amenities: Casino, Pool, Spa, Beach Access
2

Ocean Casino Resort

Upscale ($$$)
Atlantic City|Boardwalk|Direct beach access

Modern high-rise with stunning ocean views, upscale gaming, and spectacular rooftop pool.

Ocean viewsRooftop poolModern designUpscale gaming
Amenities: Casino, Rooftop Pool, Spa, Beach Access
3

Caesars Atlantic City

Upscale ($$$)
Atlantic City|Boardwalk|Direct beach access

Classic AC casino with Roman theme, spa, and connected to Pier Shops.

Classic AC casinoPier Shops connectedPoolSpa
Amenities: Casino, Pool, Spa, Shopping

Tropicana Atlantic City

Moderate ($$)
Atlantic City|Boardwalk|Direct beach access

Large casino resort with indoor pool, Quarter dining district, and good value rates.

Good valueIndoor poolThe Quarter shopsMany restaurants
Amenities: Casino, Indoor Pool, Spa, Shopping
βš“

Marina District

Newer casino resorts in the marina area, including Borgata - AC's premier resort.

1

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Luxury ($$$$)Top Rated
Atlantic City|Marina District|10 minutes to beach

The premier AC casino resort with world-class gaming, celebrity chef restaurants, and top-rated spa.

Best casino in ACCelebrity chef diningTop-rated spaPremium gaming
Amenities: Casino, Pool, Spa, Restaurants
2

Harrah's Resort

Moderate ($$)
Atlantic City|Marina District|10 minutes to beach

Large marina resort with indoor pool, The Pool (summer club), and good value rates.

Good valueIndoor poolThe Pool clubMarina views
Amenities: Casino, Pool, Spa, Restaurants
3

Golden Nugget

Moderate ($$)
Atlantic City|Marina District|10 minutes to beach

Marina casino with unique shark tank pool and good dining options.

Shark tank poolMarina locationGood restaurantsAffordable
Amenities: Casino, Pool, Restaurants, Marina
πŸ’°

Budget Options

Affordable non-casino hotels on the boardwalk for those who want beach over blackjack.

1

Claridge Hotel

Budget ($)
Atlantic City|Boardwalk|Direct beach access

Historic non-casino hotel on the boardwalk with affordable rates and beach access.

No casinoHistoric buildingBoardwalk locationAffordable
Amenities: Beach Access, WiFi, Parking, Near Casinos
2

Showboat Hotel

Budget ($)
Atlantic City|Boardwalk|Direct beach access

Former casino now a non-gaming hotel with pool and affordable boardwalk location.

No gamblingPoolAffordableBoardwalk location
Amenities: Pool, Beach Access, WiFi, Free Parking

Booking Tips

🏨Midweek Deals

Casino hotels drop rates significantly Sunday-Thursday. Same rooms for half the price.

🏨Join Players Clubs

Sign up for casino loyalty programs before booking. Often get room discounts and comps.

🏨Boardwalk vs Marina

Boardwalk for beach access and classic AC. Marina for newer resorts (but no beach).

🏨Free Beach

AC beaches are free - no badges needed. A major savings versus other shore towns.

🏨Check Show Schedules

Big concerts and fights raise hotel prices. Book around major events or plan to attend.

🏨Parking Fees Add Up

Casino parking is often $25-40/day. Self-park is cheaper than valet. Some hotels offer free parking.

FAQ

What is the best casino hotel in Atlantic City?

Borgata is consistently rated highest for overall experience. Hard Rock and Ocean Casino are newer with modern amenities. Caesars and Tropicana offer classic AC vibes.

Are Atlantic City hotels expensive?

AC has options for all budgets. Midweek casino rates can be under $100. Summer weekends run $150-$400. Non-casino hotels are often cheaper.

Do you have to gamble to stay at AC hotels?

No gambling required. Casino hotels have beaches, pools, restaurants, shows, and spas. Many visitors enjoy AC without gambling.

Which AC hotel has the best pool?

Hard Rock has a large beach club pool. Ocean Casino has a rooftop pool with views. Borgata has indoor and outdoor pool areas. Tropicana has a large indoor pool.

Are Atlantic City beaches free?

Yes! Atlantic City beaches are free - no beach badges required. One of the few free beaches at the Jersey Shore.

Is Atlantic City safe for tourists?

The boardwalk and casino areas are well-patrolled and safe. Like any city, use common sense. Stick to tourist areas, especially at night.

What is the best location in Atlantic City?

Boardwalk hotels (Hard Rock, Ocean) offer beach access. Marina District (Borgata, Harrahs) is newer but inland. Both areas have dining and entertainment.

Are there non-casino hotels in Atlantic City?

Limited options exist. Most visitors stay at casino hotels even without gambling. Nearby Brigantine has quieter non-casino options.

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