The Ocean Casino and Resort, sometimes known simply as Ocean, can be called nothing short of a five-star establishment. When I was in Atlantic City, it was the only oceanfront resort I experienced, but the standard room I occupied during the visit made me optimistic about the kinds of rooms that other resorts in the city offer. This room was palatial, and I have no doubts that its layout and amenities distinguish it at the very top of the standard room category in Atlantic City.
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The Ocean Casino and Resort: A Premier Destination in Atlantic City
When I first entered Ocean, I was impressed with its vertical design. A series of escalators allows guests to ascend to the ocean lobby, conveniently bypassing the bustling casino floor. As a person who enjoys gambling, I appreciated the easy access without having to navigate through a jammed casino and a mob of my fellow guests while hauling my bags. The lobby itself is huge and, during my visit, well-staffed to accommodate the influx of guests. I never encountered a line at check-in that was longer than two parties deep.
The abundant natural light in the rooms comes from windows that extend from the floor to the ceiling—unless, that is, you pay a visit during some uncommonly foggy weather, as I did. The design of the room itself adheres quite closely to what I think of as an “elevated and sophisticated” standard. As far as I can tell, the seams along the edges of the furniture are perfectly aligned. And the furniture itself? Modern and exceptionally comfortable.
The bathrooms are large and have a double vanity and many different kinds of light to suit every possible mood. Mine is set to ‘sanitary serene,’ which is my preferred bathroom ambiance. And I have to say, I kind of love the separate toilet area.
My observation during a bustling weekend was that the casino was always active, particularly at the high-traffic times. Even with all the people, it felt reasonable, if not a little bit plush, for a gambling establishment. I found $10 craps tables, almost all the way until dinner time. After 8 PM, it seemed like every game had crept up a notch or two and was now dealing at $15 or $25. I got in with some other Gamblepalooza goers at a $25 Pai Gow table, and we hung out there until the wee hours, just like everybody else we could hear across the way at all the other tables.
The casino has a variety of slot machines and somewhat mediocre video poker options. The William Hill sportsbook is the centerpiece of the casino, taking the place of the traditional central bar. This was a slight disappointment for me, as I prefer an upscale cocktail bar to enjoy while watching people and playing video poker. But Ocean has both casual and fine dining and drinking options, so this is a very minor quibble.
Dining Experiences
I dined at American Cut and sampled some of the offerings from the casino-level taco truck. While some late-night appetizers at American Cut were definitely on the way to being a full-blown pleasant meal, I would not recommend going there when it’s almost time for bed if you’re looking to keep that nighttime eating window closed. The experience at the taco truck was beyond delightful—even though I had to share way too close for comfort seating with some competing podcasters. And there are simply a ton of fast-casual dining options available when it’s time to eat and you just can’t eat another minute of the room service menu: Wahlburgers and pizza by the slice are two powerful temptations.
Ocean also has a lot of top-notch features that make it a resort worth visiting. Its outdoor pool area draws in a large number of guests, and the fitness center qualifies as a “real” gym rather than an afterthought. However, I spent most of my time hanging out in Atlantic City casinos with various friends, both new and old, so I didn’t truly explore the property. Still, I was able to take in some of the highlights during two separate afternoons.
A Hidden Gem on the Boardwalk
Ocean might just be the crown jewel of the Atlantic City boardwalk. While fanatical gamblers might think twice before checking in here due to comp offers at other establishments, this is a fantastic choice for anyone else, particularly those with absolutely no ties to any loyalty program, or those who just want a new backdrop (and a brightly lit one at that). And thanks to a partnership that seems to get better every year, it’s doable on a modest budget, even if that budget comes sans actual cash. I haven’t planned my next trip to Atlantic City yet, but when I do, I will absolutely prioritize Ocean over any other establishment.
Final Thoughts
The resort called Ocean is downright beautiful. While it can be pricey—particularly if one isn’t using points to book a room—it’s not at all outrageous to pay for what are, in my opinion, the best hotel accommodations in Atlantic City. The same could be said of the dining options. The tables you play at might have higher minimums than some are comfortable with, but again, I think the splurge is worth it.
