James, so happy you are doing experience videos in AC. Really want to know if it is still worth going to, so looking forward to the next two. I have watched your Vegas experience ones a ridiculous amount of times. They are really enjoyable and comfortable to watch and really helped me with my recent stay at Luxor. I'm glad you teased the idea in your live stream of doing Reno as well. Keep up the good work mate. Big fan from New Zealand.
Funny story I needed to share from when this was Taj. In the late 90s they did a remodel. My mom found strips of the new carpet in a dumpster and made them into rug runners for our home. They were so tacky being bright purple with the trim being little Taj Malahs. 😂 I have soooo many childhood memories at AC.
this year I went with caesars. already getting comp rooms all 3 casinos with very little play. free parking 10 tier points or stay. Walking to the nice north tower in HR was hell. 50$ late check in. tier credits update next day, caesers is instant plus online play counts. way better in my opinion but i had some fun times at HR
Well done as usual. I spend a lot of time in Vegas and recently went to AC for a few days and I truly don't understand why AC isn't more popular? It's Vegas on a beach 🏖
One of the problems is that there is a lot of negative stories about AC, but as you experienced, I believe most people would return if they visit and see it for themselves.
It is only beach weather in late May, June, July, August, and part of September. That, and don't walk a few blocks off the boardwalk unless you want to get robbed.
@@whobilly1 this is true, thats why I only stick with The Ocean (hotel), Hard Rock, Borgata and Harrahs. If I want to walk on a boardwalk I go to Ocean City or Wildwood
My husband and I always joke about the lobby bar at the Hard Rock. At around 730-9pm, the average age must be 60+, and they’re all getting DOWNN to music from the 60s-70s. It’s absolutely amazing. Anytime we are somewhere and music of that era is playing, my husband and I die laughing at the “hard rock lobby bar music” Side note - there are consistently solid concerts / performers at the Etess Arena! Recommend checking out their schedule if that’s your thing!
Before Covid they had Daer nightclub in the Hard Rock. Got a table there with a bunch of my buddies and it was one of the best nights ever. Stumbling into the casino at 3AM after drinking is always a fun time too haha
I'm old now, but when I was a teen I was seconds from being shot to death in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. It's the Wild West down there, There's generally law, but it's not everywhere. But the tourist zones have a vested interest in keeping everyone safe. Great video!
Great video James. Years ago we used to bar hop along the boardwalk to all the casinos. Can't wait for your Borgata review. That has been the place to be for years.
@@Coolist It's the high end one that really thrives. If you go there on a weekend you will see a seemingly endless number of young beautiful women all dressed up every night. The only thing is it's off on it's own and you have to take transportation to get anyplace else in A.C.
You did your best to promote AC. It's actually surprising they survived COVID. The city was falling apart before that with several of major boardwalk casinos closed down. It's definitely worth experiencing one time...maybe LOL
AC has major weaknesses but some redeemable qualities too. I think the city is top-heavy with a few top resorts feasting, creating famine for the rest of the competitors and consequently a lot of the city. The whole ecosystem isn't thriving as a whole like Las Vegas.
@Coolist you’re exactly right, I grew up by there. Borgata, Ocean, and Hard Rock are all nice properties and get the lions share of business in AC. Golden Nugget and Harrahs are handicapped by the lack of walkability on the marina side. The Caesar’s properties there are all outdated, but they get players wanting to cash in on their loyalty program (ex. play in AC to earn comps for a Vegas trip). The Pool after Dark at Harrah’s was fun for drinking though.
A.C. is still in decline. All Caesars properties are in bad shape. The staff don;t care, the rooms are dirty and out dated, slots very tight, there are insects in Trop , and Ceasars doesn;t give you the room you reserved months ago trying to strong arm you into their worst tower. Bally's is now not part of Caesars and doesnt offer much. Few food options. Borgata has low quality standards, plays loud hip hop all night, caters to the Jersey Shore tank top types. It's got Golden Nugget and Ocean..that;s about it .
I love Borgota and the Hard Rock. The Resorts is cool. I love to to AC for the change of scenery from Vegas. It's a lot less hustle and bustle 😂...They have some great restaurants there such as Dougherty at the Resorts. The Boardwalk is always exciting and sexy in the Summertime 😂❤ I LOVE AC FOR BEING AC AND NOT VEGAS ❤
I was just down there in mid Sept. Its actuallt pretty dope and even got to see Megadeth live at the Etess Arena. Really enjoyed my mini vacation down the shore.
I love your comments on the AC beaches, which I think are very underrated. I love going there in the summer. But that's AC's problem: you can only enjoy the beaches here in NJ for like, at best, four months a year. It's really more like three months, and even then plenty of weekends get rained out. The rest of the year the weather in this state is cold and dreary, so AC loses the beach advantage and just becomes "the local craps game." And yes, there are far fewer restaurants open in AC during the week, as so many of the visitors are weekenders.
@@Coolist The same dining options are at the Hardrock Hollywood, as the Seminole Tribe owns them all. Oddly Atlantic City is family oriented, as the other Seminole properties aren't.
People were on the beach October 28 and 29, is was 78 degrees and sunny. There are plenty of local restaurants open 7 days a week. Dock’s Oyster House, Knife and Fork, Cafe 2825, Chef Vola’s. Next to Hard Rock is Resorts, they have several restaurants as well.
Hey hey Mr James ! I remember the Taj Mahal. I went with my parents when it opened back in 1990 . The Hard Rock looked good except for that tragic outdoor pool lol. I only live 30 mins from the Hollywood Fl Hard Rock which I really like. I agree the Boardwalk adds a cool and fun vibe to the AC experience. I recall the beach sand being as hot as hades in the summer . Caesars Palace was where I would stay the most . I do get a lot of comp offers for the Borgata but have not been yet . Great review Sir 😎😎😎
Hey bro! Great to see you in the livestream the other day. So my Borgata video is coming-up, and knowing your style, I predict that is where you will stay next. That entire Caesars complex in AC looks interesting.
Thx James. I used to go to AC quite ofen from 2000...2007. All seasons every 6 weeks. All rooms were comped. We stayed mainly in Ballys but sometimes the Claridge and Cesars. Loved the location. Did lots os shows and even saw Madonna. Usually did a cafe for breakfast and buffet for dinner. There was a really good deli I believe in Ballys and sometimes we had dinner at Mortons steak house or an Italian restaurant in Cesars. I went once in 2013 as well. Must go back. Is Ballys gone?
*Council Oak Steakhouse. Council Bluffs is a city in Iowa. The rooms in the North Tower (formally Chairman’s Tower) were very mildly renovated when Hard Rock transitioned. The South Tower rooms were gutted as they were filled with mold. As for the flow of the place, it’s not any worse than it was as Taj, I wish they did more to improve it.
Have you gone to Reno? If you do stay at Atlantis hotel/casino….you won’t be disappointed….stay in the concierge tower….use their pool, it’s indoor and in the cold the jacuzzi is operational…but the restaurants and the casino are really nice….my son and I even had drinks and appetizers in the jacuzzi….pretty cool….
Man, can somebody please tell me where I can find the instrumental at the beginning of this video? I love it! Also, great work as always, James! 👏 I'll be visiting Atlantic City very soon!
Living in Va, AC has become an alternative to Vegas for us. It’s drivable for long weekends. We always spend a few hours in the lobby at Hard Rock listening to live music. Glad you have it a chance.
Great review... After going to AC for the past few years... I have been waiting for a real review of this property... Signed up for their rewards programs... Getting ready to make the trip... Just a short ride on the Lewes Ferry for us to this spot.... We are done with Borgata and Harrahs.... Thanks for posting...
We know you are not a "family hotel" kind of guy. But great job keeping your energy up and showing the positives. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series!
I didnt expect this one to be so family oriented, but if you are familiar with my content then you know I always try to do one family hotel during a trip if I can.
Very fair review! I get a little cringy with the kids screaming, but not all hotels are made with me in mind lol. Thanks for the honest and fair review James.
As a childless person, being at family first resort gives me mixed feelings. I like the warmth and energy of families hanging out there. It also gives me a bit of existential crisis not having a traditional nuclear family.
James, good & fair review- I wonder if the lack of night life & 21+ is because they’re riding the coattails of the Boardwalk -activities? And i was frustrated when the two best restaurants in our hotel were closed. Both pool areas were disappointing. Eh oh well. Where are you staying next in AC? All the best to you!
It's that, and also family hotels are destinations and major revenue drivers. Hard rock must've ran the analytics / demographics and spotted a gap in the market. It is definitely the premier family / all ages resort in AC
@@Coolistas for Hard Rock being a family resort, you seem to be basing that on a visit to the indoor pool in the summer. I’m guessing you don’t have kids, because this is what they like to do. If you walked next door to Resorts, you would have seen the same thing. Borgata has an adults only pool, I believe Bally’s has one and Caesars has one too.
When was this recorded? Usually the boardwalk is dead during late October - Mid November, also the pool was free of kids last time I was there. Love the Hard Rock!
Hey! Loved seeing your thoughts on AC and Hard Rock! If you come back and get stuck for food go to White House subs by alexia’s it’s my fave for dining in there.. So good! Great review! Cheers! 🍸🎰
i know AC is going to be more family orientated so they can compete better in the tough competition zones,in CT our casinos are way over priced i will never go there.thanks for another great video!
I think it fell on hard times in the past, but to me it seems the major casino resorts are thriving. Most of the AC casinos that I stayed were busier and bigger than Vegas - like packed casinos into the morning...
Il Mulino is the best restaurant at The Hard Rock. Five star food and service. Very impressed on my last visit back in August. Overall not that impressed with the property. Sure it looks great and is a big improvement over the old run down Taj Mahal, but Atlantic City as a whole is amateur hour compared to Las Vegas.
I stayed here when it was the Taj in 2009 (bff's bachelor party) and as the Hard Rock in 2019. I prefer the Hard Rock version but it's sad to see that the pools are still lacking.
Council Bluffs? Council Oaks is the correct name. And they have a wonderful filet, potato au gratin & creamed spinach not to mention shrimp cocktail & lobster tail. Check out Ocean Casino & Resort! They are the best in AC ( in my opinion). With Hardrock being #2.
I agree about the tomahawk steak. For over 100 easy it’s never as good as you’d think. I’d put jersey sand up against any Caribbean island although Antigua is also excellent.
Also the elevators here SUCK. They did not upgrade them from the Taj. You have to wait SO long to get up and down from the room. They even text you the morning of checkout to warn you that at 11am it’s going to be tough during the checkout rush.
I just stayed at the Showboat last week and regretted it completely; I definitely should have stayed at the Hard Rock; which is next door. Showboat had NO pool, one skeleton of a restaurant/diner that is open all day (the other that is only open after lunch). No Casino. And just flooded with families with kids. Most of the people there must have come from the community to go to the indoor waterpark (which of course is a SEPARATE purchase from the hotel).
Always easiest to fly into Philly airport - much better flight options. American Airlines offers a bus service directly from one of the airport terminals (only takes 1 hour). You book the bus like a ‘connection’ through American Airlines.
Many times we found mice and roaches in our rooms at the Hard Rock. The HVAC systems in the rooms need an overhaul. The suites were really nice. Overall, I'd give it a 2!
Great vid! We are working our way through the AC Hotels…so far we’ve done Ocean, The Borgata, Tropicana, Harrah’s and Resorts….going to try the Hard Rock in April…
@@Coolist If one is Ocean…very curious what you think…I had one really great stay and one horrible stay…that’s all I’ll say though because don’t want to influence you at all…
Interesting place but the casinos themselves are pretty boring - most only serve tea with no alcohol on the casino floor and not much nightlife to speak of.
The biggest problem with Atlantic City is the rooms cost too much! We can go to Vegas for less. This area is blue collar so charging $500 + for a room is one of the main things that killed Atlantic City from the consumer side. Everyone just stopped going and then we started getting casinos closer to our cities. AC got greedy and it hasn't been the same. I remember staying in a huge suite at the Taj and playing poker and eating one of the best cheese steaks in the poker lunch room. The taj was soooo beautiful. People gambled at the taj and resorts but everyone stayed at the taj lol. The borgota came just as AC was going down. So everyone who could afford it started going to the Borgota. It's sad how bad it's fallen!!
Too bad you missed Il Muno restaurant. They have a bar as does Council Oak. Also, you missed the bar in the Sports Book and the beach bar. Those are beach chairs, not lawn chairs. Folks are going to the beach for the day with some cold ones. I guess when you hit the beach, your rental chair is all set up with an umbrella?
@@Coolist I really think you would enjoy them! It may surprise you how much you can relax as well! For us it's all about the ship experience, not so much the stops/destinations!
I went to HR in AC couple of years ago….my wife renamed it Zombieland due to all the dodgy ‘people’ around the hotels and the broad walk… HR is nice but I would recommend you don’t venture to far from the hotels. Perhaps they were all hiding in this video.
A few years ago is a lifetime ago for AC. I went several times this summer for the 1st time in many years and it was great. Much cheaper than OC Maryland and not nearly the amount of kids as most beach towns✌️🌴✌️
For the past 5 years I've wanted to go to Atlantic City and gamble, but this video maybe makes me change my mind. The nightmare travel to get there plus the family vibe... meh, maybe I'll just stick with Vegas
Yeah, In Vegas you just hop on a plane, land at Harry Reid, go to your hotel, in Atlantic City you have to embark on a lord of the rings style journey lmao
I hope they got better since this andvthe 21 and over pool areas are better. I'm ok with a family place to since I have a family but can't stand running kids around tripping over them out in the 21 and over areas.
When I went to AC in the 90's and 2000's, the beach had no sand at all. I mean, I guess the beach ground was packed sand, but it was hard like concrete, so even during the summer season, there was no one at the beach. Then in the early 2010's they dumped enormous amount of sand on the beach. It piled up to 3 feet high for miles and miles, I couldn't believe it. With that much sand, yeah, there were a whole bunch of people at the beach, but also sand was everywhere inside the casinos as well. I went back to AC a few years later, well, guess what, all that sand was gone. Obviously, AC beach has lost the ability to accumulate sand naturally with all that buildings on the beach front. I haven't been there for about 10 years or so, and judging from the amount of sand at the beach, they must've dumped sand there 2,3 years ago, and they need to do it again in the next year or so.
I love AC for being AC and NOT Vegas ❤ I love the less hustle and bustle than Vegas. Its more relaxing not as energetic but hey sometimes you wanna just suck it all in and chill and if I really want they high energy feeling I'll just go shoot craps 😂😂❤
Interesting about the lack of bars at the Hard Rock AC. The remodels of the Tampa and Hollywood Hard Rocks also de-emphasized the bars. It can be very difficult to even get a drink at peak times. I think that is really stupid as is trying to make a casino "family friendly". Kids do not belong at casinos. Period. End of discussion.
I can tell you this, if you like to gamble, in some ways, AC beats Vegas, especially if you like slots and lower limit table games. But if you are like me and don't gamble much, I'd recommend going in the summer May - Sept, because during the winter the already limited entertainment, activity, and dining options get reduced to even more, much more..
Having now watched the video.. I like the look of AC and can't wait to see some more of your videos from there, it's kinda LV 'on Sea' and i like that, with the beach and boardwalk with all it's attractions, if i ever flew over to the US (i'm in the UK) i could see myself going there instead of the concrete jungle that is LV
It's like if Sheffield or Manchester tried to make a play at London. This isn't the best analogy but I hope you get what I'm saying. There are distinct Vegas elements in AC, but it's certainly more unique than alike.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
When I’m at the hardrock AC I eat at the buffet, food court or the hardrock cafe…all reasonable prices and good!
theres a White House Subs location inside the casino as well
James, so happy you are doing experience videos in AC. Really want to know if it is still worth going to, so looking forward to the next two. I have watched your Vegas experience ones a ridiculous amount of times. They are really enjoyable and comfortable to watch and really helped me with my recent stay at Luxor. I'm glad you teased the idea in your live stream of doing Reno as well. Keep up the good work mate. Big fan from New Zealand.
Funny story I needed to share from when this was Taj. In the late 90s they did a remodel. My mom found strips of the new carpet in a dumpster and made them into rug runners for our home. They were so tacky being bright purple with the trim being little Taj Malahs. 😂
I have soooo many childhood memories at AC.
this year I went with caesars. already getting comp rooms all 3 casinos with very little play. free parking 10 tier points or stay. Walking to the nice north tower in HR was hell. 50$ late check in. tier credits update next day, caesers is instant plus online play counts. way better in my opinion but i had some fun times at HR
Really good video. A.C. looks good and the casino looks nice with some good food!
Well done as usual. I spend a lot of time in Vegas and recently went to AC for a few days and I truly don't understand why AC isn't more popular? It's Vegas on a beach 🏖
It should be much more popular. Seasonal weather & dreadful flight options combined with prolific Las Vegas expansion.
One of the problems is that there is a lot of negative stories about AC, but as you experienced, I believe most people would return if they visit and see it for themselves.
It is only beach weather in late May, June, July, August, and part of September. That, and don't walk a few blocks off the boardwalk unless you want to get robbed.
@@whobilly1 this is true, thats why I only stick with The Ocean (hotel), Hard Rock, Borgata and Harrahs. If I want to walk on a boardwalk I go to Ocean City or Wildwood
I live 100 miles from AC, but what draws me to LV are the incredible shows. Each night in Vegas, we would attend a different performance.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this! The soundtrack, James' commentary, the location, everything! Thank you, James!
My husband and I always joke about the lobby bar at the Hard Rock. At around 730-9pm, the average age must be 60+, and they’re all getting DOWNN to music from the 60s-70s. It’s absolutely amazing.
Anytime we are somewhere and music of that era is playing, my husband and I die laughing at the “hard rock lobby bar music”
Side note - there are consistently solid concerts / performers at the Etess Arena! Recommend checking out their schedule if that’s your thing!
The crowd in Atlantic City makes me feel so youthful :). And yes, hard rock does pull some BIG names.
It's not really like that at the Hard Rock Hollywood lobby bar.
Before Covid they had Daer nightclub in the Hard Rock. Got a table there with a bunch of my buddies and it was one of the best nights ever. Stumbling into the casino at 3AM after drinking is always a fun time too haha
I miss that place
They still have one at Hard Rock Hollywood.
I'm old now, but when I was a teen I was seconds from being shot to death in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. It's the Wild West down there, There's generally law, but it's not everywhere. But the tourist zones have a vested interest in keeping everyone safe. Great video!
Nice job. Thank you!
Nice James! Always a great watch! Looks like an amazing property. Keep up the good work brother. See you on the next one.
Thanks so much for the kind words, being here right away, and commenting. All-star - thanks again.
Great video James. Years ago we used to bar hop along the boardwalk to all the casinos. Can't wait for your Borgata review. That has been the place to be for years.
Thanks! In many ways, Borgata is the standout AC property
@@Coolist It's the high end one that really thrives. If you go there on a weekend you will see a seemingly endless number of young beautiful women all dressed up every night. The only thing is it's off on it's own and you have to take transportation to get anyplace else in A.C.
You did your best to promote AC. It's actually surprising they survived COVID. The city was falling apart before that with several of major boardwalk casinos closed down. It's definitely worth experiencing one time...maybe LOL
AC has major weaknesses but some redeemable qualities too. I think the city is top-heavy with a few top resorts feasting, creating famine for the rest of the competitors and consequently a lot of the city. The whole ecosystem isn't thriving as a whole like Las Vegas.
Yes, one and done
@Coolist you’re exactly right, I grew up by there. Borgata, Ocean, and Hard Rock are all nice properties and get the lions share of business in AC. Golden Nugget and Harrahs are handicapped by the lack of walkability on the marina side. The Caesar’s properties there are all outdated, but they get players wanting to cash in on their loyalty program (ex. play in AC to earn comps for a Vegas trip). The Pool after Dark at Harrah’s was fun for drinking though.
A.C. is still in decline. All Caesars properties are in bad shape. The staff don;t care, the rooms are dirty and out dated, slots very tight, there are insects in Trop , and Ceasars doesn;t give you the room you reserved months ago trying to strong arm you into their worst tower. Bally's is now not part of Caesars and doesnt offer much. Few food options. Borgata has low quality standards, plays loud hip hop all night, caters to the Jersey Shore tank top types. It's got Golden Nugget and Ocean..that;s about it .
I love Borgota and the Hard Rock. The Resorts is cool. I love to to AC for the change of scenery from Vegas. It's a lot less hustle and bustle 😂...They have some great restaurants there such as Dougherty at the Resorts. The Boardwalk is always exciting and sexy in the Summertime 😂❤
I LOVE AC FOR BEING AC AND NOT VEGAS ❤
I was just down there in mid Sept.
Its actuallt pretty dope and even got to see Megadeth live at the Etess Arena.
Really enjoyed my mini vacation down the shore.
Right after Labor Day is one of my favorite times on the east coast
Awesome video! Thanks for the great information you provide.
Glad you enjoyed it!
First time viewer and new sub - excellent vid. Informative, fair, and right to the point. TYVM
I love your comments on the AC beaches, which I think are very underrated. I love going there in the summer. But that's AC's problem: you can only enjoy the beaches here in NJ for like, at best, four months a year. It's really more like three months, and even then plenty of weekends get rained out. The rest of the year the weather in this state is cold and dreary, so AC loses the beach advantage and just becomes "the local craps game."
And yes, there are far fewer restaurants open in AC during the week, as so many of the visitors are weekenders.
The unpredictable weather and short tourist season is a major hurdle for AC. Also, the dining is absolutely 2 rungs down from Vegas, maybe more.
@@Coolist The same dining options are at the Hardrock Hollywood, as the Seminole Tribe owns them all. Oddly Atlantic City is family oriented, as the other Seminole properties aren't.
People were on the beach October 28 and 29, is was 78 degrees and sunny.
There are plenty of local restaurants open 7 days a week. Dock’s Oyster House, Knife and Fork, Cafe 2825, Chef Vola’s. Next to Hard Rock is Resorts, they have several restaurants as well.
@Coolist come to foxwoods and mohegan. Foods way better
Hey hey Mr James ! I remember the Taj Mahal. I went with my parents when it opened back in 1990 . The Hard Rock looked good except for that tragic outdoor pool lol. I only live 30 mins from the Hollywood Fl Hard Rock which I really like. I agree the Boardwalk adds a cool and fun vibe to the AC experience. I recall the beach sand being as hot as hades in the summer . Caesars Palace was where I would stay the most . I do get a lot of comp offers for the Borgata but have not been yet . Great review Sir 😎😎😎
Hey bro! Great to see you in the livestream the other day. So my Borgata video is coming-up, and knowing your style, I predict that is where you will stay next.
That entire Caesars complex in AC looks interesting.
@@Coolist Excellent …looking forward to the rest of your AC content . I thought the livestreams were great . I had a good time participating.
Thx James. I used to go to AC quite ofen from 2000...2007. All seasons every 6 weeks. All rooms were comped. We stayed mainly in Ballys but sometimes the Claridge and Cesars. Loved the location. Did lots os shows and even saw Madonna. Usually did a cafe for breakfast and buffet for dinner. There was a really good deli I believe in Ballys and sometimes we had dinner at Mortons steak house or an Italian restaurant in Cesars. I went once in 2013 as well. Must go back. Is Ballys gone?
Wow I used to go here when it was the Taj Mahal! I didn’t realize it changed to Hard Rock.
Hard rock making major moves
*Council Oak Steakhouse. Council Bluffs is a city in Iowa.
The rooms in the North Tower (formally Chairman’s Tower) were very mildly renovated when Hard Rock transitioned. The South Tower rooms were gutted as they were filled with mold.
As for the flow of the place, it’s not any worse than it was as Taj, I wish they did more to improve it.
Lol thanks as an Omaha resident. Why would they name a fine dining restaurant the same as the worse city in Iowa lol
Have you gone to Reno? If you do stay at Atlantis hotel/casino….you won’t be disappointed….stay in the concierge tower….use their pool, it’s indoor and in the cold the jacuzzi is operational…but the restaurants and the casino are really nice….my son and I even had drinks and appetizers in the jacuzzi….pretty cool….
Man, can somebody please tell me where I can find the instrumental at the beginning of this video? I love it! Also, great work as always, James! 👏 I'll be visiting Atlantic City very soon!
Ocean hotel and casino is amazing
Living in Va, AC has become an alternative to Vegas for us. It’s drivable for long weekends. We always spend a few hours in the lobby at Hard Rock listening to live music. Glad you have it a chance.
Thanks for another great review James, your forthright approach and honest reviews are always in point.
Fantastic video
I really enjoyed it
Great review... After going to AC for the past few years... I have been waiting for a real review of this property... Signed up for their rewards programs... Getting ready to make the trip... Just a short ride on the Lewes Ferry for us to this spot.... We are done with Borgata and Harrahs.... Thanks for posting...
We know you are not a "family hotel" kind of guy. But great job keeping your energy up and showing the positives. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series!
Thank you very much for doing the family hotel. Hope you do more of these ..
I didnt expect this one to be so family oriented, but if you are familiar with my content then you know I always try to do one family hotel during a trip if I can.
Very fair review! I get a little cringy with the kids screaming, but not all hotels are made with me in mind lol. Thanks for the honest and fair review James.
Spot on review 100% accurate! Yes AC restaurants are well below Vegas for sure can't wait for the Borgata video!
Agreed, Vegas charges an arm and a leg for everything. The restaurants in AC are more reasonable, so they are below Vegas in that respect.
Just a casual viewer, your channel is awesome man
As a childless person, being at family first resort gives me mixed feelings. I like the warmth and energy of families hanging out there. It also gives me a bit of existential crisis not having a traditional nuclear family.
I avoid family hotels at all costs . I like to relax with zero kids and bad parenting to witness
i was at the Trop in sept......wish i went to the Rock!
I actually liked Tropicana better, slightly. That video is up next...
James, good & fair review- I wonder if the lack of night life & 21+ is because they’re riding the coattails of the Boardwalk -activities? And i was frustrated when the two best restaurants in our hotel were closed. Both pool areas were disappointing. Eh oh well. Where are you staying next in AC? All the best to you!
It's that, and also family hotels are destinations and major revenue drivers. Hard rock must've ran the analytics / demographics and spotted a gap in the market. It is definitely the premier family / all ages resort in AC
@@Coolistas for Hard Rock being a family resort, you seem to be basing that on a visit to the indoor pool in the summer. I’m guessing you don’t have kids, because this is what they like to do. If you walked next door to Resorts, you would have seen the same thing.
Borgata has an adults only pool, I believe Bally’s has one and Caesars has one too.
When was this recorded? Usually the boardwalk is dead during late October - Mid November, also the pool was free of kids last time I was there. Love the Hard Rock!
Hey! Loved seeing your thoughts on AC and Hard Rock! If you come back and get stuck for food go to White House subs by alexia’s it’s my fave for dining in there.. So good! Great review! Cheers! 🍸🎰
I really enjoy your videos and reviews over the years. Hopefully you will be doing a video on fountainbleau Las Vegas when it opens in December:)
I'll get there for sure 🙌
Harrahs has the best indoor adults only pool. The steak house is my favorite but expensive
I didn't get to harrahs on this trip but I will next time, Along with a few others that I'm now considering since I've been there.
Super amazing video 📹 ❤❤🎉
Does the Hard Rock in AC except the Hard Rock Players card from Vegas?
They have many 21 crowd Hotels in AC. They have family vacation Hotels also. It's been like that for years.
i know AC is going to be more family orientated so they can compete better in the tough competition zones,in CT our casinos are way over priced i will never go there.thanks for another great video!
Massachusetts and Connecticut have some heavy-hitters when it comes to casino resorts.
I grew up an hour from AC and love it..I know it's gotten grimey but it's just a guilty pleasure.
I think it fell on hard times in the past, but to me it seems the major casino resorts are thriving. Most of the AC casinos that I stayed were busier and bigger than Vegas - like packed casinos into the morning...
Il Mulino is the best restaurant at The Hard Rock. Five star food and service. Very impressed on my last visit back in August. Overall not that impressed with the property. Sure it looks great and is a big improvement over the old run down Taj Mahal, but Atlantic City as a whole is amateur hour compared to Las Vegas.
You should have ate at the harvest buffet at the hard rock. It’s delicious.
I wish you would show "High Rollers" playing Blackjack and Craps !
I want to see the poker rooms
i hope he goes to the ocean hotel up the boardwalk. that place is amazing. love watching the videos he does an amazing job with his content
Great review. AC gives me Niagara Falls, Canada vibes. All the family friendly attractions etc. I prefer Vegas.
Definitely Niagara vibes - great comparison.
Go to Ocean Casino ❤️
3 seems like a very generous score. Based on what I saw, I was expecting a 1 or 1.5. 😮
It has some inherent things that are special. The best is certainly upcoming though 😎
Hey James, are you doing a cost video for hard rock?
I'm not sure I can squeeze it in - my backlog right now is massive
Great video 🎉
Your commentary and observations where some of your best.
Appreciate this comment a lot - thank you.
I stayed here when it was the Taj in 2009 (bff's bachelor party) and as the Hard Rock in 2019. I prefer the Hard Rock version but it's sad to see that the pools are still lacking.
Question: which hotel would you stay at which caters more for couples only?
Please go to the hardrock guitar hotel and casino in Hollywood Florida … please . You won’t be disappointed
I heard it's very expensive, is that true,?
Do you might wanna consider doing somthing like your series on bayahibe?? would be great
Council Bluffs? Council Oaks is the correct name. And they have a wonderful filet, potato au gratin & creamed spinach not to mention shrimp cocktail & lobster tail.
Check out Ocean Casino & Resort! They are the best in AC ( in my opinion). With Hardrock being #2.
Thanks for the video. We have been going to Vegas every year, but are looking for different places to go because of that stupid F1. 😭
I agree about the tomahawk steak. For over 100 easy it’s never as good as you’d think. I’d put jersey sand up against any Caribbean island although Antigua is also excellent.
You should try Peter Luger Steak House in Las Vegas
Also the elevators here SUCK. They did not upgrade them from the Taj. You have to wait SO long to get up and down from the room. They even text you the morning of checkout to warn you that at 11am it’s going to be tough during the checkout rush.
I just stayed at the Showboat last week and regretted it completely; I definitely should have stayed at the Hard Rock; which is next door.
Showboat had NO pool, one skeleton of a restaurant/diner that is open all day (the other that is only open after lunch). No Casino. And just flooded with families with kids. Most of the people there must have come from the community to go to the indoor waterpark (which of course is a SEPARATE purchase from the hotel).
I was there! memorabilia from prince,frank sinatra,madonna,beyonce,and second floor food court.( white house subs).elaborate halls,floors escalator
Can you tell me, What airport are you fly in to Atlanta city? Thanks
Always easiest to fly into Philly airport - much better flight options. American Airlines offers a bus service directly from one of the airport terminals (only takes 1 hour). You book the bus like a ‘connection’ through American Airlines.
Spirit to AC airport. 20 mins away.
Many times we found mice and roaches in our rooms at the Hard Rock. The HVAC systems in the rooms need an overhaul. The suites were really nice. Overall, I'd give it a 2!
Great vid! We are working our way through the AC Hotels…so far we’ve done Ocean, The Borgata, Tropicana, Harrah’s and Resorts….going to try the Hard Rock in April…
I'm visiting three on your list
@@Coolist If one is Ocean…very curious what you think…I had one really great stay and one horrible stay…that’s all I’ll say though because don’t want to influence you at all…
There's a lot to like about Ocean, but there are major reasons why it hasn't slayed Borgata
my friend, you should consider Macau.
Highly considered 😊
Interesting place but the casinos themselves are pretty boring - most only serve tea with no alcohol on the casino floor and not much nightlife to speak of.
This, the current political tensions, and super Strict rules (can you even film these places) have me majorly Gun-shy.
Honestly just watching this makes me wish i was in Vegas. Besides Macau no one ever comes close to recreating the vegas experience
The boardwalk was and the steel pier was not open last week.
The biggest problem with Atlantic City is the rooms cost too much! We can go to Vegas for less. This area is blue collar so charging $500 + for a room is one of the main things that killed Atlantic City from the consumer side. Everyone just stopped going and then we started getting casinos closer to our cities. AC got greedy and it hasn't been the same. I remember staying in a huge suite at the Taj and playing poker and eating one of the best cheese steaks in the poker lunch room. The taj was soooo beautiful. People gambled at the taj and resorts but everyone stayed at the taj lol. The borgota came just as AC was going down. So everyone who could afford it started going to the Borgota. It's sad how bad it's fallen!!
Saw guns n roses and motley crue here close up , really good buffet to . AC is a S hole though .
Too bad you missed Il Muno restaurant. They have a bar as does Council Oak. Also, you missed the bar in the Sports Book and the beach bar.
Those are beach chairs, not lawn chairs. Folks are going to the beach for the day with some cold ones. I guess when you hit the beach, your rental chair is all set up with an umbrella?
There are some very good restaurants/bars in AC...unfortunately none are at Hard Rock
Great video James! Keep em' coming buddy!
P.S. Book a cruise yet??😎
Thanks Phree, the all-inclusive resorts have been making me a little stir-cray - maybe an all-inclusive ship is the answer 😎
@@Coolist I really think you would enjoy them! It may surprise you how much you can relax as well! For us it's all about the ship experience, not so much the stops/destinations!
I had a ball at the Taj Mahal.
I went to HR in AC couple of years ago….my wife renamed it Zombieland due to all the dodgy ‘people’ around the hotels and the broad walk… HR is nice but I would recommend you don’t venture to far from the hotels. Perhaps they were all hiding in this video.
A few years ago is a lifetime ago for AC. I went several times this summer for the 1st time in many years and it was great. Much cheaper than OC Maryland and not nearly the amount of kids as most beach towns✌️🌴✌️
I love A.C. its alot of stuff to do there i was there 3 weeks ago. Great to see you do a video on A.C great job
For the past 5 years I've wanted to go to Atlantic City and gamble, but this video maybe makes me change my mind. The nightmare travel to get there plus the family vibe... meh, maybe I'll just stick with Vegas
Yeah, In Vegas you just hop on a plane, land at Harry Reid, go to your hotel, in Atlantic City you have to embark on a lord of the rings style journey lmao
You might change your mind after you see the three other hotel videos.
@@uptildawnltd3253fly to Philly, rent a car, it’s 62 miles away, all highway. Once you leave the airport, it’s about an hour. Not that difficult.
And now a new one opened in Times Square
The vibe is so different compared to Vegas. You will never see kids outside building sand castles in Vegas, lol.
That adult sky deck area, looks like a fucking pet relief area at an airport. Thats sooo bad.
Hahahaha!!!!
Absolutely hilarious 😭
That is very weak.
I hope they got better since this andvthe 21 and over pool areas are better. I'm ok with a family place to since I have a family but can't stand running kids around tripping over them out in the 21 and over areas.
When I went to AC in the 90's and 2000's, the beach had no sand at all. I mean, I guess the beach ground was packed sand, but it was hard like concrete, so even during the summer season, there was no one at the beach. Then in the early 2010's they dumped enormous amount of sand on the beach. It piled up to 3 feet high for miles and miles, I couldn't believe it. With that much sand, yeah, there were a whole bunch of people at the beach, but also sand was everywhere inside the casinos as well. I went back to AC a few years later, well, guess what, all that sand was gone. Obviously, AC beach has lost the ability to accumulate sand naturally with all that buildings on the beach front. I haven't been there for about 10 years or so, and judging from the amount of sand at the beach, they must've dumped sand there 2,3 years ago, and they need to do it again in the next year or so.
I noticed the beaches improved going from north to south
I love AC for being AC and NOT Vegas ❤
I love the less hustle and bustle than Vegas. Its more relaxing not as energetic but hey sometimes you wanna just suck it all in and chill and if I really want they high energy feeling I'll just go shoot craps 😂😂❤
My buddy rudy from Chicago would love tomahawk steak
I avoid tomahawk for the health. A regular ny steak is good enough for me.
Interesting about the lack of bars at the Hard Rock AC. The remodels of the Tampa and Hollywood Hard Rocks also de-emphasized the bars. It can be very difficult to even get a drink at peak times. I think that is really stupid as is trying to make a casino "family friendly". Kids do not belong at casinos. Period. End of discussion.
Might have to go to Atlantic City as Vegas is a sh!tshow for the F1 set up!!
I can tell you this, if you like to gamble, in some ways, AC beats Vegas, especially if you like slots and lower limit table games.
But if you are like me and don't gamble much, I'd recommend going in the summer May - Sept, because during the winter the already limited entertainment, activity, and dining options get reduced to even more, much more..
This has to be an old video, a month ago is definitely cold now
hard rocks cant move buddy they are literally ROCKS
Ocean Casino has better vibe for over 21 guests.
Agreed. It's the Cosmo of AC
@@Coolist Please do a video at Ocean. If you've never stayed there please request their newer rooms. 👍🏻
The hard rock also has the White House cheese steaks. The greatest sandwich on earth. Too bad you missed it
Uploaded 57 seconds ago... damn i'm late again!
Having now watched the video.. I like the look of AC and can't wait to see some more of your videos from there, it's kinda LV 'on Sea' and i like that,
with the beach and boardwalk with all it's attractions, if i ever flew over to the US (i'm in the UK) i could see myself going there instead of the concrete jungle that is LV
It's like if Sheffield or Manchester tried to make a play at London. This isn't the best analogy but I hope you get what I'm saying. There are distinct Vegas elements in AC, but it's certainly more unique than alike.
I had the worst experience of my life at the hard rock ac on my 40th bday. If anyone cares, it’s on Yelp in the beginning of jan.
pool at hard rock is terrible with kids, they didnt change a thing. left it the exact same as Taj. They need an outdoor pool.
Council Oak lol