Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City Hotel & Casino

HOTEL OVERVIEW

So here’s the thing about Harrah’s in Atlantic City – it’s honestly one of those places that surprises you in ways you don’t expect. First off, you’re not right on the Boardwalk like some of the other big names, but that’s actually kind of nice because you’re tucked away on Harrah’s Boulevard where it feels less chaotic. The shuttle to the Boardwalk runs pretty regularly, and I mean, it’s like a five-minute ride, so you’re not exactly stranded.

The casino floor is huge – I’m talking sprawling in that maze-like way where you can easily lose track of time and direction (which I guess is the point, right?). What I really liked though was how the hotel side feels separate from all that energy. You can hear the faint ding of slot machines when you’re near the elevators, but once you’re up in your room, it’s surprisingly quiet. The rooms themselves are solid – nothing that’ll blow your mind, but the beds are comfortable and the bathrooms are actually pretty spacious. Pro tip: try to get a room facing the bay if you can swing it, because the marina views are way better than looking out at the parking garage.

The pool area is where this place really shines, especially in summer. It’s got this resort vibe that feels more like you’re somewhere tropical than stuck in Jersey – palm trees, decent-sized pool, and the whole setup doesn’t feel cramped like some Atlantic City hotels. The staff at the pool bar actually remembers your drink after the second day, which is a nice touch. Food-wise, you’ve got options without having to venture far. The steakhouse is pricey but honestly pretty good, and there’s this casual spot near the casino that does surprisingly decent sandwiches if you just want something quick. I will say the coffee in the lobby area is just okay – if you’re picky about your morning caffeine, there’s a decent place called Steel Pier Coffee about ten minutes away.

Parking is free, which – let’s be real – is getting rare these days, and the garage connects right to the hotel so you don’t have to deal with weather. Check-in can get a bit backed up on Friday afternoons when everyone’s rolling in for the weekend, but the front desk staff handles it pretty well. One thing that caught me off guard in a good way was how they’ve updated a lot of the common areas recently. The lobby doesn’t have that tired, dated casino feel that some of these older Atlantic City places can’t shake.

Look, this isn’t the flashiest spot on the strip, and that 7.0 rating feels about right – it’s solid without being spectacular. But if you want a place where you can actually relax between casino sessions or beach time, where the rooms are comfortable and you’re not paying through the nose for every little thing, Harrah’s delivers. It’s got that sweet spot of being nice enough to feel like a real vacation but not so fancy that you feel weird walking through the lobby in flip-flops after a day at the beach.