With two kids under 5, my husband and I rarely get the chance for a date night, let alone a few days to just ourselves. So, when we found a gap in our calendar and got the grandparents on board to babysit, we jumped at the opportunity to escape to Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City. We’re big fans of this vibrant and beautiful resort because it offers us a touch of luxury right in our own backyard. Picture a romantic getaway filled with breathtaking ocean views, gourmet dining, lively shows, exciting casino games, and pure relaxation at their 40,000-square-foot spa (there’s even a soothing Himalayan Salt room). Read on for what we did during our stay at Ocean Casino Resort, where we truly soaked up every moment of our kid-free 48 hours and when we bring the kids Santa’s Hideaway will be our first stop for the holidays. (featured photo credit: Ocean Casino Resort)
Escape To Ocean Casino Resort For A Night or Long Weekend
Rooms with a view
We were able to sneak away on a Thursday, which has a few benefits—we got a great deal on a luxury room (from $166), and the check-in is not as crowded as it is on a Friday. Rooms are in a sleek, contemporary style with monochromatic sand and gray tones that evoke a calming vibe. The best part? The floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular oceanfront views that make you feel as though you’re on top of the water. If you’re an early riser, watching the sunrise over the ocean from your bed is a must. They also offer plush one-bedroom suites with a separate living area and kitchenette, two spacious bathrooms, and a wide, comfortable king bed that tempts you to sleep in all day.
Blissing out at Exhale Spa and Bathhouse
We started our getaway by booking a treatment at Exhale Spa and Bathhouse. This expansive spa boasts 40,000 square feet of tranquil space, featuring unique amenities such as jetted pools, a Himalayan salt grotto, a sauna, a steam room, and Zen lounges, and is recognized as one of the top 100 spas by Spas of America. We indulged in a couple’s Swedish Massage, enjoying an hour of bliss where we changed into robes and slippers, chose our own massage oils, and relaxed side by side for a pampering session. After the treatment, we relaxed and recharged in the Bathhouse, which offers hot tubs, a jacuzzi, a sauna, as well as salt and steam rooms. The Bathhouse entry is included with each treatment, but can also be booked separately to enjoy, which I highly recommend if you don’t want to do a spa service. We love relaxing in the Himalayan Salt Grotto, lined with salt bricks that radiate therapeutic salt into the air, which is beneficial for skin and known to enhance breathing, sleep, and relaxation. Afterward, we stopped by the on-site Bangz Salon and Blow Dry Lounge for some pre-night primping, where I got a blowout and manicure, and my husband got a trim.
Swim in any temperature
One of our favorite things to do is relax by the pool for a few hours, and Ocean Casino Resort has a sleek Eclipse Indoor/Outdoor Pool, where we can do just that. But it’s not your usual indoor pool—swim through the connected pass-through to the outdoor pool, which is heated to body temperature, allowing you to swim in any temperature you prefer. There’s nothing quite like looking out over the Atlantic Ocean from the pool’s edge, feeling a surreal sense of disbelief that you’re swimming outdoors in the dead of winter. In the summer, you can book a cabana, hang outside on a comfy lounge chair with stunning beach and boardwalk views, and order a tropical-themed cocktail from the on-site bar. If you’re in the mood for a party, reserve a daybed at the HQ² Beach Club, where the DJ plays all day long.
Fine dining to grab and go
Dining at Ocean Casino Resort is always a treat because there are so many choices, from gourmet restaurants to relaxed bites. For this trip, we chose Amada, by Chef Jose Garces—James Beard Winner, Iron Chef, and restaurateur in Philadelphia and NJ—a sleek setting for an intimate date night dinner. Be sure to request the bird cage tables with a view of the ocean and Ferris wheel. Our favorite tapas dishes include seafood paella, Ensalada de jamón, brussels sprouts, chorizo, octopus, and the chef’s tasting menu. Other fine dining options include Italian specialties at Linguini By the Sea and steaks at Ocean Steak. For a more casual experience, try the Mexican specialties at Distrito, brunch at Harper’s, gastropub fare with live music at Villian & Saint, or pizza at Rocco’s Italian Kitchen & Market. And for a bite or drink, there are plenty of grab-and-go places, like Caffeccino, Starbucks, The Soup Spot, and The District Food Court.
Dance the night away
We are always up for a night of dancing and music, and the posh Nola’s Bar & Lounge, located near the casino, is known for its creative cocktails and nightly lineup featuring live music, a DJ, or dueling pianos, and never disappoints. For a more rock and roll vibe, Villain & Saint (look for the hanging motorcycle over the bar) has draft beers from around the world and live shows every weekend. And for more action into the wee hours, there is the HQ2 Nightclub, a two-level, immersive party with VIP tables and a beat-pulsing vibe thanks to renowned DJs and the occasional celeb sighting. For a show, Ovation Hall books top-notch entertainment like comedians, bands, and theater, with the only skyboxes in Atlantic City. We saw 311 at Ovation Hall for my husband’s birthday, and it was the best venue we’ve ever been to, thanks to its intimate size (max 5,500) and the great view from every seat. We opted for the seating section in the 200s, and there’s also a sizable standing-only area for General Admission in front of the stage, featuring a large bar and a smaller standing-only VIP section right in front of the stage.
Adults-only playground
Of course, a trip to Ocean Casino Resort definitely involves a stop at the casino, with its vast selection of tables, games, and slot machines. The setting is very upscale and sophisticated, and we sat down the next afternoon to try our hand at blackjack and craps. After a few rounds and a few wins, we moved on from the casino floor into the interactive TopGolf Swing Suite, the largest one in the US, with views overlooking the ocean. It was a fun experience that went way beyond golf—it’s an interactive way to play, utilizing a massive video screen that lets you use real equipment as you direct it to the screen’s front. We had fun going from golf to soccer to zombie dodgeball to hockey, all while getting drinks and snacks from their menu and lounging on the comfy couches between games.
Shop at unique stores
Every time I visit Ocean Casino Resort, I make sure to stop by the Shops at the Row to pick up some souvenirs for the kids and a few fun items for myself. The Flying Point Surf Shop (their other locations are in the Hamptons, NY) is filled with elevated beachwear and fun graphic tees and sweatshirts. Other shops include O-Man for men’s resort wear, Bottled for hard-to-find wines and spirits, and The Import Shoppe for luxury pre-owned designer handbags and vintage jewelry. We love Core Departure for its signature resort apparel and accessories, as well as the Core Lobby, an elevated gift shop. My favorite, though, is Nectar Life—a self-care spot offering vegan and plant-based body products, including scrubs, bath bombs, and customizable body butter. We personalized our formulas with fragrance for a unique, one-of-a-kind blend.
What’s trending at Ocean Casino Resort
After years on the Boardwalk, Ocean Casino Resort is celebrating with a slew of new dining options and experiences. We checked out Chez Frites, a modern French restaurant with a fun bar scene and prix fixe menu from renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr. Although we didn’t get a chance to try it, they offer classic bistro favorites like steak, salmon, and lobster, all served with a side salad and unlimited signature golden fries. Right next door is Sunny’s, the latest breakfast and lunch spot in Ocean, perched eleven stories above the Atlantic Ocean. This bright eatery offers both bar and table seating, serving tasty options such as pigs in a blanket, Nutella French toast, lobster rolls, and a delish meatloaf. We did stop by Blend for delicious smoothies, acai bowls, and quick grab-and-go options. And we’re looking forward to experiencing the Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar, featuring two 9-hole courses, immersive holograms, and high-tech fun reminiscent of The Sphere in Las Vegas.
FAQs About Ocean Casino Resort
Is Ocean Casino Resort open year-round?
Ocean Casino Resort is seasonless, so you can visit at any time of year without worrying about the weather.
What else is there to do near Ocean Casino Resort?
If you want to explore AC, Ocean Casino is on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and steps from the sand and Pier.
Is there anything fun for the holiday season with kids?
You can bring the kids, especially during the holidays, when they host the Santa Experience—a magical elevator that whisks you to the North Pole and Santa’s Hideaway. We did it last year with the kids and loved it; we look forward to doing it again during the holiday season (look out for their early bird special).
What is the price of rooms at Ocean Casino Resort?
Rooms at the resort start at $132 mid-week and fluctuate based on season, day, and room type.
Is there parking?
Parking on the 11th floor provides easy access to the hotel’s check-in area, with complimentary self-parking available or a $20 valet service. This is complimentary for Ocean Rewards Reserve, Prime, and Preferred cardholders.
For more information about Ocean, please visit theoceanac.com or follow Ocean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Ocean Casino Resort
500 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
This is a sponsored post by Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City’s premier and luxury oceanfront casino.
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