With two kids under 5, my husband and I don’t get much chance to have a date night, much less a kid-free weekend. So when we had a rare gap in our weekend calendar, and grandparents offered to take the kids, I knew we had to plan a much-needed getaway at our favorite escape to relax, recharge, and have adult fun—Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City. We like to go to this lively and stunning resort any time we get a chance because it gives us a luxury experience so close to home. Think romance with a side of excitement, panoramic views of the ocean, elegant dining, shows, games, and relaxation at their 40,000 square-foot spa (there’s even a Himalayan Salt room). Read on about our recent weekend at Ocean Casino Resort and how we blissed out for a few kid-free days. (featured photo credit: Ocean Casino Resort)
Escape To Ocean Casino Resort For A Night or Long Weekend
The view from the rooms offer beach and city at Ocean Casino Resort
Rooms with a view
We love going down to Ocean Casino Resort on a Thursday night whenever we can because you can get a great deal on a room (from $129!), and it’s a lot less crowded than checking in on a Friday. Rooms are finished in a sleek contemporary style with monochromatic sand and gray tones that give off calming vibes.
Views for miles at Ocean Casino Resort. Photo Credit: Ocean Casino Resort
The best part? The floor-to-ceiling windows have spectacular oceanfront views that make you feel like 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 have luxurious one-bedroom suites with a separate living area and kitchenette, two spacious bathrooms, and a wide, comfortable king bed you can sleep in all day.
Spend 30 minutes in the warm pool and baths and you’ll feel like you spent a full day at the spa- it’s so relaxing!
Blissing out at Exhale Spa and Bathouse
The first thing we always do is book a treatment at Exhale Spa and Bathhouse. This massive spa is next level with 40,000 square feet of calming space filled with unique areas, including jetted pools, a Himalayan salt grotto, a sauna, a steam room, and zen lounges. It’s really a fantastic spot to recharge—in fact, it was voted the #1 spa in New Jersey and named one of the top 100 spas by Spas of America. We enjoyed the couple’s Swedish Massage, an hour of bliss together where you change into robes and slippers, select your own massage oils, and chill out next to your partner for an hour of pampering.
After our spa treatment, we relaxed in the Bathhouse with its hot tubs, jacuzzi, sauna, salt, and steam rooms for the ultimate experience included with each treatment (you can also book the Bathhouse experience by itself). We always like to sit in the Himalayan Salt Grotto lined with salt bricks that release therapeutic salt into the air, which is known to be amazing for skin and promotes better breathing, sleep, and relaxation. After the spa and all that relaxing time, we need some primping to get ready for the night, and Bangz Salon and Blow Dry Lounge is where I go to get glam with a blowout, fresh cut, or manicure. My husband also likes to get a shave and haircut in the Men’s Lounge section there, too.
Swim indoors or outside any time of the year at Ocean Casino Resort. Photo Credit: Ocean Casino Resort
Swim in any temperature
When we’re not at the spa, we like to relax at the heated pool at Ocean Casino Resort. But it’s not your typical indoor pool—swim through the connected pass-through to the connected outdoor pool that’s heated to body temperature, letting you swim in any temp. There’s nothing like looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean from the pool’s edge and feeling a surreal sense of disbelief that you’re in a pool outdoors in the dead of winter. In the summer, the vibe at the outdoor pool comes alive.
We’ve enjoyed several nights around the firepit- from enjoying the views to the quiet peace of the evening
You can book an outdoor cabana open with scenic views, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and cocktail service for the perfect day looking out towards the pier and the ocean. The outdoor fire pits offer a captivating haven nestled amidst the vibrant energy of the famed boardwalk. Surrounded by the gentle murmur of the ocean waves and the enchanting glow of city lights, it offers a serene escape for guests seeking relaxation and serenity.
Food that looks too pretty to eat at Ocean Casino Resort.
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 restauranteur 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. Some of our favorite tapa dishes are the seafood paella, Ensalada de jamon, brussel sprouts, chorizo, octopus, and the chef’s tasting menu.
We like the other fine dining options too, with Italian specialties at Linguini By the Sea and steaks at Ocean Steak, and we’re looking forward to the Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar that promises a raw bar, innovative cocktails, and bespoke seafood dishes. When we want to go casual, we like the Mexican specialties at Distrito, brunch at Harper’s, gastropub fare with live music at Villian & Saint, and pizza at Rocco’s Italian Kitchen & Market. For a quick bite or breakfast, there are lots of grab-and-go options, like Caffeccino, Starbucks, The Soup Spot, and The District Food Court.
Live shows at Ocean Casino Resort are always a good idea.
Dance the night away
We are always up for a night of dancing and music, and the posh Nola’s Bar & Lounge near the casino, known for its creative cocktails and nightly lineup, with live music, a DJ, or dueling pianos, 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 because of the intimate size (max 5,500) that offers a great view from every seat. We opted for the seating section in the 200s, and there’s also a sizeable standing-only area for General Admission in front of the stage with a large bar and a smaller standing-only VIP section right in front of the stage.
Play at the largest TopGolf Suite in the United States at Ocean Casino Resort. Photo Credit: Ocean Casino Resort
Adults-only playground
Of course, a trip to Ocean Casino Resort wouldn’t be complete without 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 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 with a massive video screen that lets you use real equipment as you direct it to the front of the screen. We had fun going from golf to soccer to zombie dodgeball ball 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 come to Ocean Casino Resort, I make sure to stop at the Shops at the Row to pick up some souvenirs for the kids and a few fun items for me. The Flying Point Surf Shop from the Hamptons is loaded with elevated beach wear 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 Sole Mates for shoes. We love Core Departure for signature resort apparel and accessories, and the Core Lobby, an elevated gift shop. My favorite, though, is Nectar Life—a self-care spot with vegan and plant-based body products. I love their scrubs, bath bombs, and customizable body butter, too. We personalized our formulas with fragrance for a unique, one-of-a-kind blend.
What to know before you go
What we love most about Ocean Casino Resort is how close it is to our house with everything we could want under one roof. It’s also seasonless, so we can go any time of year and not worry about the weather. If you want to explore AC, Ocean Casino is on Atlantic City Boardwalk and steps from the sand and Pier.
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 and look forward to doing it again during the holiday season. Rooms at the resort start at $129 mid-week and fluctuate based on season, day, and room type. The resort has a reward program called Ocean Rewards with four brand tiers with benefits and exclusive offers. Parking on the 11th floor provides easy access to hotel check-in with free self-parking or a $15 valet. This is complimentary for Ocean Rewards Reserve, Prime, and Preferred cardholders).
Ocean Casino Resort
500 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
For more information about Ocean, please visit theoceanac.com or follow Ocean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
This is a sponsored post by Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City’s premier and luxury oceanfront casino.
