Insider Guide: Atlantic City
Updated: 7/6/21
Until everything is finalized in terms of lounge locations, restaurant hours, etc., this page will not be permanently updated.
Insider Guide: Atlantic City
NOTE: Not all restaurants, poker rooms, and other amenities may be available due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check with the casino if you have questions or concerns about health and safety measures in place. Click here to see which restaurants, bars and players lounges are open.
Click here to read the safety and health protocols New Jersey has put into place.
Changes to Return Rewards
Beginning Monday, June 14, several changes will be made to the Return Rewards program in Atlantic City. The changes affect your play at Caesars, Tropicana and Harrah’s Resort. Return Rewards earned Monday through Sunday will be available the following Thursday, starting June 24. Also, as of June 24, each week you may select free slot play or Reward Credits, dollar for dollar. To claim your Return Rewards visit a promotional kiosk at Caesars, Tropicana or Harrah’s Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is new about Return Rewards? Earn and redeem at Caesars, Tropicana and Harrah’s Resort. Choose free casino play or Reward Credits. When you’re ready to redeem, visit a promotional kiosk at your choice of Caesars, Tropicana or Harrah’s Resort.
If I earn my Return Rewards at Tropicana, can I redeem them at Harrah’s? Yes. As of June 24, Return Rewards earned starting June 14 can be redeemed at any Caesars Rewards resort in Atlantic City.
How do I earn Return Rewards? Play slots at Caesars, Tropicana or Harrah’s Resort with your Caesars Rewards card. Then, you will receive an email and your award will be valid at the promotional kiosk within 10 days.
Where can I find more information about my Return Rewards award and how long I can use it? Based on qualifying play, your personalized email will include the award value and valid window.
Will my existing Return Rewards, earned prior to June 14, still be valid? Yes. Return Rewards earned prior to June 14 will be valid through its original expiration date, however the Return Rewards must be redeemed at the resort stated on your personalized email.
When will I receive my last Return Rewards valid at Tropicana only? Your final Return Rewards from Tropicana from earnings prior to June 14 will be valid beginning Wednesday June 16. Return Rewards from earnings beginning June 14 will be valid within 10 days.
When will I receive my last Return Rewards valid only at Caesars or Harrah’s Resort? Your final Return Rewards from Caesars or Harrah’s from earnings prior to June 14 will be valid beginning Wednesday, June 16. Return Rewards from earnings beginning June 14 will be valid within 10 days.
Is Return Rewards only for Diamond and Seven Stars cardholders? No. All Caesars Rewards cardholders can earn Return Rewards beginning June 14 based on qualifying slot play at Caesars, Tropicana or Harrah’s Resort.
Airport transportation
If you're unable to get complimentary transportation, in addition to taxis, which run about $35, there are a number of private car and limousine services. For assistance call Operations at ext. 2002 from the courtesy phone at the taxi service desk, between baggage claim and the terminal exit.
Rideshare is available through UBER and LYFT.
Sports betting
Now that New Jersey has legalized sports betting, you have your choice of placing your bets at Caesars Wild Wild West Casino, Harrah's or Tropicana.
Click here to use this interactive map,
courtesy of Caesars.
VIP hotel registration (hours vary)
Harrah's - VIP Check-In is just to the right of Caffe Tazza.
Caesars - VIP Check-In is on the second floor at the top of the escalators leading from valet parking, directly across the lobby from the front desk.
These can get very crowded on Fridays and Saturdays. Consider using the Seven Stars Check-In at the front desk. To avoid delays at departure, consider using the "Check-Out" feature on your television.
At this time there is no special VIP Check-In at Tropicana. Look for the Seven Stars/Diamond registration line at the far left-hand side of the front desk.
Fees and taxes - Caesars hotels in Atlantic City add a $27 per day resort fee (which includes a 14 percent state tax) to all room rates, whether for a paid or complimentary stay. The resort fee includes standard speed Internet access for up to two devices per room, unlimited local phone calls and a $5 voucher toward parking. Seven Stars and Diamond cardholders are exempt from the fee, but receive all the benefits.
Following an $11 million investment, the more than 15,000-sq. ft. venue at Wild Wild West, above, is the “largest in South Jersey and possibly the state of New Jersey,” according to a spokesperson for Caesars Entertainment Inc. The centerpiece of the William Hill Sportsbook is an LED video screen 18 feet high and 98 feet long.
The space also includes more than 100 leather recliners, above left, five "Fan Caves" for personalized game-viewing experiences and a 16-tap self-service beer wall, below, similar to the set-up at The LINQ in Las Vegas.
Insider Tip
The direct number to Caesars is 609-348-4411; to Harrah's, 609-441-5000.
Seven Stars cardholders get one complimentary in-room movie every 24 hours.In addition, guests are responsible for from $5 to $8 in additional taxes and fees (though this may be waived for certain Seven Stars cardholders), and sales and occupancy taxes are additional on all paid rooms.
Valet parking
Valet parking has returned to Caesars, Harrah's and Tropicana.
Caesars Atlantic City - Complimentary valet parking for Seven Stars and Diamond cardholders is now available from 4 p.m. Fridays to 4 p.m. Sundays. After hours, call Security to retrieve your vehicle.
Harrah’s Resort - Complimentary valet parking for Seven Stars and Diamond cardholders is now available from 1 p.m. Fridays to 2 p.m. Mondays. After hours, call Security to retrieve your vehicle.
Tropicana Atlantic City - Available only to Seven Stars cardholders, valet parking is complimentary from noon Fridays through 4 p.m. Sundays. After hours, call Security to retrieve your vehicle.
Getting around town
The sportsbook complements the beer pong, shuffleboard, and table and video games available to guests.
Harrah's sportsbook, above, is located in the area across from the Caesars Rewards Center where the Royal Derby horse racing game took up the center of the floor.
Caesars Rewards Shuttle - A complimentary Caesars Rewards Shuttle runs Sunday to Tuesday and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Caesars Rewards cardholders earn one Reward Credit and one tier credit for every $10 they bet, but it can take up to 24 hours to register.
Open container laws
Atlantic City allows consumption of alcoholic beverages at select locations. The designated open-container zones include the Boardwalk between Sovereign and Rhode Island Avenues, nonresidential areas of Gardner’s Basin, and the Orange Loop (New York Avenue, Tennessee Avenue and St. James Place). Beverages must be in a plastic container bearing the name or logo of the licensed seller within the open container zones. Consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle is still not allowed.
The circuit makes stops at Gate 11 in Caesars bus terminal, at the outside entrance to Harry's Oyster Bar at Bally's, outside Harrah's casino entrance on Harrah's Boulevard, and at the Tropicana Transportation Center in spots 6, 7 and 8. Riders must have a valid Caesars Rewards card and ID. Cardholders may bring one guest. Seven Stars cardholders get priority boarding. Other restrictions apply.
Cabs - Maximum fare for up to five passengers within town is $13, plus tip.New Jersey Transit buses - From the Atlantic City Bus Station (about a 15-minute walk from Bally's/Caesars) to/from Harrah's, the exact fare one-way is $1.50 (or 70¢ if you're 62 or older],
Celebration Dinner(s)No need to get any voucher(s) in advance. Simply tell your server how many $100 "vouchers" you want to use for your meal.
Caesars Rewards Centers
The Caesars Rewards Centers at Caesars, Harrah's and Tropicana all have different hours. Check the individual pages on the Seven Stars Insider website.
Insider Tip
There is a Hertz Car Rental counter at Harrah's next to the Bell Captain's desk. It's open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The counter is closed on Sundays. Phone number is (609) 441-5522.
Insider Tip
Additional information about Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore is available at
Atlantic City's Jitneys - One-way fare is $2.25. There are discounts if you plan to use the jitneys frequently ($2 one-way) or are a senior (75¢ one-way if you're 62 or older), but you must purchase those tickets in advance in quantities of 10. Click here to learn where you can buy
tickets.
Parking
Valet parking is complimentary for Seven Stars and Diamond cardholders (and, sometimes, Platinum cardholders), but Seven Stars cardholders get priority service. Be sure to show your card to the valet attendant who parks your vehicle and, again, when you retrieve it.
The location where you drop off your car is not the same as where you retrieve it. Be sure to ask if you're not sure where to go.
Complimentary valet parking at Caesars for Seven Stars cardholders is now available from 4 p.m. Fridays to 8 p.m. Sundays. After hours, your car can be retrieved at the front entrance of the hotel/porte-cochère.
At Tropicana complimentary valet parking is available only to Seven Stars cardholders from noon Fridays through 4 p.m. Sundays.
Self-parking in adjacent garages is complimentary for Platinum, Diamond and Seven Stars cardholders.
Using Reward Credits 2:1
Several restaurants and retail outlets in Atlantic City accept Reward Credits, but at 2:1, i.e., 1,000 RCs = $5. Among them:
Caesars - Tazza
Harrah's - McCormick & Schmick's, Tazza
The Playground - Select restaurants and retail outlets
Cashout vouchers
Cashout vouchers you receive from slot machines at Atlantic City casinos expire in 365 days. Especially if you're a Seven Stars cardholder, most Caesars casinos will cash them for you after that deadline, but you'll probably get a, "Well, I'll have to check with my supervisor first." So, if you find yourself on the way to the airport with tickets in hand – and you're not planning a return trip within a year or so, best bet is to mail the voucher to your host. He or she will have someone process the voucher and you will receive payment by check from the casino. Remember, casinos can process vouchers only from their own slots.
Daily tier bonuses
If you're playing to earn a daily tier bonus, and you're playing at more than one Atlantic City casino, you'll have to manually calculate your combined tier credits. The amount shown as your daily play on the Total Touch pad or the kiosk reflects only your score at the casino at which you are playing.
Replacement players cards
Forgot or lost your Caesars Rewards card? You can reprint your card just by using your driver's license here:
The kiosks are located near the Caesars Rewards Centers at Caesars and Harrah's, and across from the front desk at Tropicana.
ATMs
There is a $5.99 per transaction fee to use the ATMs in Caesars casinos. For ways to save money on ATM fees, check my Mr. AC Casino column, "Ways to save on casino ATM fees."
Click below for links to the Caesars, Harrah's and Tropicana websites:
Courtesy Greyhound.com
Seven Stars Lounges
Did you ask? I didn't.
Seven Stars cardholders are now limited to one guest – previously three – plus their Companion cardholder. Cardholders who earned 500,000 or more tier credits last year or this year may continue to bring up to three guests.
Atlantic City has Seven Stars Lounges both at Caesars and Harrah's. They can become very crowded – especially at lunchtime on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as cocktail hour. The Seven Stars Lounges offer guests menus with a limited selection of appetizers (a cheese plate, shrimp cocktail, etc.), sandwiches, soups, "small plates" and desserts. Drinks may no longer be taken out of the lounges. Harrah's - The lounge is located toward the rear of the Diamond Cove high limit slots area. There is a small bar and comfortable seating, but many times seats go empty because there are too many tables and groupings for four, when parties of two are more the norm. Ask if you can share a table. It will get you seated faster and you might get to meet some new friends. The lounge is temporarily located in the former Waterfront Buffet. Use the line to the far left
In case you're wondering where the Boardwalk Event Center is – several gift giveaways are scheduled for this venue – it's next to the Poker Room at Caesars Wild Wild West.
Boardwalk Event Center
Caesars - The lounge is located on the "fine dining level" – the third floor of the casino. Smaller than the lounge at Harrah's, the large rectangular bar in the center of the room is its most distinctive feature. Again if you see a table that seats four, ask if you can share.
Besides walking, you have a choice of bicycling, rolling chairs or Tram Service. I'm not endorsing or recommending these vendors, but here are some places to start:
B & K Bike Rental Inc., North Carolina Avenue and The Boardwalk at Resorts Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609-344-8000*
Ocean Rolling Chairs, 190 S. South Carolina Ave., Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609-344-1702
Boardwalk Tram Service, 114 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 609-347-7500
*Fall biking hours on the Boardwalk are from 6 a.m. to noon and 4 to 7 p.m. The hours change seasonally.
Special needs rentals
Motorized scooters, wheelchairs, walkers and other such equipment is available for rental through Mobility On Wheels. Visit their website or call 855-484-4454 or 609-266-5600.
Traveling the Boardwalk
Laurel Lounges (formerly Diamond Lounges)
When the Seven Stars Lounges are busy, Seven Stars cardholders are welcome to enjoy the Laurel Lounges. The lounges offer priority entrance to Seven Stars cardholders, and allow up to three additional guests.
At Caesars and Tropicana if there are others waiting to get in, simply walk in the lounge and present your card to the host. At extremely busy times when there is often a long line – especially when the lounge first opens – a security guard may be stationed at the door monitoring "traffic". Again, simply show your card to him/her, and you will receive immediate entry.
From 5 p.m. each day and during opening hours on Saturday and Sunday, each offers a full buffet consisting of soup, cold cuts, salads, desserts and at least three, if not four, hot entrees. Drinks may be taken out of the lounges, but only after being decanted into plastic cups available at the door. A lighter lunch buffet is served Monday through Friday from 2 to 4:45 p.m.
Caesars - The large Laurel Lounge on the second floor of the casino also overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has a small bar which seats approximately 20 people. Be sure to say "hi" to Anthony or Frank if they're working. They'll take good care of you. There is plenty of other seating for parties of two or four. The window seats overlooking the Boardwalk are the most coveted and there literally are races for those tables when the doors first open.
Harrah's - The Laurel Lounge is located just off the casino floor across from the Eden Lounge and next to the box office for The Concert Venue There is a small bar [look for Debbie (her nametag says Deborah and she won a "Best Bartender" award in 2014 – look for the photo and plaque above the bar) and Magee – they're among Harrah's best and friendliest bartenders, and they really watch out for their customers, often stepping out from behind the bar to take orders or help clean tables]. There is plenty of other seating for parties of two, four or more. The Laurel Lounge is temporarily located in the former Waterfront Buffet.
Tropicana - The former TROP Advantage VIP Lounge is located to the left just as you enter the main casino from The Quarter. Here is a sample Friday dinner menu:
3D light show at Boardwalk Hall
Don't miss the 3D light show at Boardwalk Hall every Wednesday through Sunday starting at dusk and running until midnight.
Atlantic City Experience
The Atlantic City Experience has opened in the newly renovated Boardwalk Hall lobby. Take a trip back to Old Atlantic City with 218 historical items, interactive timelines, memorabilia and more. The exhibit is open to the public weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take a 15-minute ride on The Wheel at Steel Pier. Tickets are $15 for adults 13 and older, and $12 for children 3 to 12. Military and those 62 and older with valid ID get 10 percent off if purchasing tickets onsite at The Wheel. (Prices are exclusive of 12.624 percent New Jersey sales and Atlantic City luxury taxes.)
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"36 Hours In Atlantic City" - New York Times
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"15 Best Restaurants In Atlantic City" - New Jersey Monthly
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"Weekend Getaway In Atlantic City: The Best Things To See And Do" - Travel Awaits
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Click to enlarge.
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Neither Seven Stars Insider nor http://www.sevenstarsinsider.com is affiliated in any way with Caesars License Company, LLC or Caesars Rewards®.