We visited Atlantic City for first time in 2years. Strangely, I played some
9/6 DDB with friend Siona at the Showboat and hit a couple quads with kicker
at 50 cents so went to $1 and hit a royal. When I lived in fulltime in
Philadelphia we would go to AC a lot and play at Showboat on and on and on and
zero royals. Now I hit a royal in less than 1 hour. Go figure. Actually
didn't play too much and ending up leaving town with some money for a change!
We had heard Harrah's AC's new Red Door spa was the newest and best in AC.
If so, then the others must be pretty bad. I was surprised that it wasn't
better, compared to Vegas spas. The decor was new and nice, but the jacuzzi
was small and had very little jet power. They had no fruit on lady's side, no
apple juice or orange juice, only had cranberry juice and tea. There was a
nice sauna and steam room, but that was it with the jacuzzi. Compared to
Caesar's Palace's new spa - it was not impressive. Actually it seemed more on
par with older Harrah's Vegas spa, though the decor was new.
Also you had to pay an extra $10 to visit the gym - which is normally
included in Vegas spa costs. On top of that, they automatically charged an extra
16% for tip and 4% for amenities if you had a treatment. The amenities were
those you usually get for free at Vegas spas - the tea, jacuzzi, etc.
The good news was we had Stone Massages, and they were excellent, and very
relaxing.
I had gone to AC for my 7 Stars Annual Trip, so I used part of my $500 free
comp credit for the spa. I also got $100 for a "once a quarter" free spa
treatment that AC Harrahs properties give to 7 Star members.
We had a beautiful corner suite in Showboat with fantastic view of ocean and
balcony. Even a butler - though we didn't use his services for anything.
The host also gave us a free "amenity" of some sandwiches and soda (value
about $55).
We ate dinner at Showboat's Casa Di Napoli - very good Italian fare. Also
Showboat's buffet - decent but not great. Went to Harrah's AC for their new
Waterfront buffet - very good, but I missed the old Fantasea's excellent decor.
We found out if you have a Diamond or higher card (or other high level card
I think) you can go to the Borgata once a year and renew your card and get
$100 free play, plus admission for you and a guest to either their Amorpha club
or their buffet. We went to the club which had an amazing array of food in
a buffet, including excellent prime rib, some seafood, lots of deserts,
chicken, etc,
Also went to Trump Marina, which is having a special -- get their card and
show a Diamond or higher card from another resort and you get $100 comp per
person which you can use for food at any Trump property or at a 2 for 1 basis
at their gift shop. We ran out of time to eat, so used the resulting $50 per
person credit for gift shop purchases. They also give out a coupon good for
admission for you and a guest to any Chairman's club.
We stopped into the Diamond clubs at Showboat and Harrah's and were amazed
at how much food they had compared to Vegas Diamond clubs. All of the players
clubs in AC apparently serve way more food than similar clubs in Vegas. The
7* club in AC was only open Thurs-Sun, so we didn't try it, but it's food
also is much better in quality and choice than in Vegas.
Gambling in AC seems much improved over the last 6 years, with more 9/6 JB,
lots of other types of VP with close to 100% payout, and excellent players
clubs. Also giveaways of gifts continue. Since the amount of FP VP in Vegas
has decreased over the same time, it may be that AC is the better play to
play. Also AC players continue to have a number of multiple point days and other
specials to look for.
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