The Pocket Guide to A.C.

Like an enfant terrible or Britney Spears, a visit to Atlantic City could benefit from some good old-fashioned guidance. Simply put, a proper plan could make or break your weekend. Thankfully, we’ve done all the good, the bad, and even the dirty; so take it from us and check out our all-inclusive guide for the most luxurious suites to the craziest casinos.

SWANKY STAYS
Lavish comes to life at these posh AC digs fit for a king (or at the very least, members of the New Jersey Nets and serious high rollers). Enjoy sky-high thread counts, incredible interiors and delectable dining options at these always-chic locales.

When only the best (and casino-free) will do, check out The Water Club. Each of the 800 guestrooms and suites are filled to the brim with sleek, upscale features- from Rain Dome showerheads to L’Occitane bath goodies- and expertly adorned with always sleek, never overdone décor. With a full-service spa, better-than-beach pool area, and designer-filled shops, we dare say it’s a life-altering experience.

Known for being the center of AC’s entertainment sector, the Borgata houses the big three- spa, hotel, and casino. On the hospitality side, enjoy imported marble vanities, plasma TV’s, and floor to ceiling windows that make for a spectacular view of the city. Enjoy gourmet fare at one of seven award-winning restaurants, the ultimate in pampering at the in-house spa, and if you’re looking to spend a pretty penny, an in-room wet bar.

Long before the rapid influx of showy casinos and gaudy hotel suites, AC was known for its understated elegance and for being “America’s Playground”. In an effort to relive those glory days, The Chelsea was built. From the vintage-style signage to the 330 chic hotel rooms, we’d become permanent tenants if we could. Enjoy a custom mini-bar, room service from in-house Steven Starr eatery Teplitzky’s.

NIGHTLIFE
We’ve all been there- you don your hottest designer duds for an evening out at the Jersey shore, but are met with nothing more than dive bars and 90’s cover music. It doesn’t have to be this way! Sip cocktails with celebs and move to the sounds of high-profile mix masters at AC’s best after-dark destinations. Expect a well-dressed crowd and killer décor- no 90’s music (or clothes) allowed.

Casbah Club is beyond busy in the summer months–they pull in upwards of 4,000 clubbers per night–and doesn’t feel at all sorry for the dance-floor chaos it causes. Guest DJs and resident DJs bring in high-energy music to fuel the 15 Casbah dancers who are sure to keep you on your dancing game. The idea here is to sell the nightclub experience, not massive amounts of high-priced liquor, to keep patrons coming back for more… and for that, it’s a no-fail among quality nightlife seekers.

Mixx is the ideal venue for embracing what Borgata’s all about. A high-energy dance club, where some of the most renowned DJs (think DJ AM and LaLohan’s gal pal, Sam Ronson) keep the party going well into the night. Reserve bottle service to fully enjoy a special occasion, whether it’s a bachelor/ette party or just a self-indulgent night out.

The best margaritas can be found at Gypsy Bar, inside The Borgata. Our pick? A cocktail of the same name, Gypsy, which is shaken to perfection "like a polaroid picture" (no seriously, the menu says that). If you’re looking for something more tropical, don’t miss the Continental’s take on the Mai Tai–complete with muddled peaches and Myer’s dark rum. More of the martini type? It’s Red Square all the way.

There are few things that rival a well-blended cocktail with a side of sun, sand and bikini-clad patrons. No matter which one you chose, our beach bar picks will allow you to indulge like you’re in a bar, without having to sacrifice those tan-inducing rays.

The Hilton Beach Bar couldn’t let the summer go by without once again serving frozen drinks in their famous Shake N’ Take beach bar glass. With drink of choice in hand, check out beachy menu items like cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, BBQ ribs, king crab legs, and shrimp.

At the The Trump Plaza Beach Bar, nosh on peel-and-eat shrimp or sushi rolls while you enjoy their summer sips–our favorites are the Mango Mojito with mango rum, Cointreau, mint syrup and club soda; and the Blueberry Vodkalada with Stoli Blueberi, pineapple juice, coconut milk and Blue Puckers.

If you’re looking for live entertainment, you can pretty much count on Ballys Bikini Beach Bar to bring it to you right. You don’t even have to leave the beach to grab something to eat, because the Pickles Deli offers a mix of munchies. Call the Bikini Beach Bar Hotline to rent cabanas all through the night. BONUS: The best beach spot in A.C. is just outside. You have easy access to an afternoon pedicure at Larimar (for your sand-encrusted heels) and can enjoy the beats from the bar all day, sans iPod nano.

 
Funnel Cakes
Been there done that. But pull a stoned-out-of-your-mind high-school pothead and throw the whole candy jar on that fried tangle of dough–Oreos, marshmallows, M&Ms, fudge. You can get this munchie concoction at St. James Place (that’s on S. Carolina Ave.) at Sundae’s Ice Cream stand.
 
Beach Supplies
You don a bikini and flops, but that’s about it. Sunscreen, towels, chairs, sunglasses, Chapstick and a camera somehow all missed out on your morning two-minute packing spree. Towels will run you up to $22 for one, but look for a wood beach mat (which although emit a strange smell, do the job). The mats roll up to become a little bag with handle and only will cost you about $5.