Atlantic City bargains in a sea of change
If you haven't been to Atlantic City in years, a lot of things have changed for the better since your last visit.
It's trying to be more like Las Vegas by offering more things to do than just gamble and it's paying off.
And if you do just a little research, you'll find some great deals on lodging.
But I did some of the homework for you.
Of course, staying anywhere off-season and on weekdays will save you money. But you'd be surprised how much you really save.
You can stay at the Tropicana for $58 on a Wednesday in December, for example (compare that to $250 on a Saturday night).
We stayed at the Tropicana in January and loved it. Two words why: self-contained. You can shop, gamble, eat, enjoy a show, dance and relax at the bar all under one roof.
The casino had just opened the Quarter at Tropicana, the biggest non-gambling expansion in Atlantic City history, so we were in for a treat.
The 3-story, Havana-themed complex has more than 40 restaurants, nightclubs and stores.
There's the Latin-themed Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, blues club The Sound of Philadelphia, nightspots including Tango's and 32° Luxe Lounge.
Lots of places to shop if you're into that. Chico's, Brooks Brothers, MONDI.
Great selection of restaurants. We recommend the Ri-Ra, an Irish-theme pub and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.
And if lady luck was frowning instead of smiling over you, no worries. Just grab a handful of pennies and park yourself in front of one of the Tropicana's penny slots.
I broke even during our last visit, so I'd chalk that up as a success.
If you're thinking about driving, it's about 500 miles from Greensboro. And make sure you time it so you don't get stuck on the beltway around D.C. during morning or afternoon rush hours.
