The One Resort You’ll Never Leave at the Jersey Shore
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I can’t stand Atlantic City. It’s not for me. I don’t find anything relaxing about the overcrowded, smoky casinos, litter-strewn beaches or strip mall style shops and restaurants.
But I love the Borgata. This upscale resort and casino off of the strip overlooking the marina, is simply a little oasis of awesome. When I visit the Borgata I don’t leave it for three days. There’s no need. It may seem a little strange, but it is true.
In fact I’ll let you in on a little secret, if I weren’t getting married on September 12, I would be at the Borgata in Atlantic City drinking a Corona and listening to Rick Springfield at Borgata Festival Park, the city’s newest 4,500-capacity outdoor venue. Jesse’s Girl, forever.
But there’s more to the Borgata than great music and shows. The resort has been hailed as Las Vegas comes east and New Jersey’s version of the Bellagio, and for good reasons. Here are the reasons it is one of my favorite weekend getaways.
The rooms: The property is gigantic, with 2,000 rooms and suites in the Borgata proper and another 800 in the non-gaming property, the Water Club.
After a $50 million renovation in 2012, the new rooms adhere to a classically modern design. They’re sleek and sexy with luxe linens and pillows that make you want to sleep in as late as possible.
What I love: They take you to the beach! And not just any beach — a really nice beach. The resort’s beach shuttle leaves every 45 minutes and takes guests to the Brigantine beach right next to the fabulous Laguna Grill & Rum Bar. The hotel provides complimentary towels and tags for all guests.
Another thing I simple adore—the hotel is incredibly gay-friendly, offering special packages for LGBT travelers and excellent support for planning a big old gay beach wedding.
Related: 7 Affordable Beach Hotels Around the Globe
The food: I swear I run into Bobby Flay every time I come here. There’s the celebrity chef, just hanging out at the bar and checking in on his Borgata restaurant, Bobby Flay Steak. I always say hi. I think we’re getting to be pals. His restaurant on the property is a classic steakhouse, but where they really shine is with the surf & turf. Make sure to try the lobster and crispy squid salad before diving into a delectable spice-rubbed steak.
For some Japanese flair, head to Michael Schulson’s Izakaya. Be sure to order the rock shrimp, wagyu beef, and chicken wings (the secret to their deliciousness is that they are braised in duck fat before being fried).
Real foodies should book a stay during the Savor Borgata weekend on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7, to indulge in the Street Eats: Savor the World, food festival celebrating street food around the globe.
Related: Atlantic City — Inside the Real Boardwalk Empire
What to do besides gamble: I don’t gamble, but everyone I travel with does. While they blow on their dice, the Borgata gives me plenty of other options to play and laze around.
The resort has two spas, five pools, and two fitness centers, not to mention the best shopping that South Jersey has to offer. There are few things more relaxing than a day at the 54,000-square-foot Spa Toccare, which has 31 treatment rooms. All treatments get you access to the spa’s lush garden pool, far away from the casino floor.
For the party animals: Once again, Borgata offers enough nightlife options that you will have no reason to leave the property for a fab evening out. Get crazy at the nightclub-dance hall MIXX or lounge at mur.mur.
My personal favorite is the lively tequila bar, Gypsy Bar, with live music and dancing. You’ll feel like you’re in a pub in Dublin.
Satisfy your inner frat boy with some onsite cornhole and pingpong.
Make sure to check the concert schedule for upcoming shows from FloRida and the Band Perry.
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