Experience the Thrill of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Back story: Hard Rock Hotel Casino Atlantic City, which opened in June, 2018, began life in 1990 as Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort which, at the time, was the world’s largest casino-hotel. After years of financial problems, it was purchased in 2014 by billionaire investor Carl Ichan, who shut it down in October, 2016. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, which owns the Hard Rock International brand, partnered with two New Jersey families involved in real estate development. Together they initiated a $500 million-plus, top-to-bottom renovation project.
First impressions: With its giant trademark guitar as a beacon, the entrance to Hard Rock is the most dramatic and exciting in Atlantic City and, arguably, on the entire east coast. When bands are playing, the live-music-focused Lobby Bar located between the hotel reception area and casino creates a palpable sense of energy and excitement.
Accommodations: There are two sky-scraping towers with a total of just over 2,000 rooms and suites. My standard North Tower room was laid out so that it felt bigger than it really is. The king-sized bed was as comfortable as any I’ve experienced, and the spacious bathroom (including separate water closet) featured two sinks and a large, glass-enclosed shower. But the coolest amenity was the Bruce Springsteen-style Fender Telecaster guitar and small Fender amplifier that I had sent up to the room to jam away the hours. They are available by request from the concierge desk.
It should be noted that Hard Rock is one of the few casinos—in Atlantic City or elsewhere—that provides security guards checking room keys at the elevator lobby.
Game on: The sprawling, 120,000 square-foot casino floor boasts more than 2,300 electronic units and 100-plus table games, as well as a sports book. However, the legendary, 65-table Taj Mahal poker room was eliminated as part of the expansion of the arena space.
Let’s eat: Its size allows HRAC to offer a wide selection of dining options covering a variety of tastes and budgets.
On the luxury end, patrons can choose from three casino-run eateries: Council Oak Steakhouse, a Boardwalk-fronting traditional casino steak-and-seafood salon with a glass-dominated décor, Kuro, a top-shelf Asian-fusion room and Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill, which showcases the tapas concept, but with an American-cuisine focus. There is also the independently owned Il Mulino New York, a justifiably acclaimed Italian spot.
Prior to my recent visit, I hadn’t dined at Il Mulino since the Taj Mahal days, and forgot just how wonderful the more formal half of the operation is (there’s also an adjoining, more casual trattoria). Its romantic and elegant atmosphere, spectacularly creative, ultra-fresh dishes and meticulous service place it among the very best restaurants—Italian or otherwise--Atlantic City has to offer.
More-casual (and moderately priced) dining experiences are found at the iconic Hard Rock Café, which specializes in burgers, wings, salads and sandwiches, Sugar Factory, with its trademark high-energy vibe and wild specialty milkshakes and cocktails and Fresh Harvest Buffet, a traditional casino smorgasbord.
“Grab-and-go” fans can choose between such outlets as Pizata (pizza), Chop & Toss (salads) and, best of all, an outpost of Atlantic City’s beloved White House Subs.
That’s entertainment: As befits a property whose brand is based on pop music, Hard Rock stands as AyCee’s entertainment capital. Its 7,000-seat Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena regularly hosts the kinds of acts that otherwise fill much-larger hockey arenas.
The 1,500-seat Sound Waves theater presents lower-level headliners as well as theatrical presentations. It’s also the home of a popular series of Sunday-matinee musical revues that pay homage to various pop-rock genres and eras. The current program, “Dance To the Music: A ‘60s Celebration,” runs through the end of January.
In addition, Hard Rock prides itself on presenting live music 365 days a year at Lobby Bar and Hard Rock Café.
Say spaaaaaaaa: The Flintstones-monikered Rock Spa & Salon is an oasis of luxurious relaxation for body and mind alike. Its two levels contain a full-service beauty salon as well as 31 treatment rooms (20 for massage) and a coed area with a huge, 101-degree hot tub and 89-degree cooling tub. My 50-minute “We Will Rock You” massage was heavenly thanks to the expert ministrations of my therapist, Denise. The hot rocks she strategically placed on my back and the well-heated oil she used throughout provided me a physical and mental mini-vacation.
Rock & roll relics: The Hard Rock brand’s signature—a massive collection of pop music memorabilia—is a crucial part of the HRAC experience. Among the scores of pieces on display throughout the public spaces are a Rolls-Royce once owned by Elvis Presley as well as numerous signed guitars and stage wear from the likes of Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and the members of KISS.
For more information or to book your room, call 888.577.9222 or visit AAA.com/Travel
Members can save 20% off food, non-alcoholic beverages and retail products in Rock Shops at Hard Rock company-owned locations.
