How Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort Is Bouncing Back After The Pandemic

Forbes
 
How Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort Is Bouncing Back After The Pandemic
Wild Casino

When New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the immediate closure of Atlantic City’s casinos on March 16 last year to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the future was anything but certain. But instead of sitting in the dark, one casino resort identified the silver lining, remained hopeful, and decided to bet big on the future.

“When everything shut down last year, we took the opportunity to step back and assess what we could do to improve our property,” explains Ocean Casino Resort CEO Terry Glebocki, the sole female to hold the title at any area casino. “So upon reopening, we focused our efforts on our gaming product.” And after a hefty $15 million investment and comprehensive redesign effort spread over ten months, Ocean Casino Resort looks and feels more inviting than ever.

As for what’s new? Guests can indulge in high-stakes thrills at The Cove, a 7,450-square-foot high limit slot area, and The Loft, a private 2,000-square-foot luxury gaming suite perched sky high on the 44th floor. There’s also two swanky lounges, Luna’s and Avila, reserved exclusively for Ocean Rewards cardmembers. If slots are your game of choice, then try one (or more) of the 250 new machines. And to help you navigate the renovated casino floor with ease, safety, and comfort, pathways were installed.

But state-of-the-art gaming is just the beginning of Ocean Casino Resort’s appeal. Since it encompasses 20 acres along the beach and the tallest tower in the city, you won’t find more impressive views around. And no matter which category you book from the 1,399 rooms and suites, be assured that your accommodations will be spacious, spotless, and most importantly, quiet for a good night’s slumber – requisite in a city that prioritizes letting loose. 

Relief from those all-too-common late nights is within reach at Exhale Spa + Bathhouse, a calming 40,000 oasis featuring a Himalayan Salt grotto, jacuzzis, and steam rooms. Prefer to decompress outdoors? Then book one of the 13 Cab­­­anas at Ocean, which overlook the private pool and are outfitted with day beds, flat screen TVs, and dining tables.

And if you’re someone who travels with food in mind, you’ll be spoiled with formal and casual options galore. For a more refined meal, your best bet is American Cut, a classic steakhouse with a handsome design, buzzy bar scene, and, of course, faultless chops. (It also offers a terrific happy hour, too.) Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi turns out comforting, classic East Asian fare – the seafood pan-fried noodles and honey walnut shrimp are especially solid – in a lively, laid-back setting. Even The District, the resort’s food court, impresses by covering all your sudden cravings, from omelettes to ice cream.

So whether you’re playing to win big or simply soaking in the uninhibited views from your room, know that where you’re staying is truly set apart from the competition. “Ocean Casino Resort is unique, not only to Atlantic City, but to the East Coast,” says Glebocki. And despite all the recent updates and renovations, Glebocki promises the best is yet to come: “We have exciting plans for later this year, and into 2022. So this is just the beginning.”