After visiting Atlantic City hotels for nearly two decades, I’ve learned to meet big marketing promises with healthy skepticism. Ocean Casino Resort, however, exceeded my expectations in ways that felt genuine. This property has found its rhythm.
First Impressions Matter
The VIP check-in was simple and smooth. Staff handled reservations efficiently and balanced professionalism with warmth. After enough Atlantic City check-ins that test your patience, this efficiency stands out.
Our room made good on its ocean view promise—floor-to-ceiling windows with an unobstructed Atlantic panorama. You see exactly why they built it 55 stories high. The room felt modern without trying too hard and comfortable without extra gimmicks that tend to break within months.
What impressed me most was how consistently everything worked. From room amenities to service, it all ran as promised. For a busy weekend in Atlantic City, that level of reliability is no small feat.
The Food Lives Up to the Hype
I went to Linguini by the Sea curious but cautious. The meal matched the oceanfront setting. The pasta and meatballs showed proper technique and real care—exactly what you hope for in an ambitious Italian restaurant.
They didn’t rely on the view to carry the meal. Service struck the right balance: attentive without hovering, present without vanishing. And the ocean views are some of the best on the East Coast.
Fisher Brought the Energy
I hadn’t been to a beachclub in years, but HQ2 Beachclub reminded me why it works when done right. The 45,000-square-foot space gave the Fisher crowd room to move, and the sound system stayed clear all night.
Fisher’s set captured the energy that makes electronic music so compelling. The crowd fed off it, creating that communal spark that makes live music stick. Bar service kept up, and the VIP sections felt integrated rather than isolated. I didn’t know who he was (getting old, I guess)—but with over 2 million Instagram followers, he must be doing something right.
Comedy Gold in Ovation Hall
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s Restless Leg Tour hit Ovation Hall, and the venue handled it well. Acoustics were strong from our Skybox seats, and sightlines were good throughout the 4,500-seat hall.
Their show mixed smart humor with wide appeal—no easy task in a casino. Their timing was flawless, and their chemistry lifted the performance. This is the level of entertainment that positions Ocean as more than just a casino with a stage.
Amada Delivers Late-Night Quality
Chef Jose Garces’ Amada became our late-night spot. A 9:30 PM start time didn’t faze them. The Spanish tapas came out consistent and well-executed across multiple dishes. The kitchen stayed sharp despite the hour and our large group, and service standards didn’t slip, even on a packed Saturday night.
Good service during busy hours says more about a property’s depth than a flawless Tuesday lunch ever could.
The Bigger Picture
Ocean’s recent investments show up where they matter. The $85 million expansion in 2022 added 460 rooms that blend seamlessly into the existing property—no obvious shortcuts or mismatched design. The 135,000-square-foot gaming floor offers enough variety to keep all kinds of players interested without feeling overwhelming.
There’s 160,000 square feet of meeting space, positioning them for group business beyond weekend leisure travelers. The 90,000 square feet of outdoor event space makes real use of the oceanfront location instead of just using it as a marketing line.
What Sets Ocean Apart
Ocean Casino Resort carved out its niche by focusing on experiential luxury instead of just high-roller gaming or packing in volume. While Borgata leans into high-stakes play and others chase sheer headcount, Ocean targets guests who want the full resort feel.
The $150 food and beverage credit wasn’t just a throwaway perk—it showed they trust their dining to impress enough to bring you back. When a property gives you money to spend, they’re betting you’ll return and spend more.
The upcoming Stephen Starr restaurants—Chez Frites and Sunny’s—open August 1 and signal they’re still investing in quality dining over cutting costs. Starr’s name alone suggests Ocean knows food drives repeat visits.
The Bottom Line
Ocean Casino Resort works because it executes well across the board instead of leaning on one highlight. The mix of true oceanfront access, good food, strong entertainment, and solid service delivers real value for the price.
For New Jersey residents tired of Atlantic City spots that promise luxury but deliver mediocrity, Ocean shows it can be done right, minus the pretension. This weekend proved they’ve figured out how to deliver a complete resort experience where others struggle with the basics.
Whether they can keep this level of quality through different seasons remains to be seen, but the foundation is there. Ocean Casino Resort shows what Atlantic City hospitality can be when someone commits to doing it right.
After twenty years of covering these properties, finding one that consistently delivers feels genuinely refreshing. Ocean Casino Resort earns its spot among the few that justify your time and money.
Tom is a lifelong New Jersey resident, Rutgers and FDU alumni and the publisher of The Digest.
