Caesars Atlantic City

Towering statues of historic figures such as Caesar Augustus; Roman spa baths; and eateries that prepare the fine cuisine of Italy all emphasize Caesars Atlantic City's Ancient Rome theme. Yet there are significant differences between this casino-hotel and the civilization that ruled before the birth of Christ. Among them: Togas were considered both daywear and evening wear in Ancient Rome. And there was nary an escalator or cocktail waitress around when you needed one. More akin to its Las Vegas namesake than Gaul, Caesars Atlantic City draws visitors to dine, gamble, shop, and unwind in its spa. Et tu, Brute?

Visitors to Caesars Atlantic City are likely to be assigned a renovated guest room complete with flatscreen TV, marble bathroom, a comfortable bed, and an iHome iPod dock beside it. Our corner room, 4401, was located on the top floor of the Centurion Tower and features spectacular views of both the Boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. Caesars provides heavy light-blocking draperies, a necessity. But if you happen to get to bed very late -- or awaken very early -- it's worth spreading them to marvel at the magnificent sunrise over the water.

Caesars Atlantic City contains several restaurants. Among the best are Primavera, for Italian fare; Mia, for sophisticated cuisine in a romantic setting; and Morton's, for steak. Discover more eateries at The Pier shops, connected by walkway to the hotel. If we could only have one great dinner there, we'd opt for Buddakan. Our order would start with the otherworldly edamame ravioli and include chicken-ginger dumplings as appetizers. Next we'd dig into sea bass with truffle jus or perhaps wasabi-crusted filet mignon. Save space for cream-filled Zen-ful donuts and leave with a smile as broad as the Buddha's himself.

The East Coast version of Caesars Las Vegas's lavish spa, Qua is located on the 4th floor of the Centurion Tower, near the hotel's indoor pool. In addition to sauna, steam, and fitness center, there are 14 treatment rooms, including a couples studio. We're generally not a fan of spas, but we may make an exception at Qua as it offers a "crystal body art application." This involves a consultation with a staff crystal "artist" to determine where to affix Swarovski crystals to the body and in what style. Tacky but fun, it guarantees to add sparkle to a stay.

Caesars Atlantic City features a two-level casino. Smoking is permitted on the ground level, where the Racebook is located, along with a poker section, table games, and slot machines. The ground-level casino seems to draw more action than the non-smoking floor above. Slot players will find a large variety of machines on both floors, including several fun themes this frequent visitor to Vegas had not before encountered in one-armed bandits.

Shoppers will want to visit The Pier shops, a delightful shopping and dining spot overlooking the ocean. Prestigious storefront brands include Apple, Tiffany, and Louis Vuitton. The attraction's third floor, where the restaurants are located, features Adirondack chairs in a sandy setting overlooking the water from high above. But you will want to go outside: The Atlantic City Boardwalk stretches for more than four miles alongside the ocean. It's a great place to stroll or jog past souvenir shops, cheap eateries, and the other casinos along the landmark wooden walkway. Come summer, the beach is a big draw, too.

Housekeeping at Caesars Atlantic City can be a bit haphazard. When we checked in, our room lacked bathrobes as well as some bathroom amenities, such as a shower cap and makeup pads. (We did appreciate having a lighted magnifying makeup mirror, though.) Also, the minibar was empty and turned off. Kudos for the energy saving -- but it would be nice to have a chilled beverage in the fridge or bottled water provided in the room.

Caesars draws a spirited, blue-collar crowd who whoop and holler in the casino. You'll find a more refined atmosphere in the hotel's fine dining restaurants. And of course, when you close the door to your room, it's just the two of you and that magnificent view.

Caesars Atlantic City
2100 Pacific Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-343-2455
Official Hotel Web Site

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