This may not be an original idea, but that doesn't mean that folks aren't interested in value when they visit any casino destination. However, in Atlantic City value isn't always easy to find. Thus, my preliminary list of best values is limited to a few items of varying degrees of usefulness and the ability to save you money while still getting a desired service in return.
Here's what I have thought of thus far:
- Trump Marina Free Slot Days - $50 in slot/video poker losses returned to anyone on their next visit is an excellent incentive to seek out one of the few playable machines in this otherwise mediocre casino (NOTE TO READERS: I don't see the next scheduled day on the calendar at this time
- Bally's New Player Slot Rebate - If you're the last person on earth that Harrah's doesn't have in their database, then sign up for a Total Rewards card at Bally's at Harrah's will refund $100 in losses, but play big because the current deal pays you back for your first 30 minutes of losses. Anything after that is on you.
- Diamond Lounges - While this is of no value to the casual visitor, but for Atlantic City regulars Harrah's proves that there is such a thing as a free lunch and it comes with free booze and doesn't cost you any comp dollars
- The Irish Pub - Unless you're getting comped at your machines it's hard to find reasonably priced beer on the Boardwalk. OK, this is a few steps down from the Wooden Way, but for cheap eats and drinks it's the best deal in town. No celebrity chefs or fancy menus here, but if you want a burger and a beer it's a best bet.
- Free Parking - Harrah's offers this for all members now (except for Showboat, where you "pay" on your way into the garage), though "Gold" card holders have to earn 25 points in a gaming day; Trump Marina has followed suit, while other properties reserve this perk for premium cardholders (I guess Borgata think it adds to the "snob appeal" of being Black Label)
- Atlantic City Historical Museum - This tiny collection of pictures and memorabilia on Garden Pier, just North of the Showboat, reminds visitors that Atlantic City has a long history as a tourist destination and entertainment mecca and the price is whatever you choose to donate. Who could ask for a better value?
There are things missing here. I hope that some folks will share their ideas about the items I posted and those that I may have overlooked.
4 comments:
A couple things I left out are the Bonus Reward Credit days at the Harrah's properties. Sure, you have to qualify for them based on previous play, but most folks who would be racking up a significant number of credits already are getting these offers and they seem stronger than what I've heard about in other casino markets. Certainly, the Harrah's Las Vegas properties don't send out offers like this and they offer (far) worse gambling options.
The other excellent value that isn't available right now is the ability to upgrade your slot club card to premium status by showing another casino's premium card, usually a Harrah's Diamond card. A couple years back Resorts allowed folks to do this, but that offer hasn't returned for a while. However, Borgata seems to pretty regularly offer Black Label upgrade for Diamond players and has even renewed some folks, and last year they were kicking in $100 in free slot play. $100 free play and free parking for a year is a sweet deal at Atlantic City's classiest resort. Finally, the Trump Casinos offered an upgrade and a bunch of comp dollars (I forget whether it was $50 or $100) to move up a few tiers in their club if you were Diamond at Harrah's, but that offer has also dried up. Let's hope the spring brings a rebirth of these great values!
Here are a few values, though not necessarily top values:
1. The South Jersey Entertainment Book
Has 241 coupons for Atlantic City. There are (2) 241 up to $18 at the French Quarter Buffet at the Showboat and (2) 241 up to $12 at the Mansion Cafe at the Showboat. There is (1) 241 up to $6 at Johnny Rockets at Bally's.
You can use the coupons and pay the balance using your reward credits. They will usually let you use a coupon for half off one person too.
If you've bought an Entertainment Book in your home town you can sometimes get discounted books for vacation destinations.
2. Philly Soft Pretzel Factory
These stores are popping up all over the place and there's one on the boardwalk next to Bally's. The pretzels are cheap, filling and worth the carb splurge. You can usually get them hot.
3. The Walk - The Outdoor Outlet Mall
They have recently added 40 shops and like any "outlet" center, if you're lucky you might just find some decent bargains.
That's what I like about these blogs. A few things I wouldn't have thought of there, bigfus. With several of us posting, all with different goal, tastes, and budgets, we should be able to provide pretty thorough coverage of the town.
Thanks for getting us off to a good start.
The Beach / Ocean! It's a major attraction and you can just walk right onto it.
Post a Comment