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Returning to Caesars Atlantic City in 2022 was a trip imbued with heightened expectations. Having previously been swayed by the opulence of the Emperor Suite in 2019, this year’s experience was eagerly anticipated. Nestled in the vibrant heartbeat of Atlantic City, Caesars remains an iconic emblem of luxury and leisure, a place where Roman grandeur intersects with modern sophistication.

However, our recent visit presented a series of highs and lows that painted a more nuanced picture of this esteemed establishment. With post-Covid transformations shaping the hospitality landscape, certain elements of the hotel experience took a different turn than expected. While some moments dazzled, like the culinary triumphs at Morton’s and the allure of slot machine winnings, other aspects, including our initial room reservation hiccup and certain suite amenities, left room for reflection.

This review provides an in-depth look into our 2022 journey, offering insights and observations that may guide future guests in setting their own expectations for a stay at Caesars Atlantic City. As the saying goes, “Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered) – but did we truly feel victorious by the end of our stay? Dive in to find out.

Hotel being reviewed:

Nestled in the heart of the bustling Atlantic City stands the iconic Caesars Atlantic City. Our recent stay was in their Ocean Tower, initially booked within the Octavius Suite, a non-smoking haven furnished with a plush king-sized bed. But, with the upgrade, we were staying in the newly renovated emperor suite.

Having experienced the grandeur of the Emperor Suite three years prior, our return visit brought with it a mix of nostalgia and heightened anticipation. As we learned, every suite tells a different tale, and this journey was all about discovering the new narrative of the Emperor Suite.

Stay Duration:

Our stay at Caesars Atlantic City spanned from 12/4/22 to 12/9/22. These five days and nights gave us ample time to immerse ourselves in the luxury of the Emperor Suite, experience the array of amenities the hotel offered, and reacquaint ourselves with the charm of Atlantic City.

Initial Expectations:

As we geared up for our second venture to Caesars Atlantic City, our memories from the 2019 visit were still vivid. The grandeur of the Emperor Suite had left an indelible mark, setting a gold standard for our accommodations. The world had changed considerably in the intervening three years, with a global pandemic halting much of our travel plans, and we were curious to see how Caesars had adapted and evolved during this period. We had caught whispers of recent renovations, fueling our excitement and curiosity. With the 2022 booking of the Ocean Tower Octavius Suite, we were intrigued to see if this new abode could match or perhaps even surpass our previous experience. Furthermore, the switch to the Caesars Rewards credit card and our elevated status to Platinum gave us hopes of enhanced perks and services. Would the majestic vibe, impeccable service, and top-notch amenities we had come to associate with Caesars remain consistent? These questions and the promise of a refurbished experience made our return all the more anticipated.

Hotel Overview:

Situated on the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk, Caesars continues to dominate as a recognizable beacon of luxury and entertainment. Even with the passage of time since our 2019 visit, its majestic facade remains unmistakably Caesars. This time around, our familiarity with its grand architecture and the adjoining boardwalk provided a comforting nostalgia, though the surroundings exhibited some wear and tear, possibly a residual effect of the pandemic’s impact on tourism. In 2019, the hotel’s opulence, coupled with its prime location, allowed guests easy access to both the serene beach and the bustling nightlife of Atlantic City. Today, despite the evident changes in the city’s landscape, Caesars maintains its allure, standing as a testament to timeless elegance amidst changing tides. The convenient positioning of the hotel not only affords guests spectacular views but ensures they are always at the epicenter of action and relaxation.

Atmosphere:

Upon entering the Emperor Suite this visit, it felt like a reunion with an old friend. The suite, which we’d experienced back in 2019, maintained its timeless elegance, blending old-world charm with plush furnishings. Its regal ambiance still evoked that opulent Roman decadence we had come to associate with Caesars. Contrasting our memories with the present, the suite seemed to have retained its commitment to a blend of antiquity and luxury. Yet, nuances in the main living room’s decor suggested a slight shift towards the contemporary. While the space was undeniably lavish, some elements seemed to lean too heavily into ostentation, diverging slightly from the classic elegance we cherished during our previous stay.

Yet, a commendable aspect of Caesars’ design philosophy is its commitment to comfort. The renovated bathroom and bedroom, replete with a sizable walk-in closet, demonstrated this aspect brilliantly. In sharp contrast, the plush tranquility of the suites stands in opposition to the lively casino floors below, filled with flashing lights, ringing slots, and the constant hum of excited chatter.

While the suites remained an oasis of quietude, our experience this time around was slightly marred by the sounds of neighboring children. Such occurrences remind one of the hotel’s broad appeal – from couples seeking romantic getaways to families enjoying their vacations.

Cleanliness, an attribute we’ve come to expect from Caesars, was consistent with our previous experience. The meticulously clean suite on our arrival underscored the hotel’s unwavering dedication to ensuring a pristine environment for its guests, a detail even more appreciated given the lingering concerns of the pandemic era.

Service:

The realm of service is where any luxury hotel truly showcases its caliber, and Caesars Atlantic City has always taken pride in its approach. Our 2019 experience set the bar rather high in terms of the courteousness and efficiency of the staff. That trip was marked by smooth interactions and a sense of being pampered, the gold standard we expected to see maintained or even surpassed in our 2022 visit.

During our most recent visit, the check-in process threw us a curveball that left a slightly sour taste. Eagerly anticipating our stay in the Octavius Suite, we were met with the surprising news that it was unavailable. To add to the inconvenience, the counter staff offered us an upgrade to a superior suite but with a catch—an additional fee. Considering the significant increase in our expenses for this trip compared to our 2019 visit, this proposition was less than appealing. They also offered us a downgrade to a smaller suite. We firmly declined the notion of paying extra for their oversight or downgrading our stay. After some discussion, the situation was ultimately rectified, as we were graciously upgraded to the Emperor Suite without any additional charges.

Such initial friction notwithstanding, the rest of our interactions with the staff painted a different picture. Whether it was room service, housekeeping, or concierge inquiries, the promptness and professionalism that Caesars is renowned for were evident. It’s crucial to note that our experience was not reflective of an overall dip in service quality but rather isolated incidents, perhaps symptomatic of the changes and challenges the hospitality industry faced post-pandemic.

Suite Amenities:

Our previous stay in 2019 had set a lofty benchmark in terms of suite comfort, with the Emperor Suite radiating an unparalleled sense of luxury and practicality. With these fond memories as a backdrop, the Emperor Suite in our 2022 stay somewhat struggled to meet these expectations.

The bed, true to Caesar’s reputation, was indeed comfortable. It provided the soft embrace one needs after a long day, guaranteeing a good night’s sleep. But beyond this oasis of comfort, the suite’s design fell short. The living room area, in stark contrast to the bedroom, felt less inviting. Where one would expect a cozy setting to unwind, the furniture felt rigid, lacking the plush touch that was synonymous with the Emperor Suite.

The master bath within the Emperor Suite was undeniably impressive. From its steam-enabled shower and a spacious jetted tub (even if it felt a touch smaller than our previous suite’s tub) to the double sink vanity and dedicated makeup vanity with brilliantly lighted mirrors, it was a space designed for relaxation and luxury. There was even a bidet-equipped water closet for added comfort.

During one of the days, with my wife away at her conference, I decided to indulge in a luxurious soak in the jetted tub. Imagining a spa-like experience, I turned on the steam shower, letting its door remain open to let the steam envelop the room. However, about half an hour in, I was jolted by the suite’s highly sensitive and blaring smoke alarms. The seamless design of the bathroom, lacking a proper door, allowed the steam to drift into the adjoining bedroom, triggering the alarm.

As if that wasn’t chaotic enough, there was a prompt ring at the suite’s doorbell. Opening it, I was met with two security personnel and a maintenance staff member. After a quick explanation and a few chuckles, they efficiently silenced the alarm. The lesson was clear: combining a steamy shower with a bath might not be the best idea in such a suite. When my wife returned and heard the story, she found it amusing, while I couldn’t help but feel a tad foolish.

But the bath saga didn’t end there. A few hours later, I felt discomfort on my back, which eventually turned into a noticeable sore spot. Over the next days, it worsened before beginning to heal, taking roughly two weeks to fully recover. I surmised that the tub’s powerful jets, which I might have set too high, were the culprits. With that experience in mind, I’m hesitant about a repeat soak in the future.

Overall, while the newly renovated Emperor Suite boasted some notable features, it seemed as if it was engaged in a balancing act between luxury and oversight. While the suite had its moments of comfort, they were often overshadowed by glaring design flaws and unexpected incidents.

Dining Options:

During our 2022 sojourn at Caesars Atlantic City, the dining landscape had shifted noticeably since our 2019 visit. Room service, a staple in our previous stay, had transitioned to takeout and delivery managed directly by the hotel’s restaurants. This transformation offered a more diverse menu range, but a significant drawback was the limited operational hours of several dining establishments, especially during weekdays.

My lunch options were narrowed considerably because of this, leading me to dine at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill multiple times, not necessarily out of choice but due to the lack of alternatives. The fact that my wife and I started our culinary journey there on the very first night further punctuates its presence during our stay. While the 2019 favorite, the buffet, was absent this trip, the Gordon Ramsay Pub provided a few notable dishes such as the Buffalo Style Crispy Cauliflower, GR Wedge Salad, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, and Turkey Club. However, the Lobster Mac & Cheese and their burger range were decent but not particularly outstanding.

The expectations were towering when we dined at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen with my wife’s brokerage. Regrettably, the experience fell short of our anticipation. My strip steak was satisfactory, but my wife found her salmon dish wanting.

Contrastingly, our dinner at Morton’s emerged as the week’s culinary pinnacle. The ambiance coupled with the impeccably cooked dishes made our evening memorable. My ribeye and my wife’s combination of filet and lobster were flawless, embodying the restaurant’s reputation for excellence. The accompanying bill was steep, but given the quality of our meal, it felt justified.

For those sweet cravings post-dinner, Taza cafe became our go-to spot. Operating round the clock, it was the perfect venue for late-night dessert indulgences.

To sum it up, Caesars Atlantic City in 2022 offered a mixed bag of dining experiences. While some restaurants like Morton’s met and exceeded expectations, others left us yearning for more. The shift from room service to direct restaurant takeout was a double-edged sword, providing variety but also revealing gaps in weekday dining availability.

Overall Stay Experience:

Our 2022 stay at Caesars Atlantic City was a tapestry of highs and lows. Among the memorable highs were the exhilarating feeling of the slot machine winnings — nothing beats the thrill of luck favoring you in such an iconic setting. Additionally, our dining escapade at Morton’s was nothing short of spectacular. The dishes were a culinary delight, reinforcing the consistent quality and luxury that Caesars promises and often delivers.

However, not all aspects of our stay met the benchmark set by our previous experiences or our expectations. The evident post-Covid transformations, while understandable, felt a tad disorienting and not entirely up to par with what we had anticipated from such a renowned establishment. But the most palpable dent in our overall experience was the comfort of the suite’s furniture. While visually appealing, it lacked the plush comfort and luxury we expected, making our relaxation moments less than optimal. In summary, while the stay had its golden moments, there were definite areas where Caesars could refine its guest experience.

Conclusion:

The hallmark of any memorable hotel stay lies not just in the physical amenities offered but in the lingering sentiment it leaves behind. Caesars Atlantic City, for us, was a mosaic of contrasting experiences this time. While our anticipation was sky-high, the reality didn’t quite meet our expectations. Would I recommend Caesars to a friend or family member? Based on this recent trip, I find myself hesitating. Our hearts were set on reliving and even surpassing the charm of previous stays, yet we left with a tapestry of both pleasant memories and areas of disappointment.

However, one trip’s narrative does not define the entirety of what Caesars represents. Recognizing our Platinum rewards status and our proximity to achieving Diamond, we’ve made the considered decision to give other Caesars properties in Atlantic City a fair shot. With a visit to Harrah’s slated for January 2023 and a subsequent stay at Tropicana later that year, we remain optimistic. Atlantic City holds a special place for both my wife and me, especially given her professional engagements and our shared fondness for the locale. We are hopeful about uncovering new experiences and possibly finding an alternative hub for future conferences. As for this particular stay, our verdict sits at a balanced 5 out of 10. It encapsulates the ups and downs, emphasizing our quest for consistency in luxury and service.

Tips/Advice:

Navigating the vast offerings of Caesars Atlantic City can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time guests. Here are a few insider tips based on our recent stay to help you make the most of your visit:

1. Culinary Delights: If you’re on the lookout for an unforgettable dining experience, make a reservation at Morton’s. Though the price might be on the higher end, the culinary journey is worth every penny. For a more relaxed meal, especially during lunch hours, Gordon Ramsay Pub serves as a dependable option, offering a range of delectable dishes that cater to diverse palates. And no visit to Caesars is complete without surrendering to your sweet tooth. Make your way to Taza and indulge in their range of sumptuous desserts, which serve as a perfect treat after a long day of activities or gaming.
2. Strategize Your Stay: The allure of Atlantic City magnifies during the weekend with a surge in events, shows, and overall buzz. If you thrive in such environments, then the weekend is your playground. However, for those who prefer a quieter ambiance, a mid-week stay might be the ideal choice. Not only will you likely secure a more cost-effective rate, but navigating through lesser crowds can make your stay more serene. Do keep in mind, however, that some dining options and amenities might have limited availability during the weekdays. Hence, plan in advance and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Armed with these tips, you’re well on your way to crafting a memorable Caesars Atlantic City experience tailored to your preferences. Whatever you choose, remember to soak in the ambiance and enjoy the moments.

Please note. This post was initially written in 2022, but never published – along with many other posts. I am using ChatGPT to assist in converting all of my notes into full reviews and sharing them here – backdated, to the time they were initially written to.