CoalCracker

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After our last CoalCracker Adventure to the Tropicana, I was in two minds about ever setting foot in Atlantic City again. The love affair we once had with the Trop seemed to have soured, and the aftermath felt akin to a bitter breakup. However, after some reflection and a heart-to-heart with my wife, we resolved to embark on a new chapter by exploring Hard Rock and Ocean.

The misadventure with the Tropicana was twofold. First, we were assigned a different suite than the one we’d booked. Now, that might seem like a trivial issue to many, but for me, it was critical. Owing to my back problems, nerve issues, and sleep apnea, lying flat on a bed can escalate into days of discomfort. Hence, we always book a particular suite that comes equipped with furniture conducive to my sleeping posture. But the Havana suite, to which we were reallocated, fell short of our expectations and made our stay uncomfortable.

If this was the sole issue, we might have gotten over it, chalking it up to bad luck. But the final straw was the condition of our van when retrieved from valet parking – smeared with filth that seemed to have emanated from a leaking sewer pipe. It was a blatant disregard on their part, and that incident drove the nail into the coffin of our relationship with Tropicana.

However, adversity often pushes us to adapt, and adapt I did. Anticipating any such unforeseen room changes in future CoalCracker Adventures, I invested in a twin-size air mattress, which resembles my couch back home. Accompanied by an additional foam pad, this setup would ensure a comfortable sleep, regardless of the room’s furniture. This makeshift arrangement comfortably fits into our suitcase, and I’m even contemplating customizing the air mattress further if this arrangement proves successful during our stay.

The upcoming trip isn’t our first booking with the Hard Rock. Originally, we had planned a stay in the Apollo suite around my wife’s birthday in October. However, upon deliberation, we felt it wise to first sample the Hard Rock experience through a complimentary room offer before committing a sizable amount.

The primary criterion, of course, is the presence of a couch in the room. As long as that’s assured, we believe our stay at Hard Rock should be promising.

On the eve of our CoalCracker Adventure, the excitement is palpable. But with it comes a sense of caution and meticulous planning. I must admit, I do wish Hard Rock had a more user-friendly app or website. Presently, the only acknowledgment of our reservation is an email, which isn’t exactly reassuring.

Change is often a daunting prospect. My wife, who found solace in the familiarity of the Trop, is understandably anxious. However, from our research, Hard Rock seems promising. Reviews have consistently highlighted its cleanliness – a facet where Tropicana fell short. Moreover, the plethora of dining options that remain operational throughout the week is a welcome change from our previous experiences.

It’s our hope that this trip will pave the way for more cherished memories and positive experiences. We’re also eyeing a visit to Ocean, hoping for a tier match from Rock Royalty to Ocean Prime. But for now, all eyes are on Hard Rock, and here’s hoping the next chapter in our CoalCracker Travels is one filled with joy and contentment.