A friend and I were looking for a more affordable (but nice) hotel options close to the Borgata, where our party was. We searched for an incredibly long time and finally on a last minute "deal" Hotwire led us to The Chelsea. We did not know what to expect since it was not one of the more well-known 4/5 star chains. Thankfully, we were NOT disappointed. Someone wrote that this is a "boutique hotel that gets it right", and I agree. It's still under some construction but it did not take away from the quaintness of the hotel. The cozy lobby was stylish and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful (although there we a couple instances where 1.the reception was slow, and 2) the younger valet employees were a little aloof to customer service). The room decor was trendy and current, comfortable king size bed- comforter- sheets- mattress - I fell right asleep right away I was so snug! An interesting selection of fun items from the mini-bar. The bathroom was immaculate (there was one faux paus, however, the cleaning people left the previous guests used shampoo bottle and soap in the shower caddy, but bc the over all experience was great it didn't irk me too much). I mentioned this at check out and the clerk seemed to take a serious note of it! Another plus is that they seem to make great use of the space, the location of the pool-which I did not check out but heard good things about it, and there is a club on the 5th floor that you enter in right from the main elevator and although we did not go in it looked pretty pumping with a great crowd and music from our elevator view! The other minor down side is no there room service (not sure if they have it all, but the they def don't have it after hours), I mean for our purposes we didn't NEED it bc we got in so late, but it would have been nice to have an a.m. snack from the night of partying at the Borgata! Finally, when we left, there were two concierge men that we so funny and friendly when they were giving us directions, they seem to make ending my experience on a nice personal touch.

If ever given the opportunity to stay here again I totally would. Just to make use of the pool and the check out the club for the night.

We stayed at the Chelsea last Thursday and Friday night. There were some very nice highlights and overall it is a very nice hotel. However, I would not have been happy had we paid the full price rates that it looks like will be charged (We booked through Travelzoo and got $109 weekday and $159 for Friday night).

First, the beach service is AWESOME!!! They set up chairs and umbrellas for you and walk fresh towels down and lay them out for you all free of charge. Love it!!

Second, the pool area / 5th floor looked nice, but we really didn't partake. There was a ton of staff waiting around to take drink orders at all times. The lounge chairs were nice and plushy.

Third, the room. Here, I wasn't overly impressed. We had a partial water view King Luxe. Nothing special. The bed was nice and comfy and the bathroom was nice (very nice products and twice daily housekeeping). No fridge (only $$$$ mini-bar, no iron / ironing board (although they did bring us one), the wallpaper was taped to the wall and missing in one spot that was pretty noticeable and looked really bad. No guides, menus, etc. I'm sure a lot of this can be attributed to newness though.

Fourth.....my gripes. We were placed on the sixth floor right above the nightclub. GET A HIGHER FLOOR!!! We listened to bass thumping until about 4:30 am Saturday morning. However, that was more pleasant than the wake up on Friday morning, which was the testing of the alarm system at 5 AM!!!!!!! We received a notice late Thursday night that there would be a short test of the alarm system for a couple of seconds Friday morning between 5-7 am. It was 5, and lasted periodically for about 1/2 hour. Yep, that sucked! I think that may have been the city's fault , but its still my vacation. I did complain about the noise issues, but didn't get anything besides a "sorry." I was hoping for at least free valet parking, but it didn't happen. ($10 weekday / $15 weekend)

Overall, it's a nice place that will only get nicer once all the bugs are worked out. HOWEVER, I would NOT be willing to pay $400-$600 per night which is what I'm seeing advertised. For that money, go to the Borgata!! The service isn't as good, but in my opinion the overall quality of the room, onsite casino, bar / dining options, etc. is worth it. ( I would miss the bath products and beach service though).

I just returned from a one night stay at the Chelsea during its soft opening, and I am already planning on going back. The entire staff from the valet to waitresses to pool life guard to beach attendants were cordial, friendly, upbeat and helpful. They clearly did everything they could to make guests feel relaxed and pampered. Nothing was too much trouble.

The fifth floor common area was the center point of the hotel with pool, living room, game room, restaurant, 2 bars, and terraces all together making it seem that each room was a different experience. Despite the fact that the pool was relatively small, it had a resort feel with drink service, attendants to fluff your pillows and set up your towels, and several couches to lounge on and enjoy the ocean view.

My very large king guest room was very comfortable with pillow top matress,, down comforter and pillows, gorgeous plasma television, upscale minibar with Glenlivet and Hendrick's gin, fluffy robes and Kiels bath products. The only noticable thing missing was a bathtub, as this only had a shower.

We just got back from a night at the new Chelsea hotel. It is located on the south end of Atlantic City near the Tropicana. Spending the night were my 11yo daughter and I in one room and my husband and 14yo son in the next room over.

First the good-

The public areas of the hotel are great. The pool which is open now is on the fifth floor roof. (Another roof top pool will open in the future on another roof which is on a higher floor on another part of the hotel). The pool water was quite cold. I didn't swim in it. There are plenty of nice lounge chairs and lots of attendants to bring fluffy white towels and covering for the chairs. There are lots of waitresses there to bring you drinks too. The pool area is quite attractive and boasts lots of private cabanas ($75 a day I think but that may be the ones on the beach) and one big cabana which is $600 for the day. All have Bose Speakers. There are other outdoor areas on the fifth floor to sit in and enjoy the ocean views which abound. They have a great game room with free pool, books, and many games to choose from. They offer free coffee and tea in the mornings up there too. Then there is a big lounge area with lots of sofas and chairs and a nice fireplace to sit by. Also there is a fine steak and seafood dining room that just opened with sweeping views of the ocean. I can't recall the name. The fifth floor is a great place to relax and kick back whether rain or shine.

The lobby, while small, is nicely appointed with contemporary design and fresh fragrant flowers.

The beach area is fantastic. The hotel has a place set up where they will bring you complementary lounge chairs, towels, umbrellas, tables, and garbage pails. They also have boogy boards for your use. You can also rent cabanas for I believe $75/day. What a great benefit to have the chairs/umbrellas. The hotel offers free use of bicycles and they also have "tip only" (no fee) boardwalk taxis. Those are the folks that pull you by walking in the carriages. Really nice touches for sure.

Now the not so good-

Remember that I think our visit may be still part of the soft opening for the hotel although we were neve told that the hotel was under a soft opening. My husband/son's room' TV did not work. We called many many times and noone bothered to come and fix it although several times we were told people were on their way. We also told the concierge about the TV.

At 10pm (yes 10pm!) we received a knock on the door (as did my husband in his room) for turn down service. I've never ever been to a hotel where they came at 10pm. Ridiculous.

We had no safe in our room which would have been very nice since when you go to the beach you don't want to bring your jewelry or wallet often.

Elevators are SLOW. Hotel employees often held the elevators for other employees or would get on before guests who were waiting as well. Guests should always go first.

There is no place at the hotel to eat breakfast or lunch right now. I think that may change in the future.

Although I like the way the public areas of the hotel are decorated I really dislike the room decoration. I wish I could name the 'style'. Let's just say it is a cross between the 50's, Art Deco, and Pier 1. Really not my style. A mishmash for sure. The bathroom was nice though with a shower and no tub and one sink.