Was supposed to go to Cancun...but with mr gustav knocking on (or down) the door...I got scared and decided to stay local. Let me premise this write-up by stating that I work in the airline industry and travel a lot.

This is a boutique hotel, very reminiscent of the renovated, art-deco hotels in Miami on Ocean Drive. (it reminded me a lot of the Park Central if you're familiar) I LOVED it. I chose this hotel because it is beach front, plus they offer chair and umbrella service, included, and it was more moderately priced than other hotels in A.C. (which are ridiculous in my opinion)

The lobby is, again, very art deco and they had 2 HUGE-NORMOUS bouquets of my favorite flowers, lilies, which give off a beautiful scent. Very classy.

We checked in and there apparently was an error because I double booked somehow. I was very scared that I was going to get screwed on the deal...they made me call their central reservations department, which I did...then, the res dept stated that they were going to refund me the cheaper reservation....huh? me no likey...so the manager came out and when I told her my sob story she refunded me the more expensive reservation...very professional, very smooth...I'm happy.

Overall, EVERYONE was extremely polite and courteous. There is no lack of customer service in this hotel (which in my opinion is a necessity). Everyone went out of their way to greet and offer any services to the guests. I hope this will always be the norm.

They upgraded me to a partial ocean front with one king bed. The room is very nice. There is an ipod dock/player which I adore. There is a large flat screen but it isn't the best picture...but whatever...no dvd. The bed was divinely comfy...no problems there...the bathroom is a standing rainshower...and the best part there is the amenities...Kiehls...love it!!

The beach service is excellent. I considered renting a cabana but when I saw how far back they were I passed. The beach is lovely and clean.

The pool scene is fab fab fab...loved it, very delano in miami.

The restaurants were quality. Breakfast in Teplinsky's was decadent and worth every penny. We ate in the Chelsea Prime steakhouse and that was divine as well. Foodies will be more than pleased in A.C. (which was quite a surprise to me).

There is a lounge and club in the hotel which was very trendy. Very see and be seen.

The hotel is not fully opened so the spa is not opened yet =(
the saltwater pool not opened yet, room service is not available, hence, the 4 stars. When they fully launch this hotel will definitely be a 5 star.

I hope this helps. Enjoy!

Dont even know where to begin..... I was there the day before "Grand Opening" for what i guess is called a trial run. For the price I paid thru Travelzoo I guess it wasn't bad, however I was looking for a good vacation rather then a cheap one...The rooms were small but, ok, the important thing was that they were CLEAN and everything smelled brand new & fresh which was a definite plus. Housekeeping was done twice a day (plenty of nice new towels) and the staff was extremely courteous, which is a bit hard to find in AC. Now for the problems..........The Elevator was extremely slow, and our key card for some reason stopped working 3 times during our two day stay (a 30 min process each time)....I needed an important fax from work, so I asked the front desk if I can receive a fax there, and they told me "sure no problem", maybe its my fault that i forgot to ask but they should've volunteered that it costs $1.00 a page. Ten minutes later I call the front desk if they can send up the fax, only to be told "that i have to come down and pay the $25 & they cant bill it to the room". After thats all taken care off (dont forget the elevator time) we go to this confusing area to pick up our car from valet only to wait another 30 min cause "there is a problem" ya u guessed it Valet swiped the entire passanger side of my car on a cement pol (um more wit time until the police come)l. To give them credit the manager came right away and apologized and everybody was very nice and admitting fault and not trying to cover up. I am very understanding and would not rate a hotel based on that cause after all thats why they are "called accidents" cause these things happen, however when checking out (which you cant do via video in-room rather have to wait on line) I am of-course charged a VALET fee which i am ever so politely told that i have to pay because the Valet is outsourced and i should bring it up to them to get a refund!!!!!! It gets better, I look at the bill and i see I am charged $25 for Misc. which is of-course my fax. I complained that I payed cash for it to that very same person at the front desk. "I was told not to worry cause it was just an itemization for all the charges that were done. Sure enough a month later as i type this review.....
1) my credit card WAS billed for that additional $25
2) My car still hasn't been fixed, rather the Manager will call me back...still waiting.(damages are about $3000)
3) I still payed for the VALET services which was not refunded to me

We recently came back from a little getaway and stayed at the Chelsea. We were amazed at how trendy and upscale this hotel was. The room was a nice size, big bathroom, flat screen TV, and most importantly theh best bed we ever slept in! Beds are more comfortable than the Borgata beds. The pool was another impressive factor. They have comfortable cushions on all of the lounge chairs, they make it private enough for couples because they section some areas off by 2's. They also have cabanas that can be rented by the pool (fee). The staff at the Chelsea totally pamper you. They greet you when you get to the pool, they get your towels, serve you drinks & food, and are extremely hospitable. Also, when you go to the beach, The Chelsea has their own chairs, towels, and umbrellas (no charge) that they bring to you. They also have Chelsea cabanas (fee) that can be rented on the beach. The pool, by the way, is located on the trendy "Fifth Floor". The pool is on a terrace. They are also building a salt water pool and spa, which will be finished by Oct. 08. The "Fifth floor" has a restaurant, game room, lounge, fireplace, bar, and pool. We would by far recommend this place for couples and singles. Not really meant for families just becuase it's more of a trendy place.

For all that people have written so far, I won't rehash all the good or bad you've said. This was my experience two weeks ago on 8/17:

Arrived early, put my name in at front desk knowing I couldn't check in until near 4pm - Marvella was wonderful at telling me when I called that I may use the pool / beach areas which I did on a perfect day - albeit crowded with weekenders, it was still great to relax, read the paper, sip an iced coffee.

YES, there is food service in the pool, not on the beach. (I agree that their website should list what is/n't yet open / available as amenities).

I asked for an upgrade if it was available and was moved to PH #10, on the top floor, which was quiet - the room was very well appointed, clean, and spacious for what I had paid for.

Beds are supremely comfortable, velvet drapes/sheers and a WORKING window to let in the sea air if you wanted to... partial ocean view...

There were Kiehl's toiletries, a fully stocked mini bar and snacks which you do have to pay for...

I agree they should have a basic guide of what is where but the front desk was helpful.

I was able to call the valet and have my car brought around...

I had booked a Chelsea Prime reservation prior to my stay - the food is excellent - porterhouse, appetizers, wine, and 2 sides for 3 people is not cheap but it is of very good quality. * they did have an issue with the wine being a bit too chilled but the sommelier apologized and made up for it with an after dinner drink, a nice touch.

The 5th Floor was an excellent melange of small and large spaces to relax both indoor than outdoor, where my buddies and I smoked cigars...

You can walk in 1 minute to the Trop and 2 minutes to the Hilton.

I will say that I've not slept as well in ages... my friend almost til 11!

I got up early enough and although I had a great chat with the coffee lady, I wanted food. I know that Teplitzky's will be open by the time this is posted but Bonnie, the concierge, was very cordial, told me where to go...

She offered me a local paper instead of the NY Post (note to the mgmt - not everyone is a Manhattanite - and I would rather have a choice of paper)...

She reminded me that the Chelsea has free bike rentals - it was a great perk - I had never ridden a bike on the Boardwalk - beyond sublime - if you do it you must ride before 10am.

I do want to say that all staff - the 'natives', the Europeans, everyone, is an ex-pat of either Congress Hall, or other Cape May Resorts properties, or of AC casinos...many of them, the bellman especially, said how nice it was NOT to have to look at if you had a platinum/black/whatever 'casino card' - and it was definitely refreshing to just go in the elevators and go up.

(I'm not sure what other posters had against them, they're elevators not speed demons)

The beach is a huge expanse of sand... do go, lay back, and relax...

Check out included a bottled water in my car, a nice touch...

I wholeheartedly enjoyed it and even though I did pay the Travelzoo rate I never was treated differently... I will absolutely return, and although I can't speak for the other negative posters on here... I will say this: if you know it's a 'pre-opening' and you think you're going to get full-service, you don't read carefully, you try to cut in line, act rude, use foul language, etc. (and there were many in person at the front desk whom never deserve to be spoken to in that manner), then you are DELUSIONAL.

Stay at some other place where you can throw your 100s around and let civilized people just be.


I will absolutely be back! Soon! GO!

PS - must eats include White House Sub Shop, corner of Arctic and Mississippi (White House Special and a cheesesteak!), and do go over to The Water Club at the Borgata, ANYone can sit in the Sunroom, their indoor bar and restaurant, for drinks or dessert (you can order off their 24-hour room service menu, just ask!)