I stayed at the Borgata for one night March 3 and when we walked in the line was quite long. However within 10 minutes we were getting checked in. I let the host know that my birthday was the 4th and she seemed more than happy to upgrade my wife and I to a suite. While staying at the Borgata we recd great service while playing slots and tables. I would say a cocktain waitress came around every 5-10 minutes. I alos found them generous w/ there comps. The only ridiculous charge was $5 valet but hey since that was my only issue no problem. I could have always asked to have taht comped but didnt. My wife and I already recd free room and slot dollars and will be going back shortly. We did take some shampoo and stuff and were never charged. Plus who rates a hotel on the shampoo.

Reasons why the Borgata is the best in AC:

- Casino environment. Not stuck in the 1970's / 80's like the majority of AC's tired casino's. Lots of marble, higher ceilings, easy to navigate, no coin payouts to lug around, easy to use payout redemption machines are always nearby and have never had a problem getting drink service both at the slots and tables.

- Loose slots. Won $2000 on $1 Wheel of Fortune on first visit and numerous $40 - $200 slot payouts on others visits.

- Comps. Get flyers every month for (2) free rooms per week (Sun-Thurs) + $30 to $50 bonus slot dollars per visit + free tictets to their comedy club.

- Rooms. Decor and amenities are hip, modern and excellent overall. Primarily due to the still relative newness of the property. Check-in is always efficient (lines should be expected during peak hours) and video check-out from room is as simple/quick as it gets!

- Service. Service is what you make of it and many times a reflection of your attidude.

- Dining. Reservations at any of the "premier" restaurants are best made in advance. Demand usually exceeds capacity. Be willing to go early/late and you won't be disappointed.

- Parking. Why use valet? Instead use the Self Parking Garage. The 6 or 8 elevators from the garage deliver you to the shopping corridor and from there, it's a short walk to guest check-in . . . unlike most of the garages at the boardwalk area casinos.


Here's the not so good:

- You will pay for self parking even if you're a Red Label "My Borgata" member . . . it's free parking at other casinos for reward club members (ex. Harrah's down the street).

- Tough to get a comp'd room on most weekends unless you're a Black Label member (ie. higher roller). Rack rate on weekends for a basic King classic room is $349 - $459!

- Casino activity. Due to its popularity, they are able to set higher table limits than others and still ensure a lot of players. Those looking to find penny/nickel slots and $5 tables will be happier elsewhere.

- Slot limits. $1 Wheel of Fortune slots require $3 bet per play for max payouts whereas it's $2 per play in other places (Las Vegas).


Overall, the pluses far outnumber the minuses.

Those of you familiar with the Venetian in LV, will feel right at home at the Borgata. It's that good!

It is a shame that this lovely hotel has problems!! I booked a suite here to celebrate my husband's birthday and wrote to the hotel ahead of time to say we were celebrating a special event. They do nothing! Any better hotel will do sometime - an upgrade, wine, a meal, etc. - but not here! When I asked about this at checkin in, the rather fresh clerk told me "we don't do anything." I asked if they at least gave an upgrade, we said "we don't give upgrades." With the hotel pretty empty, they could have at least given us a better view than the roof. They should take lessons from Hyatts, Hiltons Ritz Carlton's, The Bellagio, and Venetian, ect. The concierge was not at all friendly and acted like she was doing me a favor giving me any information when I asked her about shopping and how to use the jitneys. The servers in the restaurants were equally unattentive and rude. At dinner, our waitress never came back after our food came except with the check- we needed refills for our soda and she never came by. I must point out - the hotel was almost empty - no lines anywhere - so it wasn't due to being overworked!! The front desk at the salon wasn't any better but the nail operators were nice and friendly.
On the positive side - the room was beautiful and the bathroom enormorous! The housekeeping staff does a great job!! I was surprised not to get a newspaper, laundry bag, or stationary in the room but that is minor. I think this can be a top establishment if they work out the problems!

We spent the past weekend at the Borgata for our anniversary and had an incredible time. I would suggest making dinner or spa reservations before leaving for AC because most of the restaurants that required reservations were fully booked two days past our departure date. The Borgata is separate from the other casinos, which is good or bad depending on whether or not you like to gamble in different places. The only restaurant I would not suggest is N.O.W. because the average wait time vs. the quality of the food is not worth it. All of the other bars and restaurants were fantastic. It is pricey, but worth every penny for the best hotel and casino in AC.