Experience the Thrill of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Back story: Hard Rock Hotel Casino Atlantic City, which opened in June, 2018, began life in 1990 as Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort which, at the time, was the world’s largest casino-hotel. After years of financial problems, it was purchased in 2014 by billionaire investor Carl Ichan, who shut it down in October, 2016. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, which owns the Hard Rock International brand, partnered with two New Jersey families involved in real estate development. Together they initiated a $500 million-plus, top-to-bottom renovation project.

First impressions: With its giant trademark guitar as a beacon, the entrance to Hard Rock is the most dramatic and exciting in Atlantic City and, arguably, on the entire east coast. When bands are playing, the live-music-focused Lobby Bar located between the hotel reception area and casino creates a palpable sense of energy and excitement.

Accommodations: There are two sky-scraping towers with a total of just over 2,000 rooms and suites. My standard North Tower room was laid out so that it felt bigger than it really is. The king-sized bed was as comfortable as any I’ve experienced, and the spacious bathroom (including separate water closet) featured two sinks and a large, glass-enclosed shower. But the coolest amenity was the Bruce Springsteen-style Fender Telecaster guitar and small Fender amplifier that I had sent up to the room to jam away the hours. They are available by request from the concierge desk.

It should be noted that Hard Rock is one of the few casinos—in Atlantic City or elsewhere—that provides security guards checking room keys at the elevator lobby.

Game on: The sprawling, 120,000 square-foot casino floor boasts more than 2,300 electronic units and 100-plus table games, as well as a sports book. However, the legendary, 65-table Taj Mahal poker room was eliminated as part of the expansion of the arena space.

Let’s eat: Its size allows HRAC to offer a wide selection of dining options covering a variety of tastes and budgets.

On the luxury end, patrons can choose from three casino-run eateries: Council Oak Steakhouse, a Boardwalk-fronting traditional casino steak-and-seafood salon with a glass-dominated décor, Kuro, a top-shelf Asian-fusion room and Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill, which showcases the tapas concept, but with an American-cuisine focus. There is also the independently owned Il Mulino New York, a justifiably acclaimed Italian spot.

Prior to my recent visit, I hadn’t dined at Il Mulino since the Taj Mahal days, and forgot just how wonderful the more formal half of the operation is (there’s also an adjoining, more casual trattoria). Its romantic and elegant atmosphere, spectacularly creative, ultra-fresh dishes and meticulous service place it among the very best restaurants—Italian or otherwise--Atlantic City has to offer.