Head to Hollywood

There are several reasons why Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City has not only survived, but thrived over the past few years while other, similarly sized properties failed. But at or near the top of the list is its five-year-old affiliation with Margaritaville, the hospitality-industry behemoth whose spiritual (and actual) leader is singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett.

The three restaurant bars -- Margaritaville Café, LandShark Bar & Grill and 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar -- along with a similarly themed gaming area on the casino floor, have provided the oldest legal gambling den outside Nevada with a vibrancy and party-time vibe that has translated to the bottom line.

However, Resorts’ version of Margaritaville is just a tease. For full immersion in the brand’s toes-in-the-sand, fist-around-an-adult-beverage ethos, you have to head south—specifically to Hollywood, Fla., home of the Margaritaville Beach Resort.

Opened two-and-and-a-half years ago on the site of a municipal garage that has been incorporated into the complex, the beachside pleasure dome is impressively upscale, but it definitely does not take itself too seriously. That is evident in the installation that greets visitors in the lobby: It’s a giant blue flip-flop with a ripped thong that towers over a beer-can pop top (which “Parrotheads” will immediately recognize as an homage to the third verse of “Margaritaville,” the song upon which Buffet built his insanely successful career -- musical and otherwise).

The lobby itself is quite the space -- a high-ceilinged expanse that, while decorated in what can be described as “modern casual,” definitely evokes the grand foyers of the Florida hotels erected in the 1920s and 30s.

Throughout the property, the theme is nautical fun-in-the-sun. The color scheme is primarily comprised of blue (the color of the sea and sky) and white (sand). The décor -- in public areas and guest rooms and suites is decidedly beachy. “Staid” is as out of place here as a fur-lined parka.

Margaritaville Beach Resort is decidedly high-end (with prices to match). That means the accommodations are luxurious with an eye toward detail. A perfect example of this are the bathroom sink faucets, which are in the shape of fins (a nod, it can be assumed, to another Buffett signature tune, “Fins”). Staying the bathroom, it should be noted some guests may have a little trouble adjusting to the “waterfall”-style showers that are only half-enclosed by glass. On the other hand, if towel size and plushness are measuring sticks of quality, be advised those found herein are closer to Roman togas than standard bath towels.

Every room in the 349-unit tower has a balcony with a view of either the exquisitely turquoise Atlantic Ocean or the Intra-Coastal Waterway. A select number look out on both bodies. And speaking of the ICW, water taxis (operated by a company called “Water Taxi”) that ferry passengers to and from Ft. Lauderdale can be boarded at the dock adjacent to the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, which sits on the other side of Ocean Drive opposite the hotel.

Casual dining is a Margaritaville hallmark, and fans of Margaritaville Café, LandShark and 5 O’Clock will have their various cravings satisfied (by all means treat yourself to a lobster roll at the latter). But the Beach Resort also boasts the company’s first foray into a more upscale culinary experience.

JWB Prime Steak & Seafood (those are Buffett’s initials) can stand fork-to-fork with any comparable eatery. Like the rest of the resort, the surroundings are modern and richly appointed. And the menu, while providing surf-and-turf standards, does have some sophisticated touches (can you say, “lobster hash browns” or “spear-caught lion fish?”). If price is no object (or if you’re looking for special-occasion dining), JWB is a no-brainer.

Another notable amenity is the St. Somewhere Spa, an 11,000-square-foot facility offering a full menu of indulgences with only one goal: Pampering guests to the utmost.

After a long, grueling afternoon of downing “umbrella drinks” and soaking up the rays, the best recovery strategy we can think of is a soak in the perfectly heated co-ed Jacuzzi and a massage (be sure to ask for Jamie!).

While one can spend several days without leaving the confines of Margaritaville, outdoor activity is the resort’s raison d’etre. And there is no dearth of attractions just steps away from the building.

Start with three pools and their landscaped surroundings. Two are located on the beach level and are geared toward family fun. The third, dubbed License to Chill, is an adults-only affair situated on the 11^thfloor.

Also outside is the Surf Rider, which offers guests a simulated surfing/waterboarding experience.

And if strolling, people-watching and/or listening to live music is more your speed, Margaritaville opens onto the Broadwalk (not to be confused with “boardwalk”), a 2.5-mile, seaside promenade lined with fast-food outlets, shops and the like. Margaritaville also programs the Hollywood Beach Theater, which hosts free concerts every Wednesday through Sunday evening (if those gigs don’t satisfy your live-music jones, all three Margaritaville bar-restaurants offer live music daily).

Another cool Broadwalk touch is the Margaritaville-operated Floridays, a hot dog-centric food dispensary set inside a classic Airstream trailer.

Going back inside, during a recent stay, we found the service to be impeccable. The staff was uniformly friendly and extremely focused on catering to any and all needs of their guests. Which only added to what was, by any measure, a top-shelf South Florida experience.