Tag: Casino

Touring The Showboat Resort – A True Time Capsule

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If you followed my blog for a while, you’ll know one thing I thoroughly enjoy is going out into the field and taking tours of different hotels and resorts so that I can try to learn as much as I can. Previously, while in community college, I toured the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. This time I found myself in the heart of the city where I got the chance to tour the famous Showboat property in Atlantic City, NJ with my college’s hospitality society. Come along with me as I explore this once buzzing casino, now half abandoned family water park resort.

Orleans in Jersey:

The Showboat Atlantic City has a vibrant and evolving history that mirrors the highs and lows of the city itself. Opened in 1987 as the Showboat Hotel, Casino, and Bowling Center, the property debuted with a splash complete with a 60-lane bowling alley and a bustling 60,000-square-foot casino. The grand opening even featured entertainment legends Bob Hope and Al Hirt, setting the tone for Showboat’s ambitious presence on the Boardwalk.

Showboat Casino as seen from its earliest days prior to the expansions made in the 90s and early 00s.

Throughout the 1990s, the Showboat expanded and innovated. In 1993, it introduced Atlantic City’s first racebook, capitalizing on the newly legalized casino simulcast wagering. A 1995 renovation brought a vibrant Mardi Gras theme, injecting fresh energy into the property. Ownership changes followed in 1998 when Harrah’s Entertainment (later Caesars Entertainment) took over, leading to significant upgrades, including the $90 million Orleans Tower in 2003 and the remodeling of the Bourbon Tower in 2007.

In 2014, the property and surrounding area would forever change when, Despite its profitability, Caesars shuttered and sold the property ending its time as a casino forever. Two years later, the property was purchased and reopened as a non-gaming hotel, pivoting away from Atlantic City’s traditional casino model.

From then on the focus shifted to transforming the property into the city’s first non-gaming destination for families and adults. The property is now home to the Lucky Snake Arcade and Sports Bar, Island Waterpark among other attractions.

First Impressions – A Rough Work In Progress:

When I first arrived at the property, I honestly did not know what to expect and had mixed feelings. Unfortunately, first impressions were not very positive and I really questioned if I wanted to even stay to go on the tour. Years of neglect have left their mark, and despite the recent attempts to revitalize the property, the building still wears the scars of its history.

One area truly shows this neglect the best would be the parking garage for the property. The structure is in rough shape: crumbling walls, deteriorating barriers, and cracked ceilings give it a neglected, almost post-apocalyptic vibe. The elevators are unreliable (and yes, they do get stuck), which isn’t exactly reassuring when you’re hauling bags or traveling with kids. It’s hard to believe this is the first impression many visitors get when they arrive. For a property trying to reinvent itself, the parking situation is something that desperately needs immediate attention.

Yet another thing that stands out, and not in a good way, is the lack of visible security. For a place that’s trying to attract families and tourists, there’s definitely room for improvement here. Walking through certain areas, especially the quieter corners of the property, it’s hard not to feel a bit uneasy. Better lighting, more security personnel, and a stronger presence overall would go a long way in making guests feel safer and more comfortable.

Touring the Property: A Mixed Bag of Old and New

After seeing the parking situation, I really had low expectations for the rest of the day. However, these concerns and worries were soon eased as the day went on. One thing that immediately began to stand out was the strange identity crisis the property has going on. There’s a faint echo of its casino past with outdated signage, decor, theming and dead spaces. There are notably many abandoned areas that are in plain view meanwhile there are newer sections that are refurbished with beach decor. It really gives the property this weird in between feel.

The most glaring example of this would be the shuttered buffet space, House of Blues venue and other banquet areas. As we toured around these areas, it felt like stepping back into a time capsule and felt like I was back in the heyday of the city. The areas sit almost as they were in 2014 when the property closed. It looks like it was just yesterday the casino closed.

Footage shot during the property tour through the banquet and event spaces. The buffet still stands almost as it was when it closed in 2014. Current plans are not yet clear but are rumored to be converting the space into a banquet dining room.

Photos taken inside the former House of Blues venue. Original décor, signage and casino memorabilia can still be seen through out the space.

Food Scarcity

The biggest disappointment with this resort is the sheer lack of dining options available. Unfortunately that is not currently the case and there is too heavy of an emphasis on bars. The property, in my observations, has more bars than food options. For a beachside resort on the main strip that is aiming to be family oriented, you would think dining would be center focused.

Current food options available are Atlantic City Eatery, Bricker’s Burgers (former Johnny Rockets), and Limonada. Looking out of these options, I firmly believe the property could greatly benefit from having more grab and go options, cafes and perhaps a fine dining restaurant. With a prime location, I feel like having a Starbucks or Dunkin’ would help bring in more people off the boardwalk and into the property.

Getting Lucky – Lucky Snake Arcade

The former casino floor has been totally transformed into the Lucky Snake Arcade and Sports Bar which is the largest indoor arcade in the state. It’s one of the few spaces, outside of the waterpark, that feels fully alive and thoughtfully put together. The arcade features a good mix of games for all ages, interests and hobbies. One stand out feature is the large vintage arcade room which houses a massive selection of pinball ball machines and is home to classics like Frogger, TMNT, The Simpsons, Pacman and many more. I spent a majority of my time in this room as I enjoy classic arcade games and this area of the arcade was the most enjoyable for me.

One smart design feature is the inclusion of an additional game room just outside of the waterpark entrance. While this room is not nearly as large as the main arcade, it is a perfect way to take a quick break from the waterpark without venturing too far away from the park. Key games include ski ball, claw machines, racing simulators, and Monopoly.  

If you are looking for additional entertainment, the resort also features go-karts, mini golf, bumper cars, roller skating and hatchet throwing all throughout the arcade and surrounding areas. I have to say while I did not get to do these activities, they are a nice touch and help give you more to do when visiting.

Paradise Is Calling – Island Waterpark

An aerial view of the park as seen from the top of one attraction stairway queues.

Then there’s the Island Waterpark, the newest crown jewel of the property. It’s an impressive, sprawling indoor beachfront water park that finally brings some modern, family-friendly energy to the Showboat. The design here feels much more intentional, with colorful slides, lazy rivers, and cabana spaces that scream “vacation mode.”

Overall, first impressions were pretty solid and I was more than impressed with what I saw. I was expecting for the waterpark being in AC, to be dirty, beat up or questionable. Quite honestly, it was quite the opposite from what I was expecting. The park is impressively clean, which isn’t always a given at water parks. Even better, there’s no overwhelming chlorine smell burning your nose the second you walk in a small but welcome detail. The staff is friendly, attentive, and safety seems to be a top priority, which helps put parents at ease.

The park features a good mix of attractions for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a thrill seeker, enjoy tame attractions or are just looking to float around, there is truly something for everyone. Personally, my favorite was the vast lazy river that circled the entire park, lined with tropical palm trees, real plants and island décor. It is truly the best way to relax and recharge after a long day.

However, there are a few areas where the experience falls short. Let’s start with the food. Expect mediocre stadium-style bites at premium prices. It’s the usual overpriced, underwhelming theme park fare, so if you can eat before you arrive, you’ll save yourself some disappointment (and cash). 

It is also worth taking into consideration, the park does not offer towels during your stay at the park. So make sure you bring your own towel with you otherwise you’ll be charged an arm and a leg for one in the gift shop. I am a little shocked that a water park attached to a hotel does not have towels. From a business perspective, I totally understand the reasons and rationale behind the decision. But from a guest experience perspective, I think this is a little detail that could really bring the experience to the next level.

If anything, the waterpark shows what the Showboat could become if the rest of the property followed suit.

Final Thoughts

My visit to the Showboat in Atlantic City offered a blend of nostalgia and modern amusement, showcasing the potential for revitalization in this once-thriving property. While the scars of past neglect are evident, especially in areas like the parking garage and certain parts of the interior, the transformation efforts are commendable. The Lucky Snake Arcade and Island Waterpark stand out as highlights, providing family-friendly entertainment that embraces the spirit of the resort’s new direction.

However, there remains a significant need for improvement in dining options and security measures to enhance the overall guest experience. As the Showboat transitions into a non-gaming destination, it must address these challenges to solidify its place as a go-to family resort in Atlantic City.

In conclusion, the Showboat represents a fascinating chapter in the city’s history, and I am hopeful that ongoing renovations will breathe new life into the property. With the right balance of attractions, amenities, and a renewed focus on guest comfort and safety, the Showboat can once again become a vibrant cornerstone of Atlantic City. I look forward to seeing how this storied location evolves in the coming years.

Big News: Delano is Becoming W Las Vegas! Here’s What You Need to Know

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Las Vegas is a city of change, always evolving, reinventing and innovating itself so it does not become stale and stays relevant. It is no secret that oftentimes these changes revolve around the mega hotels and resorts throughout the city. While some may come and go, some hotels often get rebranded and reconfigured into a whole new experience instead of meeting the wrecking ball. 

Rebrands in Vegas are pretty common these days. We have seen the Monte Carlo become Park MGM, Bally’s become Horseshoe, and most recently, Mirage transforming into Hard Rock Las Vegas. (If you are interested in the Hard Rock conversion, check out our blog post on that). And there is yet another change coming to Las Vegas and no we are not talking about the As or Bally’s here. Instead, we are going to be focusing on the most recent news of the Delano being converted into the W Las Vegas.

Join us in today’s blog as we take a deep dive into the history of this property and all the changes that are coming within the next few years. So without further ado, let’s get to it!

History:

Thehotel as pictured in 2003 shortly after opening.

Before we dive into and discuss all the changes coming, let’s first take a look at a brief history of the Delano. The hotel originally opened as the THEhotel at Mandalay Bay and was built as an all suite hotel tower meant to complement the Mandalay Bay Resort. It was designed to stand out with bold stylish design and high end finishes. TheHotel opened to much fanfare on December 17, 2003. 

In August of 2012, MGM Resorts International announced the rebranding of THEhotel into Delano Las Vegas as part of a partnership with Morgans Hotel Group. Through the deal, MGM would manage the hotel under a licensing agreement with Morgans Hotel Group, which owned the Delano brand. All of the suites at the hotel were to be redesigned, along with new bars, lounges, restaurants and nightclubs.

Although THEhotel had been financially successful, the decision to renovate and rename it was part of a transformation at the Mandalay Bay. In addition, there had already been plans to renovate the nine-year-old hotel tower prior to forming a partnership with Morgans Hotel Group, which had been expanding the Delano brand.

Delano Las Vegas officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 2, 2014. Flash forward to 2024, The Delano Las Vegas is getting a complete transformation and will officially be rebranded as W Las Vegas as part of the new MGM and Marriott partnership. 

This collaboration between two trusted hospitality brands means more than 200 million Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy unique benefits and redeem points at MGM Resorts’ destinations while MGM Rewards members can status match and receive member benefits at Marriott’s global portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties.

Ironically enough, this is not the first time the W brand is going to be in Vegas as there was previously a W Hotel in Las Vegas from 2006 to 2009 and 2009 to 2017. 

W Hotel Las Vegas (2006 – 2009)

The W Hotel Las Vegas in its earlier incarnation actually opened in 2006, but it wasn’t a standalone hotel at that time. Instead, it was part of the Las Vegas Sahara Hotel and Casino property, which was undergoing a significant renovation. 

The W Hotel was essentially a brand overlay within the Sahara’s renovation efforts. This was not a complete transformation but rather an infusion of W’s style and luxury into the existing Sahara property.

W Hotel Las Vegas (2009 – 2017)

Crews remove the W branding and signage outside of the SLS, soon to be renamed to the present day Sahara Las Vegas.

The W Hotel was located within the CityCenter complex on the Las Vegas Strip. It opened in 2009 as a full-scale, standalone hotel with its own identity, separate from the Sahara property. By 2016, it was operating under the same brand and offering the trendy, upscale experience the W brand is known for.

This version lasted until 2017, when it rebranded as part of the larger Sahara Las Vegas operation, ultimately ending W’s presence in Vegas.

What’s Changing?

Rendering the new W Hotel Las Vegas expected to begin renovations in early 2025.

While there is little details known about the exact timeline or details of the project publicly available at this time, we can definitely say the hotel is going to go through a renovation and conversion process to meet the W brand standards. The W brand is known for its bold, trendy, and youthful vibe, so expect a lot of style, art, and an Instagram-worthy atmosphere throughout the property. It’s a bit of a shift from Delano’s more subdued luxury, so it’ll be interesting to see how the two compare once the dust settles.

It’s worth noting, as with Delano, W Las Vegas will not have a casino but will still have access to the Mandalay Bay Resort and its casino floor.

Final Thoughts:

I think it is going to be interesting to see the W brand finally return to Vegas after a lengthy absence. It is interesting to think about why Marriott, another company or a developer did not try to bring a W hotel back to Vegas sooner. I think it is sad the original W Hotel had a relatively short lifespan before being rebranded. I truly think if the original W was still there today, it would have done very well all these years and would have become a Vegas landmark for luxury and lifestyle. 

With that being said, I can not wait to see what the new W Hotel has in store for Vegas and I think it is going to fit right in. W is known for appealing to luxury travelers, and a younger, trendier crowd. I think with the well throughout high end design, experiences and amenities, it would have no problem appealing to that type of crowd. 

I personally can not wait to see all the renderings and announcements about what the property is going to look like post conversion and am very excited by this news. I have no doubt that the W will bring fresh energy that is sure to turn heads on the Strip. I think this is going to be the first of many new hotels and or branding deals we will see from MGM and Marriott. I can see this being a trend going forward with other casino operators, not just in Vegas, bringing in luxury hotel brands to supplement their offerings they already have.

We’ll keep you posted with any new details as the renovation gets underway, but in the meantime, it’s time to start thinking about what’s next for this exciting new chapter in Vegas history!

Ferret Bites and $5,000 Jackpot: Unbelievable Hotel Story!

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I previously wrote about my craziest hotel stories in two previous posts as well as my craziest restaurant stories coming up in two future posts. However, just recently I think I have finally got a story that tops them all! 

Anyone that has worked in the industry always knows the craziest things always happen on the swing or night shift. This weekend was no different for me… So what exactly does a ferret and $5,000 dollars have to do with each other? Well… buckle up cause this story gets crazy real quick…

Disclaimer: The following blog post does not reflect the views, action or position of MGM Resorts International. All views, opinions and reflections expressed are solely my own. Some details may be modified to ensure privacy and confidentiality.

The Ferret Saga:

I am honestly not even sure how to explain this story, that’s how crazy it is! I was working the swing/night shift at the front desk. I was just wrapping up my shift when I heard another one of my co-workers talking about a phone call they just received from another department regarding a guest’s issue upstairs. The guest was staying on the 32nd floor of the hotel and while they were walking back to their room, there was a loose ferret running around on the floor causing mischief. Apparently, said ferret supposedly bit the guest as they were walking back to their room. Security was immediately called to check on the guest and to try to investigate where the ferret came from and who was responsible for it. (I kid you not…. I am not making this up, I swear! Just wait, it gets better)! It took multiple security officers to wrangle the ferret and safely handle it so no further harm was done to the animal or other guests. At this time, I do not know who owned the ferret, how it made it into the hotel, or what happened to it. All I know is that animal control came to pick up the ferret.

Now, here’s when the craziness really comes in… Apparently the guest later at night decided to go downstairs on the casino floor and play to get their mind off what happened. As the guest was playing they hit a jackpot and won $5,000! I do not know about you, but that is some crazy luck getting bit by a ferret, then also winning a $5k jackpot in the same day! This guest definitely has some luck! Maybe they should go play the lottery after this! This hands down tops every single story I have told on this blog so far and that says a lot since I have plenty more stories to tell!

What did you think of this story? Do you have any interesting stories of your own? Share them with us in the comments section, send them to us via email, or message us on social media and we might include them in a future post.

I hope you enjoyed reading about this craziness. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to leave a like, subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media so you never miss a future post!

Farewell Mirage Las Vegas. Hello Hard Rock LV.

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Very interesting news has been unfolding in Las Vegas these past few months as Hard Rock International purchased The Mirage from MGM Resorts International for a whopping $1.08 Billion! While it is sad to see such an iconic and revolutionary Vegas resort go, the Hard Rock plans are just stunning. Join us today as we venture into the history of this once beloved resort and what Hard Rock has in store for Vegas.

History of The Mirage:

The Mirage was the vision of Steve Wynn who was a visionary that forever changed the landscape of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, NJ. Wynn early in his career oversaw the construction and operation of several notable Las Vegas and Atlantic City hotels, including the Golden Nugget, the Golden Nugget Atlantic City, The Mirage, Treasure Island, the Bellagio, and Beau Rivage in Mississippi, and he played a pivotal role in the resurgence and expansion of the Las Vegas Strip in the 1990s.

The site where The Mirage site was previously home to a motel during the 1950s then the motel was torn down to become the Polynesian-themed Castaways Hotel and Casino. Wynn acquired the property 1987 from its owner Howard Hughes. After the purchase, Wynn was quick to demolish Castaways and begin construction on the Mirage. 

At first, the resort was announced under the name Golden Nugget after the existing Golden Nugget property he owned on Downtown Fremont Street at the time. After careful consideration, he later changed the name from Golden Nugget to “The Mirage” and purchased the name from the La Mirage Hotel and Casino and the Mirage Motel, which was renamed to the Glass Pool Inn and Key Largo after the purchase for $250,000.

The Mirage officially opened its doors on November 22, 1989. The Mirage remained under Wynn’s ownership until 2000, when his company was acquired by MGM Grand.

Mirage’s Legacy:

The Mirage, being one of the first heavily themed hotel and casinos in the Las Vegas Valley since Caesars Palace in 1979, began a period in Las Vegas’s history known as the “family-friendly era” where previously mob-run hotels and casinos were replaced by heavily themed resorts that catered mostly to families and children. This included the Excalibur in 1990, Treasure Island, MGM Grand, and Luxor in 1993, New York-New York in 1997, the Bellagio, and the Mandalay Bay, Venetian, and Paris in 1999.

Original Hard Rock Hotel & Casino:

Prior to Hard Rock International purchasing The Mirage, the company had another resort on the strip where the current Virgin Hotels Las Vegas sits today. The original Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was the first ever Hard Rock hotel ever to be built in the country. As of today, there are about 24 hotels not including 17 hotels under development and construction. 

The Las Vegas location was a trend setter and was known for its party scene, vast nightlife, entertainment and famous performances. LV opened its doors in March of 1995 and over the years expanded the property to include multiple hotel towers and additional expansions to accommodate the vast nightlife scene.

However in 2018, this all changed as in early January of that year, rumors floated around that Sir Richard Branson was going to be buying the Hard Rock hotel-casino and sure enough on March 30 an official announcement was made. This ended Hard Rock’s Las Vegas Hotel presence until 2022 when Hard Rock purchased The Mirage from MGM Resorts International for a whopping $1.08 Billion!

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Planned Return:

So what exactly does Hard Rock have planned for their big Las Vegas return? Hard Rock is planning on demolishing the iconic Mirage Volcano to make way for a massive 800 – 1,000 room guitar shaped hotel tower. The guitar-shaped hotel will also include a casino with 200 slots and 12 table games.

Specific details have been very sparace and difficult to come by. As of now, there is no definitive decision as to whether the property is going to be closed during construction, partially open, etc.  

However, according to several sources, Hard Rock is planning a renovation and expansion of event and meeting space at the Mirage, a renovation of villas and the private gaming room, plus an “enhanced pool experience.” The planned renovations will also add 80,000 square feet of casino space and 83,000 square feet of convention space to the former Mirage. That’s accompanied by an addition of 1,164 slot machines and 161 table games. Renovations are expected to add nearly 3,000 theater seats, plus 596 hotel rooms and three food and beverage outlets to the property. 

No additional news, details or information have been shared at this time nor is there a specific timeline for the project. Currently as Hard Rock finalizes plans, seeks approvals and prepares for construction, The Mirage name will remain. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, according to the Dec. 2021 release, MGM Resorts will retain The Mirage name and brand, licensing it to Hard Rock royalty-free for a maximum period of three years while it finalizes its plans to rebrand the property.

There are also no plans or details announced regarding The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil show that has been a Mirage staple for many years. It is highly likely this show could remain as it fits perfectly within the Hard Rock theming.

Overall, this is definitely a wise business decision and investment as there are no guitar shaped buildings on the strip which will help make the property stand out. Many of the resorts on the strip look nearly identical with the exception of the heavily themed resorts, or well established resorts. Additionally, there is no other existing guitar shaped hotel except for Hard Rock’s Hollywood, Florida casino resort. While it will definitely be sad to see some classic strip icons go, in the long run it will definitely be worth it as new icons are being created.

One Last Look Inside The Mirage:

Before we say farewell to The Mirage, let’s take one last look inside the famous property.

Genius Business Decision?

Wow! What a gorgeous and well kept property. When MGM Resorts was asked for the reasoning behind the sale they stated it was to shift focus on their existing properties in Las Vegas and build on those experiences. Additionally, shortly after the sale, we saw MGM Resorts buy the famous and most popular strip resort Cosmopolitan for $1.6 billion. MGM is also allocating capital in preparation for the billion dollar investment for a new casino resort located in Osaka, Japan.

Overall I think this was a smart business decision by MGM Resorts since it allowed them to purchase the Cosmopolitan while allowing them to allocate funds for future projects, expansions and new construction. I personally can not wait to see the new Hard Rock property and the guitar hotel tower rise above the Vegas strip. 

What are your thoughts on The Mirage and upcoming changes to the resort? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!

Behind The Scenes Tour – Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino

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I recently had the fabulous pleasure of having the ability to take a field trip to the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City with my college’s hospitality club. Join me as I take you with me on a full behind the scenes tour. We’ll get a sneak preview of the 770 room hotel tower, banquet spaces & more!

Starting The Day:

Our tour kicked off at the lobby where we met the Director of Sales for the property as well as a Sales Coordinator. We began the day inside the beautiful meeting room upstairs poised above the lobby. We all introduced ourselves and got a sense of the property, how Covid has affected the day to day operations and how the city has seen an increased competition from more neighboring states legalizing gabling over the past few years.

Hotel Tower Tour:

After this, we were shown around the 770 room hotel tower where we got to tour a basic standard room, a junior suite, a normal suite, and a VIP/Penthouse suite. These rooms were just stunning and mind blowing! The views of the entire city, the ocean and bay were stunning! 

Would you believe me if I told you the last time the rooms were renovated was in 2012? Yes 2012! These rooms are in fantastic shape and well kept for being long overdue for a renovation. All of us students were all mind blown when we were told this. We were told there are plans to soon renovate one floor of the tower at a time shortly after the holiday season. If the rooms looked this good now, I can’t wait to see what they will look like after all the upgrades and improvements are made.

Casino, Restaurants & Marina Tour:

From here, we went downstairs and got a tour of the casino floor, as well as all the restaurants on the gaming floor. Unfortunately, we were strictly prohibited from taking photos or videos on the casino floor. From what I can tell you, the casino floor is definitely smaller than the other casinos in the city but it still offers plenty of slot and table games. Personally, I think less is more for the space they have. The way the casino is set up, it’s not overcrowded or empty. It’s perfectly designed for the space there is and it works. It doesn’t dominate the property or is up in your face which is perfect. The property markets itself as a boutique casino hotel that goes more for a luxurious resort feel. With the casino set up in the manner that it is, it works perfectly to achieve that goal and feel they are going for. 

After taking a brief tour of the gaming floor, we were granted a sneak peak inside the Chart House which is one of their top restaurants in the resort. The restaurant overlooked the entire marina and had stunning views across the entire dining room. Most of not all the walls were covered with floor to ceiling windows.

From here we descended down a spiral staircase and were taken down to the lower level where the Marina is and one of many of their outdoor patios/decks. This outdoor space was personally my favorite since you had stunning views of the city, ocean as well as the neighboring Borgata and Harrah’s resorts. Besides this outdoor space, there are also two outdoor rooftop decks one near the pool and one directly next store to that. These roof top decks are so massive, that they have the ability to host events for a couple thousand people! Speaking of events, our guided tour headed there next.

Ballroom & Event Spaces Tour:

At this point, everything I saw on the tour was impressive enough but my jaw dropped even more when we were taken into the grand ballroom and The Wave nightclub. My first thought was how many of my hotel ballrooms could fit inside the grand ballroom (most likely between 4 – 6) and the sheer capacity it had. When I heard the kinds of events they have there, it honestly made sense. We were told the ballroom hosts anything from large dinners, fundraisers, conventions, weddings, concerts, shows and more. I’ve seen first hand at my hotel what goes into running large events but it’s mind blowing to see that on a far larger scale. 

From here, we were shown The Wave nightclub which as the name implies, is Gold Nugget’s night club and premium nightlife spot. Ironically enough, the club is marketed towards an older, middle aged crowd instead of a younger crowd. The club hosts a lot of cover bands and well established DJs. I think the coolest thing about this space is how when the club is closed during the day, it is used as an event space. You wouldn’t think a nightclub would be a good fit for an event space but honestly the space works very well.

Lunch & Guest Speakers:

After this, we took back upstairs off the lobby where we started the day to take a lunch break. We were not only welcomed to a great lunch but also guest speakers from the property as well. We got to meet the Director of Food & Beverage, Human Resources Team, the Executive Director of Player Development & Front Desk Operations and of course the sales team who was showing us all around. 

This honestly was one of the best parts of the tour in my opinion since we got to ask questions about the property, casino operations, career advice and any other questions we had. One thing that amazed me was the one human resources lead worked in Atlantic City for 40 years! She told us her experiences at all of the casinos she worked at and shared insights with us on how to help our careers. This was really eye opening and inspirational. I recall telling my professor after the fact, how it was so cool to get a taste of the culture and the morale just in a short 2-3 hour span.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I got to say I was super impressed the entire time while on the tour. From the rooms, hotel operations, employee culture and more. It honestly really won me over and gets me excited for the future. I am extremely thankful for the hospitality we received during our tour and glad to have met everyone. This was the first casino hotel I took so far down in Atlantic City and now that I will be going to school down in the area, I can’t wait to go on more tours like this.