Best Luxury Hotels in Atlantic City

The Water Club is an 800-room modern and exclusive escape from the bustle of Atlantic City. Guests have access to the casino, restaurants, and nightlife of the attached Borgata -- but have their own exclusive amenities -- like five adults-only heated pools and a serene two-story Immersion spa. Rooms have more amenities than the Borgata next door, including iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and Keurig coffeemakers, but this type of quality comes with one of the highest price tags in Atlantic City.

This behemoth hotel and casino on the outskirts of Atlantic City is a hub of entertainment, and arguably the city's premier destination. The 2000-room property (which opened in 2003) overlooks a marina at Renaissance Pointe and the elegant lobby features Dale Chihuly sculptures. Entertainment is outstanding, from celebrity chef restaurants -- including Bobby Flay Steak and Wolfgang Puck American Grille -- to poker tables, an Italian-inspired indoor pool, and spa treatments. However, beyond entertainment, there is no outdoor pool and the hotel is not within walking distance of the boardwalk or beach.

The Trump Taj Mahal opened in 1990 after the success of the original Trump Plaza a mile down the boardwalk. The not-so-subtle exterior reveals the Indian theme from afar and the enormous 17-acre property has 2010 rooms spread across two towers: the original Taj Tower and the newer Chairman Tower. Contemporary rooms in the Chairman Tower -- with bursts of color and floor-to-ceiling windows -- are some of the most desirable. Though the Trump only has an indoor pool, the hotel is kept clean, the casino is massive, and there are plentiful restaurant and nightlife options.