Everything We Know About Caesars Atlantic City’s $200-Million Transformation So Far

Written By Bill Gelman on June 7, 2022
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For Caesars Atlantic City guests patiently awaiting the East Coast debut of Hell’s Kitchen, the big day is coming soon.

However, based on a Tuesday press release from parent company Caesars Entertainment, the popular restaurant concept from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is a small part of a $200 million resort transformation.

Besides the previously announced hotel room upgrades and new dining experiences, expect dramatic upgrades to its valet, hotel lobby, and casino floor, along with an enhanced outdoor pool experience.

Of course, these plans are part of Caesars Entertainment’s previously announced $400 million investment in the Atlantic City market by 2025.

Sister properties Harrah’s Resort and Tropicana Atlantic City are benefiting from significant upgrades as well.

43 years later, Caesars Atlantic City remains an ‘iconic destination’

June 26 will mark the 43rd anniversary since Caesars Atlantic City welcomed its first guests. Only Resorts Atlantic City (May 26, 1978) is older.

And over time, properties need much more than new slot machines or fresh coats of paint. The Caesars AC team is thinking much bigger.

There will be Nobu Atlantic City, a restaurant and distinct hotel experience within one of the existing hotel towers.

Plus, over 750 hotel rooms and suites in Caesars’ Centurion and Ocean towers are newly renovated.

John Koster, Regional President for Caesars Entertainment’s Eastern Division, said “we are thrilled to continue that legacy by reimagining the property from the moment guests step through the doors.”

“This major investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to elevating guests’ experiences at our resorts as well as advancing the Atlantic City tourism economy,” Koster said.

Joe Lodise, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Caesars Atlantic City, refers to Caesars AC as “an iconic destination on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and critical to the market’s success over the years.”

“The resort transformation at Caesars Atlantic City will further the property’s evolution as one of the country’s leading travel destinations here on the East Coast – bringing the best of Las Vegas right here to the center of the action in Atlantic City,” Lodise said.

Properly welcoming guests to Caesars Atlantic City

With there being nine Atlantic City casinos to choose from, first impressions are key. Properties, especially older ones, need a warm and welcoming sense of arrival.

When gamblers walk through the valet entrance, the main casino floor is straight ahead while Morton’s Steakhouse is off to the side. The hotel lobby, including the VIP check-in area, is up the escalator.

Unfortunately, Caesar and Cleopatra aren’t around to greet guests (word is they are extremely busy with those Caesars Sportsbook commitments with the Mannings).

Instead, the planned upgrades will “set the stage for an unmatched resort experience, one that transports guests to new levels of sophistication and approachable luxury.”

Caesars did not share specific details of what the valet and hotel lobby revamp will look like once completed. For now, it’s being described as an “elegant and welcoming sense of arrival for guests.”

As an added bonus, the redesigned first-floor lobby will also feature an all-new Starbucks (see below) offering mobile ordering. The store will be outfitted in a sleek, contemporary design with minimal décor for a bright and fresh look.

 

Pool deck getting a summer transformation

Some Caesars AC hotel guests prefer spending hot summer days at the pool versus the beach and Atlantic Ocean.

Well, just in time for the prime summer season, Caesars is introducing a renovated pool experience featuring “stunning beach and ocean views from the rooftop of Qua Baths & Spa.

A new rooftop pool is not included. However, there will be two levels of seating with modern lounge chairs, daybeds and cabanas.

Additionally, the bar will overlook the beach and Boardwalk.

Here are a couple renderings provided by Caesars Entertainment:

Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen status check

Of course, there is still plenty of buzz surrounding Gordon Ramsay expanding his Atlantic City dining options.

There is Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill located footsteps away from the Caesars AC check-in desk. And Gordon Ramsay Steak is open at Harrah’s.

However, Hell’s Kitchen is the concept tied into the popular Fox reality show.

The restaurant is expected o debut this summer (no exact date yet). All we know is during a recent visit, the construction walls were still up.

Word is the menu will include chef Ramsay’s signature classics like Beef Wellington, the Hell’s Kitchen Burger and Lobster Risotto.

Nobu Atlantic City being billed as a ‘game changer’

Gamblers who regularly visit Caesars Palace Las Vegas might be familiar with the Nobu concept.

Caesars Atlantic City is getting a Nobu restaurant and hotel of their own. In terms of dining, think upscale Japanese food. The menu will include an extensive array of whiskey and signature brand sake and wine.

The hotel portion of the project will be taking up the top three floors of Caesars Centurion Tower. Expect to see redesigned rooms and suites with Japanese-inspired decor mixed with sleek, modern touches.

As far as opening date for the Nobu Restaurant and Hotel, Caesars is currently going with “later this year.”

However, once finished, Caesars is billing Nobu Atlantic City as a “game-changer in the Atlantic City market.”

Other Caesars Entertainment AC 2022 happenings

PlayNJ continues to extensively follow all the upgrades and new amenities taking place around Atlantic City.

As previously mentioned, Caesars Entertainment is extending that TLC to both Tropicana and Harrah’s.

If you’re wondering about new food and entertainment options, the Trop will debut eight new concepts throughout the year. So far, Wild Honey Smokehouse and Tavern is open.

At some point this summer,  Bobby’s Burgers from celebrity chef Bobby Flay will open at Harrah’s

To learn more about Caesars Entertainment’s overall Atlantic City plans, you can watch Koster’s exclusive interview with PlayNJ here.

Photo by Caesars Entertainment
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Bill Gelman

Bill Gelman has been reporting on the NJ gambling market since 2018, right around when the Garden State launched sports betting. Bill transitioned from lead writer for PlayNJ and NJ Gambling Sites to his current role as managing editor in 2020. Besides offering in-depth analysis on NJ gambling market trends and news, Bill regularly sits down with Atlantic City casino industry executives to offer readers exclusive interviews and comprehensive coverage. Bill received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ithaca College. He has contributed to other Catena Media sites including The Lines, Legal Sports Report, PlayPennsylvania and PlayCanada.

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