Atlantic City’s Ocean Resort: Overview and Features
Ocean Resort, located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is a luxury hotel and casino resort that opened its doors to the public on June 28, 2018. The property is owned by Bruce Deifik, a Colorado-based businessman, who purchased the former Revel Casino https://oceancasino.ca Hotel for $200 million with plans to renovate and rebrand it as Ocean Resort.
A Brief History of the Property
The site where Ocean Resort now stands has been home to several casinos over the years. Originally opened in 1978 as Harrah’s Marina Hotel-Casino, it was later renamed and revamped into Resorts Casino Hotel in 1990. After a series of changes and ownership transfers, the property closed its doors in 2014 due to financial difficulties.
In 2015, Bruce Deifik purchased the former Revel Casino Hotel for $82 million at an auction sale, with plans to invest heavily in renovations and rebranding efforts. The site underwent a multi-billion-dollar makeover, resulting in Ocean Resort, which was officially opened on June 28, 2018.
Overview of the Property
Ocean Resort is a non-smoking resort that offers over 1,400 luxurious guest rooms and suites, with amenities including a private balcony or patio for most rooms. Guests can choose from six different room categories: Luxury Ocean View Room, Deluxe Tower Room, Standard Suite, Junior Suite, Premier Suite, and the exclusive Penthouse suite.
The property boasts several high-end dining options, including American Cut by chef Marc Forgione, the Pool Bar & Grill at Wave Pool, and Dolce Mare by Chef Scott Conant. Other amenities include a 40,000-square-foot casino with over 150 table games, a poker room, and a non-smoking sportsbook.
Casino Operations
The casino floor is divided into several sections, including a non-smoking area with slots, video poker machines, and electronic table games. The main gaming area features a variety of traditional table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and three-card poker, with some tables offering high-limit options.
Ocean Resort’s sportsbook is operated by William Hill US, offering a wide range of betting markets for various sports events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football and basketball, and more. The property also features a dedicated poker room with 30 tables hosting cash games and tournaments.
Accommodations
Guest rooms at Ocean Resort are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, wireless internet access, minibars, safes, and rainfall showerheads in most bathrooms. Higher-end suites come with additional perks like personalized butlers, private check-in areas, and exclusive lounge access.
The property features several upscale dining options, including American Cut by chef Marc Forgione, the Pool Bar & Grill at Wave Pool, and Dolce Mare by Chef Scott Conant.
Entertainment Options
Ocean Resort offers a range of entertainment options for guests. The Boardwalk Hall Entertainment Center is located within walking distance of the resort, hosting various events such as concerts, boxing matches, and comedy acts throughout the year.
Guests can also enjoy live music performances at several on-site venues, including the Wave Pool area, the Lobby Lounge, or the private beachside cabanas with VIP butler service. Additionally, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Sustainability Efforts
In an effort to reduce its environmental impact, Ocean Resort has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives throughout the property. These measures include:
- Using energy-efficient LED lighting in all guest rooms and public areas
- Implementing a water-conserving irrigation system for landscaping
- Recycling programs in place throughout the resort
User Experience
Guests can enjoy seamless service at Ocean Resort through various amenities such as mobile check-in, valet parking, and exclusive access to private beach cabanas. The property offers multilingual staff assistance for international visitors.
For a unique experience, guests can take part in one of several pre-planned activities such as surfing lessons, group fitness classes, or guided meditation sessions, all available through the Ocean Resort Activity Center.
Challenges Faced by Atlantic City
Atlantic City has been struggling financially since the 2000s, with several casinos closing their doors due to declining revenues and competition from other gaming jurisdictions. Despite this background, Ocean Resort’s opening was seen as a beacon of hope for local businesses, generating over $1 billion in revenue during its first year.
However, regulatory concerns have posed significant challenges for Ocean Resort since its inception. In August 2018, the casino’s parent company filed a lawsuit against Atlantic City Electric, alleging that power outages had caused thousands of dollars in losses. The dispute highlighted ongoing issues with energy infrastructure and public utilities in the region.
Financial Performance
In September 2019, it was reported that Ocean Resort generated $150 million in revenue for its first year of operation, exceeding initial expectations but still falling short compared to neighboring properties such as Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa or Tropicana Atlantic City. Despite these numbers indicating strong market potential, the resort has faced financial headwinds due to regional competition.
Environmental Impact
According to a 2020 study on casino gaming and its economic impacts in New Jersey, Ocean Resort generated $73 million in direct employment income for local residents during its first year of operation. As part of efforts to offset environmental costs associated with hospitality development projects like Ocean Resort, the property has implemented eco-friendly initiatives such as recycling programs and sustainable practices throughout public spaces.
Future Developments
Despite financial challenges faced by the resort since opening, owner Bruce Deifik remains optimistic about future prospects for his business venture in Atlantic City. When asked about potential renovations or expansion plans during an interview with a local publication, he stated that while long-term decisions are not currently being made due to operational adjustments caused by ongoing events such as COVID-19 pandemic response efforts, all opportunities will be considered moving forward.
Conclusion
Ocean Resort is one of the most prominent resort destinations in Atlantic City’s resurgence from financial distress. The property offers various upscale amenities for its guests while implementing initiatives that minimize environmental footprint and generate positive economic impact on local residents through sustainable employment practices and business growth strategies.