You’ve probably seen the rose-colored glass towering over the center of the Boardwalk. For years, Bally’s felt like that one relative who refused to update their wardrobe—stuck in 1979, a little dusty around the edges, and overshadowed by the flashy newcomers down the street. But honestly? Things have changed.
When Bally’s Corporation (formerly Twin River) bought Bally’s Casino Hotel Atlantic City NJ from Caesars for a cool $25 million back in 2020, people were skeptical. I was too. How do you fix a giant that had been neglected for so long? The answer turned out to be $100 million in renovations and a total identity shift.
The Yard and the "New" Vibe
If you haven't been in a while, the biggest shock is The Yard. It sits right in the courtyard between the Dennis and Bally towers. It’s basically a 10,000-square-foot beer garden with a retractable roof. This isn't your typical stuffy casino bar. It feels more like a hangout spot in Philly or Brooklyn.
They’ve got 10 moving sections in that roof, so if the weather is nice, the ocean breeze actually hits your table. I’ve spent a few Friday nights there; the live music is loud, the "smash burgers" are actually decent, and they have a massive selection of local craft beers. It has completely changed the energy of that section of the Boardwalk.
Phil’s Carousel Bar
Then there’s the lobby. Remember the old, boring entrance? It’s gone. Now, you walk in and see Phil’s Carousel Bar. Yes, it actually rotates. It’s the first 360-degree rotating bar in New Jersey. It takes about 15 minutes to make a full circle, giving you a slow-motion tour of the casino floor while you sip a cocktail. It’s a bit of a gimmick, sure, but it’s a fun one.
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The Room Situation: Where to Stay
When booking a room at Bally’s Casino Hotel Atlantic City NJ, you need to be specific. There are three main towers:
- The Bally Tower: This is where the bulk of the $100 million went. They renovated 750 rooms here. They’re bright, coastal, and—thankfully—gone are the old carpets that felt like they hadn't been vacuumed since the Reagan administration.
- The Dennis Tower: This is the historic wing. It’s older and has smaller footprints, but it has that "Old Atlantic City" charm if you’re into architecture.
- The Garden Tower: Generally the more budget-friendly option.
If you’re feeling flush, they added 16 penthouse-style suites on the top floors (45th through 48th). These have pool tables and wet bars. Most of us aren't staying there, but the standard Bally Tower rooms are a massive step up from the pre-2020 era.
Gambling and the Casino Floor
The casino floor itself covers about 83,000 square feet. It’s not the biggest in town, but they’ve refreshed it with over 500 new slot machines.
One thing that confuses people is the sportsbook. It used to be a FanDuel spot, but now it’s the Bally Bet Sportsbook. It’s centrally located and has a 25-foot LED video wall. If you’re there for a big game—like the Super Bowl or March Madness—it gets packed. They do these "Big Game" packages where you can reserve a recliner or a table, which includes a buffet.
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The High Limit Rooms
They also recently opened a new High Limit Slot Room and a High Limit Table Room. The table room is actually pretty sleek, featuring a custom "green wall" and 19 Mini-Baccarat tables. It feels exclusive without being intimidating.
Eating at Bally's
Food is usually where Atlantic City casinos either win or lose. Bally's used to rely heavily on Guy Fieri’s Chophouse, but that’s been replaced by Park Place Prime. It’s a throwback to the original name of the property (Bally’s Park Place).
It’s a high-end steakhouse—think dark wood, brass accents, and $70 ribeyes. If you want something less intense, Macau Kitchen is a solid bet for authentic Asian noodles and soups right on the casino floor. And for those of us who just want a burger at 2:00 AM, there’s always Johnny Rockets on the Boardwalk level.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often think Bally’s and Caesars are still the same company. They aren't. They are physically connected by a walkway, but they are separate entities with separate rewards programs. If you have a Caesars Rewards card, it won't work here. You’ll need a Bally Rewards card.
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Also, don't confuse the Wild Wild West Casino with Bally's. Even though it's right there, the Wild Wild West is now technically part of Caesars. It's a weird quirk of the 2020 sale that leaves a lot of tourists wandering around confused.
Acknowledging the Limitations
Is it perfect? No. Some of the older sections of the Dennis Tower still feel, well, old. The elevators can be slow during peak check-in times on Saturdays. And let’s be real—the parking garage is a bit of a maze. But compared to where this place was five years ago? It’s a night-and-day difference.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Tower: If you want the modern experience, book the Bally Tower. Specifically, ask for a "recently renovated" room to ensure you aren't in a legacy unit.
- Join the Club: Sign up for the Bally Rewards program immediately. They are aggressive with their "New Member" offers, often giving away free play or dining credits just for joining.
- Time Your Drinks: If you want to experience the Carousel Bar, go during the "off-hours" (mid-afternoon). On Saturday nights, it’s standing room only and the rotation doesn't feel as relaxing.
- Parking Hack: You can often get your parking validated or paid for with just a small amount of play on your rewards card. Check the kiosks before you head to the garage.
Bally's has reclaimed its spot as a serious player on the Boardwalk. It’s no longer just the "cheap option" next to Caesars; it’s a destination that finally has its own personality again.