Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Atlantic City

Atlantic City might not be as raging a ‘Vegas of the East’ as it was earlier, but it’s charming nonetheless. With the casinos returning to their former splendor, and with the presence of the Boardwalk and the beach, it’s one amazing beach destination. Did you know that back in the 1950s, Atlantic City was a major LGBTQ destination? Although the popularity waned by the late 1970s, today it has increasingly picked up the pace again. There are many gay hotels in Atlantic City which now not just welcome LGBTQ travelers but even have special packages for them. For instance, the Borgata Hotel offers ‘Out at Borgata,’ right from events to packages. Also, there are others that fly rainbow flags and have perfect gay friendly ratings from LGBT organizations. What’s more, there’s even an official gay section at Park Place and Boardwalk at the Atlantic City beach!

Atlantic City has long been gay-popular, even before spots like Key West and such as Key West or even New York City. In fact, there was a thriving LGBT presence here long before the 1960s’ Stonewall riots and the first Pride marches. Even though there are no gay-specific venues anymore, the establishments all welcome LGBQ patrons warmly. Moreover, it has a slew of LGBTQ events that place throughout the year, right from parades to beach parties. Undoubtedly, the rainbow tide has turned since the 1970s, and Atlantic City today is very popular with the LGBTQ public. To that end, here are the top 11 gay friendly hotels in Atlantic City.

Tropicana Atlantic City

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The Tropicana is one of the best gay hotels in Atlantic City on the Boardwalk. Set up like a little Havana, the resort lies a bit farther from the bright lights of Steel Pier and feels like a gay getaway. Think a stucco facade, palm trees, cobblestone pathways, and the ceiling painted to look like a bright blue sky! So, don’t be surprised if you happen to lose track of time, just like it happens in any casino hotel.

With 2,400 rooms, it’s one of the biggest hotels in Atlantic City and is spread across four towers. There are endless on-site restaurant options to choose from, and so you can try a new one with each meal. Besides the huge casino floor, you’ll also find a fabulous, high-end spa and salon where a sea of endless pampering awaits you. If shopping floats your boat, there are many on-site shopping avenues as well. The standout feature is the Havana-inspired entertainment area known as the Quarter. What’s more, there’s even a Broadway-style theater and an IMAX. During the day, the seasonal outdoor pool, complete with a pool bar, is the perfect place to lounge. Finally, the resort even hosts a drag queen show in the Anthem Lounge every Saturday night.

Even though Standard rooms here are adequate, we’d recommend the modern suites with a white-and-navy nautical theme and in-room Jacuzzi tubs. The South Tower premium suites enjoy ocean views, but the best of them all is the North Tower Cielo Suites. They have temperature-controlled wine storage units and wet bars – sexy to boot.

Caesars Atlantic City

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Caesar’s is something of an Atlantic City classic and is your go-to for a quintessential Vegas-style experience in the town. The gay friendly Boardwalk resort is kitsch galore, and worthy of an emperor. Think a 145,000 sq. feet-huge casino with 2,300 slot machines, a 1500-seat theater that’s hosted everyone from Ringo Starr to Tony Bennett – you get the idea.

Besides the buzzing casino, there’s a lot going on at this hotel. Roman statues and moody lighting welcome you within the hotel, which has an impressive array of dining options. Just like its sister property in Vegas, the Qua spa is one decadent place to unwind on-site. The highlight is the adults-only rooftop outdoor pool, complete with cocktails and nightly entertainment. It’s a great place to meet singles too. Since it lies mere steps from the beach, the resort even offers umbrellas, tents, and beach chairs. Luxury shopping and a plush stadium aside, you even have access to the Atlantic City Country Club for a golf tee time.

You can choose from 1,150 spacious rooms and suites, each of which has names from the Roman Empire and neon-bright views. Contemporary décor and swish mod-cons await you in all rooms, but the Ocean or Centurion Tower rooms are your best bet.

Ocean Casino Resort

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Ocean Casino Resort is one of the newest, and nicest, gay hotels in Atlantic City. If you’re looking for a luxurious gay Atlantic City holiday and less of gambling, then this is the place for you. So, it’s no surprise that you’ll run into a well-heeled crowd at Ocean’s, where each of its 1,400 rooms boasts views of the ocean! If that wasn’t enough, the resort also features the largest Topgolf Swing Suite in the world. And since it lies near the end of the Boardwalk, its beach strip is reserved only for hotel guests. Now, who wouldn’t like that?

A perpetually buzzing casino aside, the resort boasts a laundry list of amenities. A whopping 16 eateries will leave you replete with choices about where to eat your next meal. The chic indoor/outdoor pool overlooks the ocean, complete with cabanas, lounge chairs, and beautiful people. The quaint Exhale Spa offers a slew of massages and body treatments and can be the ideal place to unwind with your partner. If you’re in for some cheeky fun, then scantily-clad performers take the stage at the Royal Jelly Burlesque club. If you’re a water baby, then we’d suggest the famous pool party at the HQ2 beach club, which goes on all day and into the night.

Floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean is something you’ll never tire of. Rooms are standard in design but spacious with a flourish of mod-cons. The North-facing rooms have particularly amazing views.

Borgata

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You cannot miss the shimmering gold towers of the Borgata, which is undoubtedly one of the most gay friendly hotels in Atlantic City. Since it lies away from the Boardwalk, it doesn’t have the frenzied pace of some of the other ocean hotels. That said, the crowd is definitely here to play if you know what we mean.

Borgata offers so many options for excitement, entertainment, and relaxation that there’s really no need to leave the resort’s confines. The spacious casino floor is rife with action, with the focus being the high-stakes table games. A smattering of restaurants, including a Wolfgang Puck one, will leave your mouth watering all the time. Enjoy some downtime at the Immersion Spa, where the Swedish massage is highly recommended. Do look into the OUT at the Borgata program, which offers an impressive array of LGBT-friendly activities including entertainment and hotel package. Friday nights are usually gay nights at the pulsating Premier club on-site, while there’s even a Burlesque Show every Thursday. Don’t forget to lounge at the stunning pool, complete with red umbrellas and lounge beds.

You will be highly impressed by the rooms at Borgata too. Muted hues and floor-to-ceiling windows radiate elegance, while the moody lighting creates a sensuous ambiance. Plush furnishings, lavish bathrooms, a bevy of high-tech mod-cons, and 24-hour room service complete the picture of perfection.

The Water Club

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You might think that finding a boutique gay hotel in Atlantic City is impossible, but the Water Club dispels those myths. While it’s connected to the before-mentioned Borgata, it’s a smaller yet modern and exclusive escape in town. In fact, here it’s all about unwinding with fabulous Atlantic City views, fewer crowds, and a lot less gambling. Discerning gays, this one is for you.

There’s so much to love about the sophisticated and tranquil hotel that you’ll forget that you’re in Atlantic City! The two-story Immersion spa even has an infinity-edge lap pool with incredible ocean views and is the very picture of serenity. If you want to lounge, then you have not one, but five adults-only pools to choose from. After an intimate spa experience, we recommend that you head to the first-floor lush Pool & Gardens. With waterfalls and palm trees, it feels like you’re in the middle on a rainforest. There’s even a modern fitness center if you don’t want to miss out on workout regimens. Besides these exclusive amenities, you have access to all the facilities at the Borgata as well, including its many restaurants.

All rooms at the Water Club enjoy spectacular water views and are decked out with the latest tech. Modern furnishings, wet bars, bathrobes, and plush beds make for luxurious and indulgent touches, as do the marble bathrooms.

Golden Nugget

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The Golden Nugget is special – it overlooks and has the largest marina in the state at its disposal! The secluded gay friendly hotel is also one of Atlantic City’s smaller hotels, which is perfect if you don’t want to stay at the Boardwalk. Don’t be put off by the tan exterior; on the inside, a sleek lobby with red, brown, and gilded shades welcome you within.

Just like other Atlantic city hotels, the Golden Nugget is packed with amenities, including a superb casino with slot machines and table games. A whopping 10 restaurants range from fast food outlets to steakhouses to fine dining, leaving nothing out. The outdoor pool, albeit smaller than other properties, feels less crowded and more intimate. After a swim, lounge on the cabanas or the padded loungers before enjoying a dip in the hot tub. There’s even a fire pit where you can huddle around a fire on cooler evenings and enjoy sweeping views while digging into delicious food. Aside from the fitness center, there’s even a sleek spa and salon, which even has couples treatment rooms are. 

Even the entry-level Standard rooms are chic with tasteful, plush furnishings and a slew of mod-cons. If you want to splurge, then go for the Gold Tower suites with even have dining areas next to panoramic windows. For the ultimate romantic experience, the Spa Tower suites have cocktail bars and marble baths.

Resorts

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Resorts on the Boardwalk is one of the most iconic gay hotels in Atlantic City. It not only has the first Atlantic City casino, but it’s also right across from the city’s only beach bar that’s open throughout the year. If you’re on a vacation where your motto is ‘It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere,’ then Resorts is where you should be.

Resorts changed from an Art Deco to its current 1920s theme after the success of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. Besides the Jimmy Buffet-owned Margaritaville, you have the choice of four more restaurants, lounges, and cafes at the resort. The casino has a revamped and raging 1920s theme, and will have you enthralled. If you want to lounge, then the all-season indoor/outdoor pool with a retractable roof is perfect. What’s more, the resort even has a Screen Room Theater and a Superstar Theater featuring a range of entertainment. Besides 24-hour room service and easy access to the Boardwalk and beach, there’s even a lovely spa. For a value hotel, Resorts is fabulous

The Rendezvous Tower of the resort features some of the largest rooms in the city, including entry-level ones. Moreover, they even have walk-in showers and swish and large marble bathrooms. For an even better experience, the suites also have whirlpool tubs. But, some of the older rooms are missing modern amenities, so make sure to check while booking.

Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel

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Are you looking for a casino-free gay friendly hotel in Atlantic City? Then the Sheraton Convention Center Hotel is where you should be. The best part? It’s attached to the Tun Tavern Brewery, a lively spot, and the only place in Atlantic City to produce and offer craft beers! What’s more, it’s within walking distance to the Boardwalk, the beach, and all the dining, entertainment, and shopping in the town.

Even though it doesn’t have the freebies of some other hotels, the Sheraton isn’t lacking in amenities. Breakfast is a grand and hearty affair at the café, with sweeping views of the city and the ocean beyond. The sun-kissed heated indoor pool is perfect for a swim or a dip, before sprawling on the plush orange loungers. If you’re a fitness fanatic, then there’s even a gym on-site. And if you absolutely cannot do without checking e-mails for the weekend, then there’s even a business center.

Rooms, albeit simple, are very elegant and spacious with plush linens and neutral hues. If you upgrade to the top-floor Club Level rooms, then you even get access to the Club Lounge with free continental breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, and beverages.

Club Wyndham Skyline Tower Hotel

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The 32-floor Club Wyndham Skyline Tower Hotel is one of the best value-for-money gay hotels in Atlantic City. Right from the accommodation to amenities, everything is excellent. A heated swimming indoor pool area is peppered with loungers and potted plants. After a long day of exploring the town, it’s a great place to unwind. Right next to it sits the outdoor hot tub, where you can soak your sore muscles. Indulge in a spot of table tennis or pool at the onsite game room or walk down to the beach, which is hardly a block away. What’s more, there’s even a spa and a fitness center on-site, besides a movie theater, affordable parking, and on-site laundry facilities. For a value hotel, Skyline’s offerings are most impressive.

When it comes to accommodations, you’ll be most impressed. In fact, if you’re looking for more privacy and space, then the suites at Club Wyndham are perfect. They all come with plush beds, free Wi-Fi, a whole set of entertainment and mod-cons, and even balconies and full kitchens. If you want to save a few cents on the dollar, then staying here makes a lot of sense.

Bally’s

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If you’re an LGBTQ traveler and want to indulge in an all-out gay friendly vacation in Atlantic City, then Bally’s Hotel and Casino is ideal. To begin with, it occupies a prime spot on the Boardwalk, right in front of the gay section of Atlantic City Beach! Secondly, the Wild Wild West casino on-site is one of the best in the town. And finally, the staying options and amenities at Bally’s are superb.

There’s so much razzmatazz at Bally’s that you’ll hardly feel like stepping out. Firstly, the casino has everything from table games like blackjack to trendy slot machines. What’s more, it even features live entertainment, a mechanical bull, and beer pong tournaments, along with a 24-hour happy hour. When it comes to relaxation facilities, Bally’s doesn’t disappoint either. A steamy indoor pool, with seven whirlpools beneath a massive skylight is the perfect place for a swim, a dip, and a soak. There’s even a seasonal outdoor deck where you can sunbathe. A variety of all-inclusive dining choices, right from Asian to American fare, will leave you satiated at all times. Plus, you also get access to the Atlantic City Country Club for a golf tee time.

Since rooms vary greatly, we’d recommend you go for the Ruby Rooms, which are the most contemporary with a grey, white, and red color scheme. Besides a flourish of high-tech amenities, snazzy design touches are perfect for a younger, party crowd.

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City

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When it comes to the title of the grande dame of all luxurious gay hotels in Atlantic City, that crown is worn by Harrah’s Resort. The best part about Harrah’s is that it doesn’t lie along the Boardwalk and the casino, albeit huge and snazzy, isn’t the main draw here. In fact, since it opened in 1980, the action at the resort is focused around its recreational amenities – and how!

In fact, it’s worth heading to Harrah’s for its adults-only indoor pool alone, which is not so much a pool but rather a tropical oasis. Sitting beneath a glass-domed oasis, the pool is at a constant temperature and is peppered with tropical plants, daybeds, and cabanas. This terrarium-style space transforms into a stunning The Pool After Dark at night, with throbbing lights and pulsating tunes played by DJs into the wee hours of the morning. Besides a fitness center, there’s even the indulgent Red Door Spa, which even features a relaxation area with a fireplace. Apart from waterfront shops, there’s even a large theater with jazz and comedy performances, concerts, and weekly shows. And as is with most other resorts in the town, drinking and dining options abound.

With 2,590 rooms, Harrah’s is easily the largest resort in Atlantic City. The best rooms are the Waterfront, Coastal, and Bayview ones, with a flourish of contemporary mod-cons and plush furnishings. Also, suites have larger bathrooms with jetted tubs. The best part? Harrah’s is one of the Top 11 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Atlantic City and has superb pet-friendly rooms on the offer.

Get Some Culture in Atlantic City:

• Sand Blast Weekend – This is the largest LGBT beach party in the Mid-Atlantic region. Festivities kick-off with a dance party, followed by the late-night Raw Underwear afterparty. Sexy, indeed! During this time, gay friendly hotels in Atlantic City like the Borgata go all out and get filled very quickly too.

Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Atlantic City:

• Dusk Nightclub – A mixed/LGBTQ-friendly club at Caesars with lots of dancing.
• Boogie Nights – This fascinating nightclub throbs with the high-energy vibes of the 70s and 80s.

Best Gay Saunas in Atlantic City:

While it doesn’t have a separate gay sauna, the one at Resorts is super-fun and cruisy.