First stay at the new Hard Rock Atlantic City - August 2018.

Yes, not so new now, and not really brand new when we stayed in August for my wife's birthday.  I played a fair amount at the Trump Taj Mahal, I was getting comped rooms any day, but I received a one night offer for having a Caesars Diamond card, and I was able to get an additional night through a host, as well as a suite upgrade.

We got there after midnight on a Friday, and I know comped room types are not guaranteed (even the host said he couldn't guarantee one), but when I checked in, the clerk told me that my suite was reserved.  Yay!

I had stayed in the end of the hall suite a few times when it was Trump Taj Mahal, so I was interested in seeing the renovations.  You can click on this link to see photos of the room.  It was nice and spacious.  I was disappointed that they took out the jacuzzi tub and the wet bar, but the dining table and large sitting area were nice, as is the half bath.

It was a bit stormy when we got up, we could see the clouds rolling in:

For lunch, we just went to one of the places on the way towards the parking garage, Burgers & Hops.  It was a decent burger, but quite pricey.

We took a walk around the property, ran into a friend outside of Sugar Factory, and walked over to Showboat to see how it is looking.  Still a bit bleak, but they do have a glow golf course as well as an arcade.  Still lots of empty space where the casino was.

Another thing we got for the status match was two free buffets.  I'm sure many people got this, as when we went there around 6:45 PM, there was quite a long line.  When we finally got seated, there was quite a line to get food.  The stations are not laid out very well, and it is hard to get around to pass a station you do not want to get to one you do want.  Although I didn't think there was a large variety, there was enough that made it interesting.

There was enough turnover that the dim sum items were not hard or dried out, and the prime rib was quite tasty.

The pool was open until 10 PM, unusually late for a casino/hotel, but unfortunately, we did not have enough time to enjoy it.

Sunday morning we checked out and headed over to Resorts for the Sunday Brunch at Capriccio.  It is always outstanding, although a bit pricey for around $50.  But the shrimp, crab claws, and beef can't be beat!  Plus bottomless mimosas and finishing with a cappuccino.  I let Jorge, the manager, know it was Cath's birthday, and they decorated a strawberry shortcake for us.  We've been going here for years, and we come here every chance we can.

As far as Hard Rock, the property looks nice.  Everywhere we went, though, it was blasting hot.  The casino floor, the hotel hallways, the room, it was hot everywhere.  We obviously won't be getting a suite every time we stay, but we saw the "regular" room in the South Tower and it was nice.  Hopefully I'll get regular offers to come back.