Atlantic City to Las Vegas

Some thoughts....

 

Is Atlantic City better than Las Vegas?

 

No. No it's not. Are some aspects better than Las Vegas? Very little.


Some will quickly point out that Atlantic City has a beach. Alright, if you simply love the 'Northern' Atlantic Ocean beaches then yes, then the beach is a huge plus. If you're like me and prefer the white sands, blue waters of the Gulf Coast beaches to Florida beaches, where the water temp is at least 80 degrees......that's a beach. The cloudy colored frigid waters that crash upon the shoreline of Atlantic City to me is simply the Ocean, not the beach.


Some with also point out that Atlantic City has a Boardwalk. Which erm, so does Wildwood and Seaside Heights along with other places along the Atlantic Ocean. Where seagulls will swoop down and steal food right out of your hand if you're not careful. Where homeless people ask you for money. Where it's not safe late at night.


I can continue on and on about the negative aspects of Atlantic City, but I am not here to bash it by any means. I fell in love with Atlantic City years ago, I have a lot of fond memories here. I'm simply not a beach guy, even though I live in the Ocean State/City of Newport R.I., I rather walk the trails along the beach than be in the sand. And for the record, let's all admit, sand gets EVERYWHERE. My wife enjoys the Boardwalk, a lot more than I do, it is a nice walk between Bally's to Resorts or visa-versa from Bally's to the Trop. Great place to people watch as well. One could almost compare it to Fremont.


So, is some aspects of Atlantic City better than Las Vegas?


Yes, but very few in my opinion. The traffic/drivers are better in AC then in Vegas. Except during big events like the Atlantic City Airshow. The drivers are more predictable in Atlantic City that's for sure.


Atlantic City is very seasonal, I enjoy walking through an empty casino during the middle of winter. This past trip to Atlantic City, I literally could of played any machine I wanted...(Except for Super Bowl Night, Harrahs was packed) Lines to restaurants where non existent. Some people hate it when it's slow, I personally love it. The less people, the better. Perhaps it's because my line of work brings me into customer service and generally people suck.


I also find that customer service in the Casinos is also better. I'm also talking about the people who work inside the restaurants inside of the casinos as well. I generally find that they genuinely want me to be there, and to be a return customer. I feel that some of workers inside the Casinos of Las Vegas are there for a paycheck.

Will I return back to Atlantic City?

Probably, but I am not rushing back here by any means.  For starters, It's 306 miles from my doorstep to the Boardwalk. If am pushing 20 over the speed limit I can generally make it in 4 1/2 hours. If I simply average 60mph it takes 5 hours. For anyone that knows the route between here and there, CT is a nightmare, along with the Cross Bronx. I feel that by the time I get across the GW, I shave off about a year of my life due to stress. Going back, I've always hit traffic in CT but twice. So going back I am almost guaranteed to hit traffic.


We've tried flying, from PVD to PHL however, Southwest does not do it anymore. Plus rentals are expensive from Philly as well. Between rental/flight, it's comparable to simply flying out to Vegas, since it's dirt cheap to get a rental in Vegas.


Once you get to know Las Vegas, it's certainly cheaper to eat there, besides having a ton more options. Since I had successful trip in AC, I don't have to worry about any resort fees or even parking fees at any Mlife or CET properties on the strip, which was a huge turn off in the past.


So I'll probably be staying in Las Vegas for my next trip, which will be after the baby is born. Less stress from traveling, cheaper and better food options, better weather, and c'mon it's Las Vegas Baby!!!




Again, this blog expresses my opinion only. Thanks for reading about my ramblings :)