Fantasea Resorts at Atlantic Palace

Housed in a tall building towering over the Boardwalk and the beach, the Fantasea Resorts at Atlantic Palace is not your typical Atlantic City hotel. It’s a casino-free timeshare property catering to families, couples, and friends looking to stay close to the action but far enough to escape the crowds and noise of the main resorts. The property underwent partial renovations in 2018 and, though simply decorated and rather generic, common spaces feel mostly fresh. The lobby is decked out in marble-like floors and clean-lined dark wood furniture. Mustard accent walls and bright, yellow backlit features add a more contemporary touch. The highlight here is the ocean views, which can be had from the vast majority of rooms and the pool deck. Rates are similar to those found at larger casino hotels in town, but a few perks make this property a decent value for those who want a mellower Atlantic City experience, including rooms with kitchenettes, and free (or inexpensive) on-site underground parking. The vibe is quiet and family-friendly, so travelers seeking a bustling, gambling-oriented hotel will want to look elsewhere.  

The hotel is located directly on the Boardwalk, in an area a little bit away from the hustle and bustle of the main casino areas in Atlantic City. There are plenty of casual eateries and bars within a few blocks of the hotel, but this locale is better suited for those wanting to be away from the heart of the action than for visitors looking to experience the loud gambling scene for which the city is known. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Is right next door to the hotel, and the Steel Pier amusement park can be reached on foot in less than 10 minutes. Several famous casino-resorts, such as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Bally’s, and the Resorts Casino Hotel, can also be found within an easy walk. It’s a 20-minute walk (or six-minute drive) down the Boardwalk to the Tropicana. Atlantic City Airport is a 20-minute drive away, while Philadelphia International Airport is just over an hour away by car. 

The hotel offers 200 units, ranging from 412-square-foot Studios to 853-square-foot Two-Bedroom Suites. Updates in 2018 included floors, kitchen cabinets, some furniture, and bigger TVs, resulting in an overall fresh and contemporary feel. Brown carpets with geometric patterns are paired with plush seating in neutral hues and clean-lined dark-brown furniture, while bright-green accents on chairs and throw pillows add some color. All units feature kitchenettes, complete with full-size fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, two-burner stoves, toasters, and all cookware needed to prepare a simple meal. Some also have small dishwashers, and all but studios feature sofa beds in the living room for up to two additional guests. Other standard amenities include air-conditioning and large flat-screen TVs with cable. Wi-Fi, however, requires an extra fee, and guests complain that it’s weak and unreliable for the most part. The vast majority of units have full ocean views and balconies, but access to the outdoor space is not allowed. Bathrooms come with jetted tubs, granite counters, and basic toiletries, but they did not receive any updates in 2018 and most are in need of a refresh.Housekeeping is only provided to guests staying longer than one week. 

The only outdoor space at the Fantasea Resorts at Atlantic Palace is the pool deck, set overlooking the Boardwalk and the beach. Loungers, a few umbrellas, and a couple of picnic tables are arranged around the smallish (but pleasant) freeform pool, which is only open seasonally. The third-floor spa is also compact but appealing and offers not only body treatments and salon services but also a hot tub, steam rooms, and a sauna that guests can use free of charge. A handful of cardio and strength-training machines are available for a quick workout in a spacious, light-filled room with big windows, carpet, and potted plants. There is also a game room with several arcade machines and a pool table. Underground parking is included in most of the room rates and inexpensive otherwise. The hotel lacks a restaurant, but there are a diner and tavern attached to the property.