Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

The massive Trump Taj Mahal is located in a prime position on the Atlantic City boardwalk. While areas of the hotel can feel dated -- think too much gold and huge chandeliers -- there are pockets of modernity throughout including the Chairman Tower. While midweek entertainment can be slow, the scene really picks up on weekends. The action is often concentrated on the huge casino floor, where 3500 slots and 200 table games provide the entertainment. Those visitors not interested in gambling have entertainment options too. Theater spaces offer a range of acts, the Casbah Nightclub is open for drinks and dancing, and the Ego Bar and Lounge is the place to relax over cocktails. There is also a varied dining scene, including Il Mulino Italian restaurant, a steakhouse, and an Asian restaurant.

Atlantic City is the gambling capital of the East Coast. The local boardwalk is a four-mile landmark flanking the beach, and the Taj Mahal takes up 17 acres on the northern end. The famous Steel Pier built in 1898 now operates as an amusement pier across from the property. Within walking distance are a number of casino-hotels like Resorts, Bally’s, Caesar’s Palace, Trump Plaza and Tropicana -- all of which contain additional shopping and dining choices.- 4-minute drive or 11-minute walk to Absecon Lighthouse

• 5-minute drive to the New Jersey Transit train station and Atlantic City Convention Center
• 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk to the Trump Plaza
• 6-minute drive or 18-minute walk to Boardwalk Hall
• 7-minute drive to Borgata Resort, Casino & Spa
• 8-minute drive to Farley State Marina
• 15-minute drive to Lucy the Elephant
• 17-minute drive to Brigantine Golf Links
• 29-minute drive to Renault Winery
• 50-minute drive to Long Beach Island
• 52-minute drive to Wildwoods by the Sea
• 57-minute drive to Cape May
• 65-minute drive to Philadelphia
• 130-minute drive to New York City

There are over 2000 rooms at the Trump Taj Mahal spread across two towers: an older Taj Tower and the newer Chairman Tower. The Taj Tower is traditional with cream tones and marble bathrooms, while the Chairman Tower has contemporary touches including granite countertops, walk-in showers, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Upgrades are available in both towers in the form of suites. The Taj Tower Regal suites have marble foyers, a living and dining area, and a separate king bedroom. The Chairman Tower suites have a living and dining area, a wet bar, 50-inch flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks.- Simmons Health Smart pillow-top mattresses

• Flat-screen TVs
• Some rooms with excellent ocean views
• Work desks and chairs
• Mini-fridges
• Coffeemakers
• On-demand movies, video games and digital radio
• Wi-Fi available for a daily fee

The Trump Taj Mahal offers all the amenities of a large resort. The huge casino floor is home to 3500 slot machines and 200 table games. Beyond gambling, the hotel also offers a large heated indoor pool (with outdoor sundeck), slightly generic spa, and business center with printing services.- Casino offers a Baccarat Pit, a smoke-free poker room that is home to the US Poker Championship, a High Limit Gaming Salon, and an Asian gaming salon.

• Spa and fitness center both have an entrance fee, even for guests
• Spice Road shopping includes specialty stores selling electronics, handbags, accessories, housewares, and more
• Easy access to the boardwalk and beachfront
• Business Center with printing services
• 24-hour room service available
• Ample event, meeting, and ballroom space including a 5000-seat arena

Certain aspects of the Taj Mahal are dated, but the restaurants are more contemporary. The newest addition is Il Mulino New York -- a high-end Italian restaurant in a white tablecloth, sophisticated space. Other fine dining options include Safari Steakhouse for high-grade steaks and seafood, Dynasty for Asian food, and Moon at Dynasty for sushi. There are just as many casual options, including Royal Albert's Palace for Indian food, a 24-hour option called Plate American Cafe, The Rim Noodle Bar, and a more casual version of Il Mulino New York called the Il Mulino Trattoria. The Trump Taj Mahal also offers several convenience options, including a sub sandwich shop, a burger joint simply called Burger, along with chains like Starbucks, Sbarro, Mrs Fields, and Auntie Anne's.