The Claridge – A Radisson Hotel

As Atlantic City’s casino era winds down, the Claridge Hotel has refocused to appeal to individual travelers and convention goers. The hotel began a $25-million renovation in 2012 to bring it to its current contemporary design. Outside, the Claridge maintains its tall, New York skyscraper look. Inside, common spaces and guest rooms have '20s-style decor reflecting its 1929 origins. The lobby is grand and opulent -- think textured ceiling, beautiful antique-style furniture, and historic photographs of the hotel’s heyday. Dark woods and heavily patterned carpets and wallpaper are appropriate to the era, but contribute to a darker feel in some areas. The boutique-vibe appeals mostly to couples, though kid-friendly features also attract families.

Claridge Hotel is just off the Atlantic City boardwalk at Park Place, a four-minute drive off the expressway. Next door to the hotel there’s a public, outdoor art park where local and international artists have turned an empty outdoor space into a gallery showcasing their work. It is a three-minute walk to the boardwalk and beach, with Playground Pier Mall and Central Pier Arcade within a 10-minute walk in either direction. There are plenty of restaurants within a seven-minute walk, both on the boardwalk and through town. A three-minute drive will bring guests to Tanger Outlet Mall. There is a public bus stop at the park, just in outside the hotel. Atlantic City International Airport is a 22-minute drive away, but the nearest major hub is an hour away at Philadelphia International. 

Standard rooms are spacious, beginning at 285 square feet, and attractively decorated in keeping with the '20s theme of the hotel. Rooms have striking carpeting -- a bold ivory floral pattern on a black background -- that sets the tone of the room. Dark-wood furnishings and gold patterns with black accents in the bedrunners and curtains stand out against neutral-papered walls for a lovely, classic look. Black-and-white historic photographs of the hotel and its surroundings are the only artwork. Guests find that floor and table lamps are insufficient, and the room feels dark at night. 

All rooms have a flat-screen TV, coffeemaker, mini-fridge, iron, and a safe. Suites have separate living areas with a pullout sofa, and they include a wet bar and robes. Other upgrades offer beautiful, ornate furnishings and whirlpool tubs for two. Bathrooms are a disappointment in comparison with the room. Dated tile, laminate countertops, and florescent lights are not in keeping with the classy decor of the hotel. All bathrooms have a shower/tub combo with a plastic curtain, a hairdryer, and free C.O. Bigelow soap, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. The hotel plans to renovate all bathrooms by June 2018.

A range of features keep couples and families occupied while on site. The heated, indoor pool is in a spacious atrium with comfortable lounge chairs set on a concrete patio. Linen umbrellas, cabanas with couches, and a few potted plants give it a light, beachy feel. Next door is a narrow fitness room with some cardio machines and free weights. The arcade offers a variety of coin-operated video games, air hockey, and vending machines with snacks. 

A set-menu Italian restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a breakfast buffet on weekends. Other features include a rooftop bar and lounge area, a large on-site art gallery, and an on-site public theater where concerts and events are held. Conference rooms, event halls, and an opulent grand ballroom are available for business or personal events. On-site parking and valet service are available for a fee. Perks like Wi-Fi access and coffee and tea in the lobby are touted as free, but there is a mandatory daily resort fee to cover the cost.