Atlantic city: Looks To Non-Gaming Roots For Rebirth

摘要

Things seem to be coming full circle in Atlantic City. Once a leading resort destination on America's Atlantic Coast, the city fell on hard times in the 1960s and turned to gaming as its savior. Now, with gaming abundant throughout the region and Atlantic City's once-thriving casinos struggling to turn a profit, luxurious destination hotels are making a comeback. Two major non-gaming developments opened this summer in Atlantic City, and a third is on the way. The flag-bearer of the new-old non-gaming Atlantic City is The Water Club, a US$400 million joint venture by, perhaps ironically, Boyd Gaming and MGM Mirage. The 800-key Water Club is positioned as a sister property to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, connected via breezeway but worlds apart in terms of atmosphere. Unlike Borgata, The Water Club is designed and marketed squarely at cash-paying customers seeking a more luxurious experience. Rates at The Water Club are about 25% higher than Borgata, says Borgata President and CEO Larry Mullin.