Overview of Ocean Resort in Atlantic City

Ocean Resort is a luxury hotel and casino located on the famous Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The resort was opened in 2018 by Bruce Deifik, a Denver-based entrepreneur who saw an opportunity to revitalize the city’s gaming industry. This article will provide an overview of the Ocean Resort, its features, and its impact on the local community.

History and Background

The site where Ocean Resort now stands was previously occupied by the Revel oceancasinoresort.ca Casino Hotel, which operated from 2012 until it closed in September 2014 due to financial difficulties. The property remained vacant for several years before Deifik purchased the land and began construction on a new resort.

Deifik’s vision for the Ocean Resort was to create a more intimate, boutique-style casino that would appeal to both locals and tourists. He aimed to differentiate his property from other Atlantic City casinos by offering a unique blend of luxury amenities, upscale dining options, and a distinctive design aesthetic.

Design and Architecture

The exterior of the Ocean Resort is designed to evoke the classic Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s, while its interior features sleek, modern lines. The resort’s façade boasts an intricate design of geometric patterns and metallic accents that reflect the city’s rich history.

Upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted by a spacious lobby with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The property’s 1,399 guest rooms and suites have been designed to provide maximum comfort and relaxation, featuring plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

Facilities and Amenities

Ocean Resort offers an impressive range of facilities and amenities for guests to enjoy. These include:

• A 138,000-square-foot casino with over 2,200 slot machines and 140 table games
• The Endless Summer poolside bar and grill
• An adult-exclusive cabana pool area offering private seating areas and personalized butler service
• A state-of-the-art fitness center with personal training sessions and yoga classes
• The Draft Land sports book, featuring live wagering options for football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, golf, boxing, mixed martial arts, horse racing, NASCAR, NCAA college football, NBA finals, WNBA finals, MLB playoffs, NFL draft, PGA tour events, NHL playoffs, and more

Cuisine and Entertainment

Ocean Resort offers a diverse range of dining options to cater to various tastes and preferences. These include:

• American Cut: an upscale steakhouse serving premium cuts of meat
• Blue Plate Diner: a casual eatery offering classic diner fare for breakfast and lunch
• Fresh by Michael Mina: a seafood restaurant featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Draft Land Bar & Grill: a sports-focused pub with an extensive selection of craft beers

The resort’s entertainment options include live music performances at the Ocean Resort Nightclub, as well as regular events and tournaments hosted in partnership with local organizations.

Impact on Atlantic City

Ocean Resort has been hailed as a major success story for Atlantic City, generating significant revenue and jobs for the region. According to data released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Ocean Resort’s first year of operation saw net revenues increase by 31% compared to its predecessor.

In addition to economic benefits, the resort has also contributed positively to local employment rates and tax revenue. It is estimated that over $100 million in new taxes will be generated for Atlantic City due to the opening of Ocean Resort.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its many successes, Ocean Resort has faced some challenges since its inception. One major issue arose in 2018 when a massive storm damaged several sections of the property’s exterior façade, requiring significant repairs and renovations. Deifik stated at the time that he was committed to preserving the resort’s historic aesthetic.

Additionally, there have been reports of concerns regarding employee working conditions and staffing levels at the casino floor. Deifik acknowledged these issues in 2020, announcing plans for increased compensation packages and expanded support services for employees.

Conclusion

Ocean Resort has undoubtedly had a profound impact on Atlantic City since its opening in 2018. As one of the city’s major players in the gaming industry, it continues to offer an upscale experience that caters to diverse tastes and preferences.

While there have been challenges along the way, Deifik’s determination and commitment to revitalizing the resort has paid off in numerous ways, including increased revenue streams for local government agencies.