Fine Dining and Nightlife amid Chic 1940s-Style Decor at 4-Star Atlantic City Hotel

Purple neon lights cast a glow onto a slender, 20-story tower topped by a violet-colored sign reading "the Chelsea" in cursive lettering. This is the centerpiece luxe tower of The Chelsea, a 4-star hotel that looks like it was plucked from a film-noir classic and placed right along the ocean, just a short walk from Atlantic City’s iconic boardwalk. Inside, retro-chic decor—such as crystal chandeliers in the ballroom and abstract lamps elsewhere—fits right in with the city’s glamorous past. Each chic luxe king or queen room embodies the hotel's signature style and overlooks the bay. This deal also includes two passes to the Sea Spa’s Solarium, which has a co-ed jacuzzi, a sauna, and a steam room.

Named after the hotel’s first owners, the onsite restaurant Teplitzky’s serves classic American diner fare and cocktails to guests seated on vintage barstools, and it’s also a casual spot to enjoy breakfast in the morning, with entrees ranging from huevos rancheros to apple and pecan whole-wheat waffles.

Atlantic City, New Jersey: Casinos and Carnival Rides Lining Historic Beachside Boardwalk

No trip to Atlantic City is complete without a stroll along its signature boardwalk, which stretches for 6 miles along New Jersey's eastern coast. Originally built in 1870 to keep sand out of hotel lobbies, the boardwalk grew in popularity as a place where you could drink and gamble during Prohibition without much trouble from the police, as depicted in HBO's Boardwalk Empire. The boardwalk is still popular for its casinos, but it's family-friendly, too. Visitors can peruse amusement parks, arcades, and carnival-style food vendors, with several businesses open year-round.

On the boardwalk, it's worth it to check out the Absecon Lighthouse, which is more than 150 years old. Climb its 228 steps to the top for sweeping views of the city skyline and the sea. Down at the base, you'll find a replica of the original light keeper's lonely cloister and the collection of sock puppets he created to keep him company.

Proving further that Atlantic City isn't all nightclubs, boardwalk, and casinos is Gardner's Basin, a maritime village along the bay. Here, artisans use seashells and driftwood to hand make items such as wind chimes and picture frames. However, the basin's biggest claim to fame is the 25,000-gallon Atlantic City Aquarium swimming with turtles and rays.

Atlantic City was damaged only minimally during Hurricane Sandy. The city and its casinos are ready for business and anticipating a successful 2013 season. Read more in this press release from the Atlantic City Alliance. The Alliance notes that the Boardwalk is “still intact and as beautiful as ever.”

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.