Manahawkin Travel Guide

Apprentices, take note: "as glitzy as they come", with million-dollar chandeliers and seven two-ton stone elephants, the Taj "is still one of AC's best" say its bauble-loving fans; the "over-the-top" atmosphere, plus a lineup of entertainers including the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Marc Anthony and Mariah Carey create "a good time" for most, despite an "attitude that's getting old" and dining that "needs improvement."

"Well-maintained" public spaces, a "high-end" designer shopping mall and "eager-to-please" staffers are the pride of this large, Roman-themed casino complex in the middle of the Boardwalk; but many find the rooms "vary in quality" depending on whether you book a "comfortable" one in the "newer" Centurion wing or a "dated" one in the older tower.

"If you want to experience AC without the crowds of the strip", you can head to this spot with "nice views overlooking the marina", where the "recently renovated rooms are a significant step up from what they were in the recent past"; but some can't get past the "gaudy" look ("like the Donald would want"), the "uninspiring facilities" that "need work" or the "average-to-good" fare, saying it's "cool if you're 55, lame if you're 25"; P.S. it can be an "excellent bargain" to "stay here for cheap" and "take a cab" to the "more finely appointed casinos" (like at the Borgata, next door).