Ocean Casino Resort unveils holiday pop-up events, new rooms and eateries in Atlantic City

Ocean Casino Resort has been making waves in Atlantic City.

The towering, sleek structure situated on the shore recently unveiled its new 463-square-foot Contemporary Blu rooms, inspired by the ocean and giving guests a taste of summer, even in the colder months.

The airy new rooms, along with recent eatery additions, foodie-geared pop-up events and a diverse entertainment lineup has helped the Jersey Shore property score the third-highest spot when it comes to gaming revenue in Atlantic City, behind just Hard Rock Hotel in second place and Borgata leading the pack.

For Halloween, creepy cocktails will be sold through Monday at the hotel’s Lobby Bar as well as Nola’s Bar & Lounge. They include the Frida(y) the 13, a mixture of muddled cucumber, Patron Silver, Pablano Verde, lime juice and agave, garnished with cucumber dipped in Tajin seasoning and a Chamoy sauce rim. The Vampire’s Kiss is also on the holiday drink menu, made with American Harvest Organic vodka, cranberry and lemon juices, grenadine and a sugar rim.

The building that houses Ocean initially opened as Revel in 2012, but closed, along with several other Atlantic City hotels in 2014, after going bankrupt. After changing owners and a few failed starts, it eventually reopened as Ocean Casino Resort in 2018 and has been thriving since.

Ocean rolled out more than $85 million in property developments over the summer, including $72 million spent on building the new Contemporary Blu rooms and suites in space that was never completed in the massive building.

The hotel has always embraced its location on the boardwalk, with common areas and eateries looking out at the ocean, and the more than 460 new rooms “draw inspiration from the colors and patterns of the shoreline,” according to Ocean.

“The beach-inspired flooring and wallcoverings create a calming atmosphere, while the soft-touch fabrics mimic the style and forms reminiscent of this modern, yet iconic building,” the hotel added. “Pops of color complement Ocean’s breathtaking views, while the luxurious bathrooms feature marble flooring, a double vanity, and an over-sized shower.

“Continuing the beach-scape aesthetic, the newly built suites offer elevated interior finishes and additional amenities such as a dining area, wet bar, and generous lounge seating for guests to host small gatherings.”

Ocean also dropped $5.2 million on a new sportsbook in the middle of the casino floor that debuted in July called The Gallery Bar Book & Games. It features a circular, elevated bar and lounge in the center of the room, along with massive LED screen walls, video poker, blackjack and roulette tables.

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The hotel added a fun casual spot to its lineup in June with an outpost of Serendipity3, known for dazzling desserts like heaping cups of Frrrozen Hot Chocolate and a massive Cotton Candy Celebration Tower that can double as a table centerpiece. Lunch and breakfast are also served here with options like a buffalo chicken sandwich, salmon with fries and mixed vegetables, and s’mores waffles.

And the resort recently expanded its casual Asian eatery, Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi, by adding1,000 more square feet of dining space.

Ocean has long housed “Iron Chef” winner Jose Garces’ trendy tapas spot, Amada, boasting views of the ocean and a variety of Spanish small plates. Sleek steakhouse American Cut and Italian hotspot Dolce Mare also round out the fine dining here.

Noteworthy casual spots include Wahlburgers, the burger joint from brothers Mark, Donnie and Paul Wahlberg, and Makai, serving Hawaii-style dishes like a Hula Burger, Tuna Poke Bowl, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

Expect fun upcoming events like a pop-up Jingle Bell Bar, opening Nov. 25 and running through Jan. 1 at 1927 Lounge, just off the casino. Festive cocktails, décor and entertainment are on the menu.

As for concerts, Canadian rockers Barenaked Ladies are set to play at Ovation Hall this coming Friday, followed by an afterparty at the bar Villain & Saint that’ll feature live music and select $7 cocktails as well as domestic beers priced at $5.

“My Big Gay Italian Funeral,” a sequel to the Off-Broadway comedy, “My Big Gay Italian Wedding,” hits Ovation Hall on Nov. 12, while rapper Flo Rida plays there Nov. 26, and the musical “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” will heat up the hall on Dec. 11.