I was driving up the Black Horse Pike out of Atlantic City the other night, and saw a bunch of dingy hotels offering “bargain” rates of $25 to $30 a night. When I say “dingy,” I mean dives, dumps, places that prostitutes rent by the hour. Places you wouldn’t let your dog stay in overnight.

And I thought, why share your accommodations with mice and cockroaches, when for the same price, or maybe a few bucks more, you can have a luxurious casino-hotel room to call your own? Times are tough, and with fewer people coming to Atlantic City, the casinos are lowering their room rates. I’ve seen the Showboat offer rooms for $29 a night through March, which is not bad. Logon to The American Casino Guide Reservations page to see some current offers.

These offers are for the general public. If you have any history of gambling at the casino, you can get the room for much less, if not for free. It also helps to sign up for the casino’s e-mail lists, even if you’re not a player. I’ve gotten offers for free rooms in Las Vegas, including the Bellagio and Monte Carlo, where I’ve given them little or no play.

Here’s another great deal. Atlantic City Restaurant Week was extended through March 14, and about 50 eateries are in on it. Logon to www.acrestaurantweek.com to see who’s participating. Lunches are $15.09 per person and dinners $33.09 with choices for a select menu.

A friend and I had dinner at Izakaya at the Borgata over the weekend, and it was quite good for the money. Another friend raved about his experience at Il Mulino at the Taj Mahal. Get these deals while they’re hot. Once the weather breaks, they’ll be gone with the tide.

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