The champagne is getting cold, the shrimp is on ice and the slabs of roast beef are ready to pop in the oven. It’s almost New Year’s Eve in Atlantic City.

New Year’s Eve is the biggest night of the year in the casinos. It’s the time the gaming halls reward their best customers with rooms, lavish meals, dancing and champagne at midnight. There are offers for all levels of loyal players, but low-rollers need not apply. Mid-level players might get invited to a free buffet and a dance party, while higher rollers can get a free room and gourmet dinner. For the true whales, the key word is luxury. An upgraded room, a dinner party with the finest food and drink and New Year’s Day brunch.

If you’re not on the invite list, it’s best to stay home. Almost every casino hotel is booked solid, and the few that aren’t are charging at least $600 for a night’s lodging. Even the chain motels 5 to 10 miles from town want at least $200 to stay the night. So if you don’t already have plans to be in Atlantic City, don’t come.

For locals, there are plenty of options if you’re willing to sleep in your own bed. Trump Marina and The Quarter at the Tropicana are having free dance parties, but you’ll have to buy your own drinks. Several casino eateries are hosting dinners for about $100 per person. If you have a spare grand in your bank account, it will buy you and a friend a room at Caesars and admission to the New Year’s Eve party on the Pier. There’s an open bar, but you have to be able to hold a lot of top-shelf liquor to make it worth the price.

Parent might want to check out the First Night celebration in Ocean City. A $14 button buys ride on Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, various G-rated entertainment acts and a shuttle bus to take you to all the hot spots.

Whatever you do, here are my best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2009.

Share