has anyone been to atlantic city lately, we are planning a trip in the fall and staying at the boardwalk hilton

It's a nasty, nasty place. Went once, just to experience it. Will never go back again. The hotels on the boardwalk are okay, but if you even go one block away from the water, you're in the ghetto. Horrible poverty abounds in AC.

Stay on the boardwalk! I love the ocean and boardwalk area. Never stayed at the Hilton. Take a cab after dark - the price is fixed ($6 ?? max I think) for anywhere up and down the strip. Lots of urban renewal going on. Tons of bordered up and vacant properties. Stay in the casinos & hotels after dark.

I wasn't under the impression that people traveled to AC for anything BUT the gambling. If you like gambling and big glitzy hotels it will be fine. I was there on Memorial day last year - a bit cool but lots of people walking the boardwalk. I have little to no expereince with casinos but found the few that I went in to be far too smoky - I'm sure they're not all like that. If you go to enjoy the gambling you should have a great time.

AC really doesn't have much to recommend it. If your plan is to sit and gamble all day, you'll be fine. Outside of that, thumbs down. It appears AC pretty much relies on day-trippers from NY, Phila, and Wash., DC, so they city hasn't done much to make people want to stay there.

I certainly hope that 1. you are going for the gambling - then you will have a great time 2.- you are only staying for 1 night. Las Vegas it ain't - there is absolutely nothing to do except gamble.

AC is not everyone's cup of tea. Although some people really like the service and hotels - and keep making weekend trips.

I find it attracts a type of tourist we usually don't see when we travel, so I am uncomfortable. But, as I said, it could be your 'thing'.

AC is near some not-so-glitzy-and-tacky areas of NJ, such as Cape May. Very nearby is a Mammal Stranding Center, up the Parkway is Island Beach State Park, plus many "slow" beach areas. Many birders are in NJ in the fall on the flyway.

If you're going for the gambling you'll be fine. If it's early in the Fall and you want to walk the boards as a break from gambling, take a drive to Ocean City just south of AC. It should be very peaceful there.