Several women looking for a special but affordable weekend/spa experience to celebrate daughter's 40th. We've never been to either Atlantic City or Cape May. Which would be better for a special weekend? Any recommendations? The spa part is important.

I would lean towards Atlantic City.

You didn't say when you are going but AC would have more to do in the off-season than Cape May.

Every Atlantic City casino has a spa and there are some in Cape May as well but for the rest of your weekend I just think Atlantic City would offer more to do such as shopping, casinos and entertainment.

You can save some money by staying at a non-casino hotel in the Atlantic City area.

Check it out here: MyJerseyShore.com

You are talking about two totally different experiences here.

AC: Large, glitzy casino hotels. A wide variety of restaurants that are mostly offshoots of celebrity chef owned restaurants in other cities. Outlet and luxury shopping, such as Gucci and Burberry. A city environment with the seamy side included.

If this sounds good, I would look at Caeser's. It is close to the outlets and the luxury stores. As an added note: it is very easy to get between the casinos by walking on the boardwalk. The exceptions are Borgata (which is probably the nicest hotel/casino in AC) and Harrahs Marina.

CMlder and smaller inns and B&B's. Locally owned restaurants offering great cuisine. Gift shop shopping. A charming, quiet town filled with old, wonderful Victorian homes. Lovely natural areas nearby.

I can't recommend any spas. Sorry.

I don't know how that smiley face got in there. I NEVER use smiley faces.

Previous poster is right on about comparing the two...it's apples and oranges here.

Even in the off-season, I'd pick Cape May to stay overnight--much nicer beach, great small restaurants (some BYOB), nice hotels and B&Bs.

If you are really looking to do some serious drinking/clubbing and you enjoy chain restaurants, gambling and luxury brand shopping, then go to Atlantic City because you won't find that scene in Cape May.

Cape May Day Spa is a full service spa and has 2 locations in town - one is right at Congress Hall Hotel (excellent historic beachfront hotel).

I wouldn't go to AC on a bet, go to Cape May.

Cape May is pretty, but if it's not beach season it can be kind of quiet.

Atlantic City is livelier, but if you don't gamble you might be a little unsure of what to do with yourselves. If spas are a priority, there is an excellent selection of them, but I have no specific information, since it's not really a thing I do.

There are a few chains (ESPN Zone, Hard Rock Cafe, etc.), but there is also an excellent selection of upscale stand-alones and mini- and micro-chains. Good if you like buffets, too.

Many years ago, when Atlantic City still hosted the Miss America Pageant our family used to make annual pilgrimages to Atlantic City and the boardwalk. Things have changed a lot since then and with trepidation we plotted our return for the surprise birthday party of a friend. In case we didn't like Atlantic City, we combined the trip with a visit to Cape May.

Cape May is filled with many Victorian beach mansions, little shops selling knicknacks and cute little restaurants. Most of the beaches charge admittance and the sand and water were not very welcoming when we were there in late September. The sand is hard and packed and while good for long sunrise walks and some beachcombing, I wouldn't want to spread out a blanket there.

Our visit to Atlantic City was a nice surprise. We stayed at Caesars and dined at Buddakan. It has been haunting me ever since and can't wait to return to this restaurant. The decor is fashioned after an ancient Chinese village and your party can dine in a private room with sliding bamboo doors. The food is to die for!http://buddakanac.com/

Right outside the restaurant on the top floor of Caesars I loved the lounge area with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the beach, complete with real sand and Adirondack chairs. There's also a balcony overhanging the ocean that makes you feel as if you are on a cruise ship.

Caesars has a spa named Qua that looks tempting, although I didn't avail myself of the services there. You could plan your trip around a special concert appearance by Celine Dion, Chris Botti, Tony Bennett or Jay Leno.

I was surprised to find great outlet store shopping within a few minutes walk of Caesars: http://www.acoutlets.com/ I wished I had left more time for that. For all the above reasons I would be very amenable to return to Atlantic City in the future and skip Cape May.

Oh Maggi, I am SO glad you feel that way about Buddakhan....I ADORE that restaurant,,,and I love Ceasers' Pier shops. TravelingGal, stay at Ceasers, go the new spa there, it looks gorgeous!!!! We are going there for a sisters/mother week and we used to stay at the Borgata, but now will be staying at Ceasers.....GO. You will NOT be disappointed!

Judy, we eat out a lot and for some reason that place keeps coming back to haunt me. Looked at the menu again, I think one of the things we sampled were the sizzling short ribs. So much on there I want to try. I might have to plan a trip to NY or AC just to eat there again.

Maggi, their calamari salad is perhaps one of the best dishes I have ever had. Their donuts and chocolate dipping sauce is superb...and I don't even eat desserts . What we did...we ordered all small plates except for the salad.....to die for.

We did the same thing so we sample more dishes that way. What fun.

I don't normally like calamar, but I also LOVED Buddakan's calamar salad. I go to the one in Philadelphia. I love everything about it.

TravelingGal, I don't want to hijack your thread raving about Buddakan, so this is my last post on the subject:
I'm going to have to jump on a plane just to have another visit to this place!

Thanks so much for all of your input. Cesaers sounds really interesting. So does Buddakans. We may end up in a hotel with spa in Philly which is closer to us and we will definitely look into eating at Buddakans if possible. Since we don't gamble, AC might be a waste. Decisions, decisions. But thanks for your help.

I would definitely say A.C. Check out Chelsea Hotel (their spa should be open now) - travelzoo had special rates, also. Harrah's has a great spa, from what it sounds like. Also, AC has much more nightlife, shopping, shows, and action in general than Cape May.

Help ,i'm trying to find a less expensive hotel or motel that is near Atlantic City ,yet that is clean and in a safe area.We will traveling from NYC

Astros, there are some decent motels in Absecon, that would not be a bad place to stay. They'll only work for you if you have a car, though. Depending on when you are going, some of the casino hotels have good deals too. I've gotten rooms in the Trop for under $60 midweek in winter. You might get more answers if you made a separate post.