I booked a spur of the moment trip to see a show in Atlantic City and, just my luck, now that I'm trying to find accomodations, the rates are through the roof for that particular weekend (Sept 7-9). I'm even looking at staying up to one hour's drive away, anywhere on the coast. After searching this site for the last hour, I still haven't settled on any particular area. Any recommendations?
Thanks, Maggi

Just a few mile from Atlantic City (inland) is Galloway, NJ. They have plenty of chain motels to choose from.

You are in the height of the tourist season, so rates are almost double....AFTER Labor Day it normally settles down a bit.

I haven't been to Wildwood in a long time, but you might want to look around Cape May Court House area, they used to have some decent places along route 9.

My Mom lives in Woodbine....

you don't need to stay an hour away -- it will definately calm down after Labor Day --I know there is a Hampton Inn on the AC Expressway (5 minutes outside town) also check along the White Horse pike -- the road to AC. I'm blanking on town names on the mainland -- but there is lots that are 20 minutes from AC. Brigantine (the resort town) is 15 minutes over the bridge north. I would go to motel sites (Days Inn, Holiday Inn etc) and search that way. You need to see where it is on a map re:AC

Hi njriverchick, I checked out Galloway. The Marriott Seaview is as much as some of the hotels in AC are for that weekend. Heartofagypsy, we are going the weekend after Labor Day, but perhaps the kids aren't in school yet...? I had no choice in the date, that is when the concert is. Elmom, I did check out the Hampton Inn and that is an option, thanks.

My mistake was not checking the hotel options before buying the concert tickets. We have been to Vegas many times and I supposed there were many good hotel options in AC as in Vegas. It seems the hotels we are used to in Vegas, Bellagio, et al, are way expensive that weekend in AC. I'd like to stay on/near the Boardwalk for about $200 a night. Wishful thinking, I guess.

Rte. 30, The White Horse Pike, in Absecon is lined with national chain motels. Go to Trip Advisor and type in Absecon motels. There are 23 listed.

Check out this Web site: MyJerseyShore.com.

There are some reasonable rates for that weekend.

Personally, I would choose either the Holiday Inn Express or the Comfort Inn Victorian. Both are a few miles outside of town.

Have a great time in Atlantic City.

You might give priceline a try for AC or Absecon it is worth a shot.

Agree with Absecon and Galloway. They're not the most exciting towns, but you may find better rates. Also try Longport, Ocean City, Cape May, or Cape May Courthouse. About 30-45 minutes north on the Parkway, you could also try Manahawkin, just off Long Beach Island.

If you don't mind staying somewhere cheesy (or kitschy, depending on how you look at it!) maybe try one of the doo-wop motels in Wildwood. The Carribean Motel (www.caribbeanmotel.com) is $125 on weekends. The Starlux (www.thestarlux.com) is more updated and boutiquey, and rooms usually run under $200.

I would also look at Brigantine, just over the bridge from the Trump Marina.

Here's a property - haven't stayed there, but it gets pretty good reviews. http://www.lasammana.com/

Seaview Marriott is a nice property especially if you have Marriott points.

Thanks all, I am checking out all your suggestions. I LOVE the idea of the Doo-Wop motels, i.e. Caribbean Motel or Starlux in Wildwood, especially the idea of the Airstream at the Starlux. When I called, she warned me that that weekend in Wildwood is "Harley" weekend, when thousands of bikers descend upon the town. While that in itself should be fascinating, I can imagine it would be quite LOUD, so sadly, we'll have to take a pass. Shucks! Anything else like those two motels anywhere else nearby?

On second thought, and after discussing with hubby, maybe being in Wildwood on Harley weekend would be a hoot and just add to the general hilarity of a "kitschy" vacation. We could bring a bag of earplugs. Any thoughts (or warnings)?

I just looked at www.hotels.com for you for the weekend of Sept 7-9 and there were lots of good rates at hotels in the Atlantic City area. You might check and see if something strikes your fancy.

Have fun.

No NO NO
Do not go during the harley rally.During the day it will be fine,very loud and crowded but ok.
Night time is a whole different story.The state police have to keep the different biker gangs away from one another.
We live in the area,and my husband has A harley and he won't go any where near there at night.