A friend is considering taking his wife to Atlantic City for their 10th wedding anniversary. Had been considering Vegas, but doesn't want to fly (they are in DC). I have not been to AC, but would imagine they could do a romantic weekend along the lines of deluxe room (ocean view) at Caesar's Palace, spa tratements at Qua, a nice dinner at Buddakan and tickets to see Seinfeld (he is appearing the weekend they would go).

Alternatively - they could stay at the Borgata if it is THAT much nicer.

So what do you think? He doesn't want the weekend to seem low rent - but I'm thinking he can do a high rent weekend in AC.

I'd choose the Borgata. It's really nice and they have a great spa. They could schedule a Couples Massage -- how romantic! If they're planning on going soon, they may even be able to enjoy the beautiful fall weather at the shore. If they like to shop (which I prefer over gambling) they can find some great bargains at the high-end outlets in the center of the city. The only downside to The Borgata is that you can't really walk to other attractions from there. You'd need to take a shuttle or taxi to the boardwalk area.

I can't get past thinking anything but tacky when someone mentions AC. How about Cape May, NJ or Philly ? If I were to take my SO other there for an anniversary, it would likely be my last.

I would seriously recommend Cape May over Atlantic City. You can stay in one of their 60 bed and breakfasts- some of these have whirlpool tubs and are amazing! I have stayed at the fairthorne before, and I couldn't believe my room. If you tell them you want a romantic package they give you roses, champagne, and chocolates in the room, and a couples massage. The restaurants in CM are rated the top 10 in the state, I would go to the Washington Inn, or Mad Batters. You can have a romantic walk on the shore looking at the lighthouse, they have horse and carriage rides, trolley tours, dolphin and whale watching cruises- they also have sunset dinner cruises- talk about romantic!

anyway- that's my two cents!

If the couple like Vegas, Atlantic City can be a good alternative. And I like the idea of Caesar's. The Borgata may get most of the buzz, but it's a $15 cab ride away from the Boardwalk, which is -- after all -- Atlantic City's main non-gambling attraction. And yes, most of the Boardwalk shops are tacky but so are many of the shops in the blocks between hotels on the Vegas strip.
Cape May is great for a laid-back vacation, but Atlantic City offers a more active vibe.

I'd suggest Resorts as another alternative. The hotel is quite nice and my SO and I told the desk that it was our anniversary and we got upgraded to a room that went for $1,000nt. HUGE bedroom, and 2 bathrooms, HUGE whirlpool tub for 2, we ordered in champagne and had a great time. I like that the hotel is right on the Boardwalk so there are other sites to see, gambling if you like, all the outlet shops and the "mall at Ceasar's", which is all upscale shops, and a few restaurants.

Hope this helps.