I need a hotel to stay at for just ONE night, near the boardwalk. This is for the Friday after Thanksgiving. My main priority is the PRICE. I have no intention of spending hundreds of dollars staying at one of the hotels near the casinos because I'm going there for a show (Simon & Garfunkle) and NOT to gamble (though of course I will *check things out*.)

When I say cheap I mean under $100/night. My main concern is the proximity to the boardwalk and safety. I've read a couple of reviews for the Econo Lodges in the area, but they sould HORRID. But how about the Best Western on Pacific Ave.? Also, what the heck is the Jitney? I won't have a car while I'm there, either--I'll either be hoffing it or taking a cab if I need to go a great distance.

Any advice (*stay at a more expensive hotel* is not my idea of advice). Thanks! ;-)

Lisa

A jitney is a small blue bus, which hold maybe 10-12 people. The jitney travels up and down Pacific Avenue and over to the Marina District where some Casino's are located. The cost for one way is $1.50. The Best Western on Pacific Avenue looks ok, never been inside. Just don't walk around on Pacific Avenue at night take the Jitney or a taxi. $8.00 max for cab, though could be less. Have a great time at the show.

The Jitney is a tram bus that whisks you down the streets that connect all the casinos & hotels. If it's cold out (and you don't want to walk on the boardwalk), you can grab the jitney. I think there are also jitneys between the hotels & the train station/convention center.

Honestly, the hotels that are not on the boardwalk can be scary. Even if the rooms are nice, there are lots of people loitering outside. If you are alone - DO NOT STAY THERE! If you have a guy with you, then it is a whole other story.

Did you try some discount websites? The Tropicana sometimes has cheap rooms. Next to that is the Howard Johnson, which is not too bad. Weeknights are WAY cheaper than weekends, so if you have a car, you can always stay at a place like the Hampton Inn, which is not on the boardwalk, but a short drive away, and you can park your car at a casino when you come into town.

I think I remember seeing bad reviews on the Best Western, but I don't know if that is the same location. Anyway, good luck, and if I see any great deals, I'll post them.

By the way - when is the concert, and where is it (casino, boardwalk hall, etc)?

Try the Hampton Inn on the access road on your way to AC. I think the access road is called the White Horse turnpike?? We stayed there for under $100.

I would recommend staying on the boardwalk if you can get a deal. I once stayed at the Howard Johnson's, and it seemed like the minute you left the boardwalk you were in a crack den. I took a walk alone at 9am to the 7-11 and there were all sorts of shady types out - pretty scary even though it was a bright summer day.

Thanks for the ideas. I have plenty of time so I'll check back here if someone can find a good deal for me. I would like to stay right on the Boardwalk, if possible. The concert is at Boardwalk Hall on Nov. 28th.

Java:

I am assuming you have a car. If so, stay at Ocean City, NJ about 10 miles down the road from AC. Much nicer atmosphere and a better selection of motels/hotels. When staying at OC there is a Days Inn at the boardwalk that in April, its rates were about $75/night.

I doubt that you will be able to find a room on the Boardwalk on a Friday night of a holiday weekend for under $100.

Hey folks, she said she wouldn't have a car while there....