CC
Charlie Cook
Aug 17, 2025
Overall Impression and Summary:
The Best Western in Atlantic City presents itself as a conveniently located, budget-friendly option for visitors. However, a stay at this hotel reveals a significant gap between expectation and reality. The property appears to be suffering from a lack of proper maintenance, staff engagement, and security, leading to a consistently poor guest experience. From the moment of arrival, issues with the physical property and the surrounding environment detract from what should be a pleasant stay. The hotel is not recommended for those seeking comfort, cleanliness, or a family-friendly environment.
Room and Amenities:
* Bedding and Comfort: One of the most glaring issues is the poor quality of the beds. The mattresses are hard and uncomfortable, making it difficult to get a good night's sleep. This is compounded by the pillows, which are small and insufficient for proper rest, feeling more like decorative throw pillows than standard sleeping pillows.
* Cleanliness: The cleanliness of the room, particularly the bathroom, is a major concern. We found multiple strands of hair and black spots, suggesting a lack of thorough cleaning. The discovery of a used butter knife under the nightstand is a particularly troubling example of the lax housekeeping standards. The general state of the furniture, such as the dresser drawers that are difficult to close, also points to a room that has seen years of wear and tear without proper upkeep.
* Breakfast: The terrible breakfast offerings are a significant drawback, especially for a hotel that advertises this as a complimentary perk. The quality and variety of food fail to meet even basic expectations for a free hotel breakfast.
Hotel Property and Environment:
* Parking: The parking lot is a source of considerable frustration. It is small and poorly constructed, making it difficult for modern, larger vehicles to navigate. This is a critical issue in a city where parking can be a major challenge. There is also a $25 per night fee for parking.
* Safety and Security: The presence of homeless individuals around the hotel and in the parking lot, who approach guests and beg for money, creates a feeling of insecurity and discomfort. This is a serious concern for any traveler, and particularly for families with children.
* Elevator: The elevator is slow and feels unsafe, with a sensation that it might break down. This not only causes inconvenience but also raises questions about the overall safety and maintenance of the building.
* Staff and Service: The staff's lack of attentiveness at the front desk is a minor complaint. I get it. It's a boring job. But they could at least acknowledge a guest when they walk in. The sight of staff members on their phones rather than engaging with guests suggests a general indifference to customer service and a lack of professional standards.
Final Verdict:
Given the extensive list of issues—from the uncomfortable beds and dirty rooms to the challenging parking and security concerns—this Best Western falls far short of providing a satisfactory hotel experience. The overall state of the property and the surrounding environment make it an unsuitable choice for most travelers. It is especially not recommended for families with children due to the safety and comfort issues. This is a property to avoid, and a better option should be sought for any trip to Atlantic City.