Revel in a word: "Wow!"
Almost since the day it was announced back in 2006, Revel, the $2.4 billion pleasure dome on the eastern end of Atlantic City's boardwalk, has been seen as a "game-changer." That is, gaming industry observers and insiders have pinned the mega-resort as the Great Blue Hope (for its acres of azure exterior glass) that will restore AyCee's former glory as the epicenter of East Coast gaming and entertainment.
Revel in a word: "Wow!"
Chuck Darrow
Almost since the day it was announced back in 2006, Revel, the $2.4 billion pleasure dome on the eastern end of Atlantic City’s boardwalk, has been seen as a “game-changer.” That is, gaming industry observers and insiders have pinned the mega-resort as the Great Blue Hope (for its acres of azure exterior glass) that will restore AyCee’s former glory as the epicenter of East Coast gaming and entertainment.
Whether or not Revel can compel former Atlantic City visitors to return while simultaneously creating a new customer base of those who heretofore have resisted the seaside gambling capital’s particular charms can be charted as of April 2, when the 6.5 million-square-foot behemoth begins welcoming the public. But in terms of New Jersey’s gaming realm, Revel doesn’t just change the game, it creates an entirely new one.
That’s the takeaway from the exhaustive three-plus-hour tour media types took earlier today. The property is so overwhelming in its layout, décor and amenities that it probably isn’t fair to discuss it in context of the town’s existing 11 gaming halls.
Revel’s closest relative is Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, and that property’s almost-4-year-old sibling, The Water Club. They all share a cool, modern ambiance aimed at more well-heeled customers. But Revel takes the high-end, cutting-edge concept not just to another level, but to several levels above what exists now.
The so-called “Wow! Factor” greets the visitor around every corner (actually, that is a poor choice of words since corners and 90-dgree angles don’t seem to exist in too many places within the sprawling complex). It starts with the drive up to the main entrance (or “porte cochere” as they say in Casino-speak). The access road takes guests within yards of the Atlantic Ocean (a not so subtle hint that this property, not being your grandparents’ casino, embraces the natural resources at its front door rather than try to distract customers away from them).
Once inside, it’s almost too much to take in with a single visit. Part of this is the building’s sheer size (sneakers or comfortable shoes are recommended for traversing the property). But it’s much more that the public spaces—casino, Ovation Hall (the largest of three planned performance venues) and retail and dining areas--were not conjured by interior designers, but a company—Montreal-based Sceno Plus—that specializes in theater design.
Revel is nothing, if not theatrical. This is especially evident in the 130,000-square-foot casino which is certainly the most dramatic and visually compelling gambling parlor I’ve ever seen. With its odd contours, varying-height ceiling, almost incandescent red carpeting and colorful and interesting ceiling fixtures, the space is bold, bright and unlike anything gamblers have experienced in Atlantic City.
And then there’s the outdoor spaces overlooking the beach and ocean that are a total departure from what’s come before, and which no doubt deserve a blog post of their own.
I can go on with the superlatives, but here’s the bottom line: Revel appears poised to deliver everything it’s promised for the past five-plus years. Whether it succeeds depends on much that is entirely out of the hands of those running it (e.g. gas prices, the economy, out-of-state competition). But it is indisputably a must-see attraction the likes of which we’ve not seen before.
Doesn't the Boardwalk run North and South?— Smokey- Geographically it actually is pretty close to East - West.— sla6yer
- Revel,Borgata,Warer Club. WOW!!!!!!1
Sugarslots,Parx,Chester Harrahs. YAWN!!!!!— argonne - @smokey, more like northeast to southwest.— franknbeans
- Its an indicator of the lack of critical thinking among gaming industry press that they practice such cognitive dissonance in the case of Revel. Revel clearly isn't bringing anyone back to Atlantic City who has left because the gamers who have left for PA care about CONVENIENCE AND PROXIMITY TO HOME. Come on, guys! Where's the critical insight?— hotelguy
- Its an indicator of the lack of critical thinking among gaming industry press that they practice such cognitive dissonance in the case of Revel. Revel clearly isn't bringing anyone back to Atlantic City who has left because the gamers who have left for PA care about CONVENIENCE AND PROXIMITY TO HOME. Come on, guys! Where's the critical insight?— hotelguy
- The big question now is if Revel can pay for itself. $2 billion is a lot of money to repay. And will it further decimate other AC casinos? There's a lot to be concerned about here if you have an interest in the success of AC overall.— dave202
- Hotelguy is right. Revel is looking beyond the PA, DE, NJ, NY and CT boarders. Think bigger....— swimfishie
- That may be the single most prevalent misconception about AyCee--that it runs north-south. As franknbeans said, technically it's more like NE-SW. But if Absecon Island ran parallel to the mainland, the neighborhood around Kentucky and Arctic avenues would have been called the "Westside."— chuck darrow
- After the excitement is over after a few days or weeks things will go back to normal. The only thing a new casino will do will take business from some of the older casinos. It will not bring the hoards back to AC that the media promises. There is no reason to go to AC to gamble when if I want I can walk to the Delaware river and gamble.— zippy1346
- Sorry, but you are wrong in this case. People are not only going to gamble. There is much more than you know. — J20tower
- Hmmm let's see 4 dollars a gallon if we are lucky...tolls parking...yea it'll b a nice place to see and then one and done ...very true die hard gamblers will go local...shulbs like me will visit...philly. to ac will cost 50 bucks just to drive and back....and that includes nothing else...food drink gambling...let's see just how great things will b in 1 year— paulyboy
- No one on this post has realized why the Revel will do well. The casino will be a night life destination especially in the summer months. There will be shows, parties, great meals, and plenty of fancy drinks. The Revel will not support itself on it's gaming offerings alone. The Borgata realized in order to be profitable it had to offer more than slots and table games. Borgata has been the profit leader in A.C. since it opened its doors. The Revel will follow.— cake2025
- If this casino (or any for that matter) were smoke-free, I'd probably be a light gambler. As it is, it's not worth coming home wanting a jump off a bridge with the vile, disgusting stench of death on my clothes, skin and hair.— Loves To Comment
- All you nahsayers will be eating your words. Revel is not a casino. Its a resort experience and yes, people will come to see it because their is nothing like it anywhere on the east coast. You don't enter on the Pacific Ave. side. You enter on the ocean. Prepare to be wowed.— J20tower
Since then, Chuck has covered the town and its gaming industry for several area newspapers -- which is why, in some circles, he’s known as “Boardwalk Charlie.”
You can reach Chuck at darrowc@phillynews.com. Reach Chuck at darrowc@phillynews.com.
