Tropicana’s Chelsea Tower Brings Atlantic City, New Jersey Good Luxe

If asked what I thought of The Chelsea Tower, I’d imitate this gesture. The place rules on many levels.

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

For someone who adores the ocean, I spent but a single day and night down the shore this summer. Sad but true, yet what a memorable evening it was! I was among other media folks at the advance preview party to debut Tropicana’s Chelsea Tower, the erstwhile Chelsea Hotel, which closed in December 2016 and re-opened to the public as The Chelsea Tower just in time (and with grand fanfare) for Memorial Day 2018 (official public opening date was May 25th).

The hotel acquisition by Tropicana Atlantic City involved more than $200 million in renovations. Formally located directly across the street from the casino and as part of said renovations, the construction of a walkway known as the Skybridge was erected to connect both. Trop-history was made with the addition of this boutique hotel. The Chelsea Tower boasts, among its increased room capacity and the Skybridge, two new restaurants, two new pools and a new bar. More on those after a bit of backstory.

Back in the day, say around 2014, Atlantic City’s casinos were losing big-time. A handful of them folded, one after the next like some domino-tumble contagion. Times were tough, and the town was getting a reputation (read: any antonym for “thriving”). The overall socio-economic changes were evident nearly everywhere. I witnessed over time the area’s downward trajectory because my mother and I used to board an Atlantic City-bound bus for our “bonding” days, where she spent the day at her favorite casino as I trawled the beach and boardwalk, both rich with sensory experiences. It was impossible to miss AC’s further decline with successive visits as evidenced by shabby-appearing surroundings and an abundance of individuals decidedly not in a position to influence downturn to turn-around.

So how did Atlantic City reinvent itself from what seemed a sinking ship to a rekindling its glory days? As is often the situation when a seed of hope blossoms into reality through hard work and dedicated effort, a confluence of the right people in the right place at the right time generated genuine rebirth. Because it doesn’t happen overnight, when it does occur, the end result (including the preview party and grand opening of this Trop-treasure) are that much sweeter. That’s generally the path followed when the casino took ownership of the defunct hotel in July 2017, then recently opened it as the freshie and unique Chelsea Tower.

During the Skybridge walkway’s symbolic ribbon-cutting held in the South Tower’s 4th floor, I stood among the others and wondered if they, too, were as ready as I was to get the party started. They couldn’t slice that ribbon fast enough. Once done, the light-weight metal slatted portal-of-sorts was lifted, and in streamed the excited attendees. What fun strolling the Skybridge, bubbly-filled flutes in hand. The sun streamed in, bright and crisp. Fantastic entertainers, including a deejay, fiddle players (of both electric and standard varieties) occupied spots along the way-a gauntlet of music, if you will, that was just as bright and welcoming as the sunshine.

After a tour of the new South Tower suites on the 23rd floor, we hit the Whiskey Five Bar to enjoy cocktails and a seemingly never-ending variety of small bites. Moving to Chelsea Five Gastropub, even more delicious foodstuffs competed with the panoramic ocean views and its outdoor lounge. Booze and food consumed, the tour continued on toward the two pools. The ground-level Oasis Pool, framed by plenty of patio furniture and decorative greens then led to the Cabana Five Bar & Pool Deck, situated on the rooftop and where one can drink, dine and bop to live entertainment. Lastly, we stopped by Gilchrist Restaurant, open daily for breakfast and lunch with its signature blueberry pancakes being a perennial favorite.

I may’ve been lacking in shore time this summer past; however, and in terms of quality time, I packed in one hecka evening and overnight at one hella preview of Tropicana’s fabulous Chelsea Tower. When in AC, gamble on the boutique hotel and all it has to offer; it’s a win-win game. Good luxe!

For more information about The Chelsea Tower, visit Tropicana.net.

It doesn’t get any better than a beachfront view.

Media preview parties are always good times, and this one was no exception. Actually, it was exceptional.

From left, Whitney Ullman and Sharon Kozden pose before entering elevators headed for party central.

Entrance area festooned with balloons is a sure sign of an awaiting fun- and frolic zone.

Looking down onto the casino’s floor.

From left, Hosts Tony Rodio, President and CEO at Tropicana, Steve Callender, General Manager at Tropicana pause for a pose minutes before Chelsea Tower’s grand opening.

From left, Steve Callender, General Manager and Tony Rodio, President and CEO share in the ribbon cutting of the Skybridge walkway.

Bubbly offered on entry with charming addition of a single berry. Off to a great start.

Perfect champagne pairing in a simple stacking of multi-colored tomatoes with a mozzarella ball. Note the server’s gloved hands, a class act.

Happy to dole out the sparkling and welcoming drinks.

Bubbly in hand, the crowd eagerly enters The Chelsea Tower via the indoor walkway, known as the Skybridge.

All along the Skybridge’s debut, there were various entertainer’s. Each tune on this fiddler’s playlist was foot-tapping and booty-shaking.

First stop: room tours. Media folks made their way through many rooms on display, noting their upscale and unique features.

Modern simplicity enhanced by beach-like accent pieces.

Even if I don’t need to use a restroom, I always check them out whether in a restaurant or a hotel. Bathroom lighting matters. And the more mirrors, the better.

This could be someone’s home; it’s that welcoming and appears move-in ready.

Varied patterns and color scheme, and it all works … pleasing and soothing to the eye.

Post-room tours, it was time to indulge and kick back at the Whiskey Five Bar. Here’s a classic Manhattan.

Oh, the joy of a specialty cocktail expressly concocted for a special event.

Three’s a crowd … and bring on the good times!

Charming-looking couple enjoy the event.

Chelsea Five Gastropub serves up succulent light bites, including Crispy Brussels Sprouts with pancetta-balsamic glaze.

Simple charcuterie board with cheese and prosciutto drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Light bites keep on comin’.

Flavorful, savory medley of ingredients with crispy base makes for a scrumptious light bite.

View of the colorful and modern Gastropub. Panoramic ocean views surround a large area.

Colorful, casual and comfy décor makes for a pleasant chow break in before or after gaming, beaching, shopping and more.

Impressive variety and inclusion of many ingredients including asparagus (a favorite!) skewered on this tasty offering.

Simply YUM and mighty savory.

The presentation of every light-bite offering at Chelsea Five Gastropub is truly a work of art.

Was it seconds or thirds that I had of this gastro-beauty?

Gastropub chef … my compliments and then some!

From left, Bobbi Booker and Sharon Kozden are all smiles.

Beautifully designed cake to celebrate the casino’s new editions. You’d best believe it tasted as scrumptious as it looks.

What is it about cutting a perfect cake that disturbs me so? Not surprisingly, the pain lasted no more than a nanosecond.

Creamy, melt-in-mouth, smooth and darn pretty-looking sweet treat.

I’m going out with thick, dark and dense death by chocolate cake from the gods.

Your know what they say about spoonfuls of sugar … they make second and third tastings go down.

Cabana Five Bar (not fully pictured) & pool surrounded by patio furniture.

Stay the night and break the fast at The Chelsea Tower’s Gilchrist Restaurant.

This is how you refuel after a day and evening enjoying casino action and more.