Many of us have wondered, ‘Is it possible to enjoy a safe family staycation with loved ones during the pandemic’?
After being stuck in the house during quarantine, many of us with children who are suffering from cabin fever have been searching for a safe way to enjoy family time in a clean safe environment. Many moms have decided to plan local vacations where they can pack up their family and drive to a safe haven for a quick break. Eager to enjoy time together we ventured down the shore to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and enjoyed a wonderful staycation.
HRHCAC has introduced their new safe + sound committee created to oversee compliance of sanitization, social distancing, and other safety protocols. From Personal Protection Guidelines to Thermal testing, the safe + sound clean team was on hand 24/7 constantly wiping and sanitizing the hotel. Hand sanitizing dispensers were everywhere as well as social distancing markers to keep everyone safe.
We were greeted by VIP Check-In members who made everything super smooth as they escorted us to our 20th floor high rise room for the weekend. Everything sealed and sanitized with a note the room was spotless with a front row seat view of a gigantic lit up ferris wheel. What a surprise!
My husband, my 4-year old Felicity and myself ventured off to their huge indoor pool limited to a smaller capacity and enjoyed food by the pool as the sun beamed through beautiful skylights. We even got a little tan. Definitely the highlight of Felicity’s trip—what kid wouldn’t enjoy a heated pool during the winter. The pool area included an arcade that had tons of games perfect for kids of all ages.
Veering off to the lobby to see the gigantic guitar that graces the ceiling, we decided to visit some of the amazing artifacts and hip hop collectibles on hand at the hotel. We saw everything from Anita Baker’s dress, Nicki Minaj’s stage costume and my favorite…Michael Jackson’s iconic sequined glove. The hotel also holds a check signed by rapper Tupac Shakur and a page of lyrics written by Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes.
After strolling the hotel grounds which was entertainment itself, we settled down for a lovely romantic dinner at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. The food was fine dining at it’s best. The Branzino and Seafood pots were nothing short of perfection. Even Felicity melted over her crabmeat cocktail. Ambiance and tasty food are covered at this delectable restaurant known for it’s consistency.
The following morning we ordered smoothie bowls from the hotel’s Green Bar which features fresh squeezed juices, smoothies and fresh colorful fruit bowls. We went back to our favorite spot at the pool where Felicity practiced her doggy paddle. I decided to hit the spa and I’m so happy I did. The team at the spa treated me like a queen for a day and Lynda gave me the best facial I’ve ever had. The wet room at the spa featured a shower that had 3 settings of water and mist including a whiff of the ocean . The jacuzzi was the perfect ending to a relaxing afternoon.
The hotel is also home of the infamous Sugar Factory famous for making the most instagrammable treats and sweets known to mankind. Felicity was literally acting like a kid in a candy store at the site of the huge rubber duck that graced the entrance. The general manager David Mpofu made her feel like a Kardashian ushering her to a booth and presenting her with a huge colorful cocktail and a melange of delicious appetizers. Sugar Factory’s menu features signature items such as savory crepes, salads, monster burgers, insane milkshakes and specialty pizzas. We went for the Blackout milkshake perfect for chocolate lovers and ended the dinner with a birthday banana split for my husband that blew our mind. With locations all over the world, The Sugar Factory in Atlantic City stole our hearts.
If you’re looking for a vacation that is local we couldn’t think of a better place. We relaxed and enjoyed family activities by the floor to ceiling windows and created memories to last a lifetime!
For more information CLICK HERE