You’re driving into Atlantic City, and you see that towering gold glass structure reflecting the marshland sun. For over a decade, everyone knew it as The Water Club Hotel NJ. It was the "sophisticated" sister to the massive Borgata, the place where you went to escape the ringing slot machines and the smell of floor cleaner and cigarette smoke. But if you try to book a room there today under that specific name, you might get a little confused.
The building is still there. The views are still incredible. But things changed. Big time.
In 2023, MGM Resorts decided to pour $55 million into a massive rebranding effort, officially turning The Water Club into the MGM Tower. It wasn’t just a name change for the sake of marketing; it was a total identity shift meant to bring a bit of that modern Vegas flair to the Jersey Shore. If you’re looking for that specific "Water Club" vibe—the one defined by its boutique, exclusive feel—you need to know what’s actually left of it and what’s been completely overhauled.
Honestly, some people miss the old branding. Others think the refresh was decades overdue.
The Identity Crisis of Atlantic City’s Premier Tower
Let’s be real for a second. When The Water Club opened back in 2008, it was a game-changer for AC. At that point, the city was struggling with an image problem. Most hotels felt like relics of the 80s, draped in dusty floral carpets and smelling of desperation. The Water Club was different. It didn’t have a casino floor. It had a signature scent—something citrusy and expensive—that hit you the moment you walked through the separate entrance.
It was the first time Atlantic City felt like it could actually compete with the high-end boutique hotels in Manhattan or South Beach.
But as the years rolled by, the "cool" factor started to fade. The furniture got nicked. The tech in the rooms felt like it was from a different era. By the time MGM took full control of the property, they realized that The Water Club Hotel NJ needed more than just a literal coat of paint. They needed to integrate it into the larger MGM brand while trying to keep that "escape within an escape" feeling that loyalists loved.
The result is the MGM Tower. It’s got over 700 redesigned rooms. It’s got the "Vista Suites" that wrap around the corners of the building, giving you a 180-degree view of the Marina District and the Atlantic Ocean. But is it still The Water Club?
Technically, no. Spiritually? Kinda.
What Happened to the Pools?
The biggest draw of the original Water Club was, well, the water.
Most people don’t realize that the property features five different pools. The "Immersion" pool on the 32nd floor remains one of the most Instagrammable spots in the state, even if "Instagrammable" wasn't a word when the place was built. It’s an infinity-edge lap pool that makes you feel like you’re swimming into the clouds.
Here is the thing about those pools: they aren't for the rowdy crowd. While the main Borgata pool can sometimes feel like a spring break movie, the pools at the former Water Club maintain a strictly "chill" policy. You go there to read a book, sip an overpriced (but delicious) cocktail, and actually hear yourself think.
- The Immersion Pool: Still the crown jewel. High up, quiet, and slightly intimidating if you’re afraid of heights.
- The Outdoor Pools: These are tucked away and surrounded by lush landscaping that almost makes you forget you’re in New Jersey.
- The Lap Pool: For people who actually want to exercise, though let's be honest, most people just lean on the edge and look at the view.
The spa situation also stayed top-tier. The Immersion Spa is still operating, offering treatments that use high-end lines like Ayur-Medic. If you’re going to drop $200 on a massage, this is the place to do it because the relaxation lounge alone is worth the price of admission. You’re sitting there in a robe, looking out over the water, and for a minute, you forget that you lost fifty bucks on a blackjack table twenty minutes ago.
The Room Refresh: Winners and Losers
When they flipped the switch to the MGM Tower, the rooms got a massive overhaul. Gone are the heavy, dark woods and the mid-2000s "luxury" aesthetic. The new look is much brighter. We're talking white linens, light wood accents, and pops of nautical blue. It feels very "Hamptons-meets-AC."
The "Vista Suites" are still the ones to get if you can swing the price. They have these floor-to-ceiling windows that are basically the entire wall. Pro tip: if you’re staying here, ask for a room facing the bridge and the sunset. Watching the lights flicker on across the marsh as the sun goes down is probably the best free show in the city.
However, not everything is perfect. Some regulars complain that the new rooms feel a bit "corporate." There was a certain quirkiness to the original Water Club decor that felt unique. Now, if you woke up in a standard room in the MGM Tower, you might think you’re in an MGM property in Las Vegas or Detroit. It’s high quality, sure, but it lost a little bit of that "only in Atlantic City" soul.
Why Location Matters (The Marina vs. The Boardwalk)
If you’re looking for The Water Club Hotel NJ, you have to remember it isn’t on the Boardwalk. This is a massive sticking point for first-timers.
Atlantic City is split into two main zones: The Boardwalk and the Marina District. The Boardwalk is where the Steel Pier, Caesar’s, and Tropicana live. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s classic AC. The Marina District—where the Borgata and the MGM Tower sit—is isolated.
Is that a bad thing?
Depends on who you ask. If you want to walk out of your lobby and immediately buy a funnel cake and a cheap t-shirt, you’ll hate it here. You have to take a Lyft or the "Jitney" (the local small buses) to get anywhere else. But if you want to stay in a place that feels like a self-contained island of luxury, the Marina is the only place to be. You’re away from the boardwalk foot traffic. It’s quieter. It’s cleaner. It feels like you’re actually on vacation rather than just at a casino.
Eating and Drinking: Beyond the Buffet
One of the best things about staying at the former Water Club is the proximity to the Borgata’s dining scene. You don’t have to leave the complex to eat some of the best food in the state.
- Old Homestead Steakhouse: It’s a classic for a reason. The garlic bread is legendary. The steaks are massive. It’s expensive, but it’s the quintessential "big win" dinner.
- Izakaya by Michael Schulson: This is the move if you want something that feels modern and high-energy. The sushi is great, but the kobe sliders and the edamame dumplings are the real stars.
- B-Prime: This replaced the old Bobby Flay Steak. It’s a bit more experimental and very "Vegas" in its presentation.
The Sunroom, located right in the lobby of the MGM Tower, is still the best place for a quick breakfast or a pre-dinner drink. It’s got this glass-domed ceiling and lots of live greenery. It feels like a conservatory. It’s one of the few places in AC where you can get a decent espresso without standing in a massive line at Starbucks.
The Real Cost of Luxury
Let's talk money, because honestly, that's what most people care about. The Water Club Hotel NJ was always the premium option, and that hasn't changed with the rebrand.
On a random Tuesday in November, you might snag a room for $150. But on a Saturday in July? You’re looking at $500 to $800 a night, easy. And don't forget the resort fees. Like every other major hotel in AC now, they tack on a fee (usually around $30-$40 per night) that covers things like Wi-Fi and pool access. It’s annoying, but it’s the industry standard now.
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Is it worth it?
If you’re someone who values sleep, high-thread-count sheets, and a bathroom that actually feels like a spa, then yes. If you’re just looking for a place to crash after a night of gambling and don't care if the carpet is a little sticky, you’re better off staying at one of the cheaper spots on the Boardwalk and saving your cash for the tables.
Common Misconceptions to Clear Up
People get a few things wrong about this place all the time.
First, people think there’s a casino in the Water Club/MGM Tower. There isn't. You have to walk through a long, glass-walled corridor (the "Breezeway") to get to the Borgata casino floor. This is actually a huge plus for many guests because it means the lobby of your hotel doesn't smell like a casino.
Second, people think the pools are open to everyone. They aren't. The pools in the MGM Tower are generally reserved for guests staying in that specific tower, though Borgata guests can sometimes get access depending on their loyalty status or by paying a fee. This keeps the "Water Club side" much less crowded.
Third, the "Water Club" name is officially retired. You will see it on old road signs and some GPS apps that haven't updated since 2023, but if you're looking for the entrance, just follow the signs for the MGM Tower.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to what used to be The Water Club Hotel NJ, here is how to do it right:
- Book the MGM Tower specifically: Make sure you aren't accidentally booking the "Borgata Tower." Both are great, but the MGM Tower (the former Water Club) is the one with the boutique feel and the better pools.
- Sign up for MGM Rewards: Even if you don't gamble much, the rewards program often gets you "comped" or discounted rooms that aren't available to the general public.
- Visit the 32nd Floor: Even if you aren't swimming, go up to the Immersion Spa level just to see the view. It's the highest accessible point in the building and offers the best perspective of the Jersey coastline.
- Check the Event Calendar: The Borgata Event Center and Music Box are right next door. If a big name like Jerry Seinfeld or Sebastian Maniscalco is in town, room prices will triple and the "quiet" vibe of the hotel will disappear as the crowds arrive.
- Eat early or late: If you want to dine at the high-end spots like Old Homestead, make reservations weeks in advance. If you forgot, try sitting at the bar right when they open—you can usually get the full menu without a wait.
The transition from The Water Club to the MGM Tower marks the end of an era for Atlantic City. It was a bold experiment in "casinoless" luxury that proved people would actually pay more for a bit of peace and quiet. While the name on the building has changed, the core appeal remains: it is still the most sophisticated place to stay in a city that isn't always known for its subtlety. Grab a room on a high floor, head to the infinity pool, and just enjoy the fact that you're far away from the boardwalk noise.