After spending one night at the Tropicana with a 6-year old, I needed a change - fast. So I booked a room at the Sheraton. I knew it wasn't on the boardwalk of course and no casino which is great. It is also oh so very close (e.g. a block away) to the outlet stores.
Hotel- I liked the Miss America theme, yes it can be cheesy for some but it's different, and it's done with taste. They have original gowns worn by past contestants and even crowns (museum style). And my room had a picture of a past contestant, and she seemed so happy, and it made me happy. I think all the rooms have their own individual pictures which is a thoughtful touch. The lobby is spacious and impressive.
Pool- the pool is indoors, and the jacuzzi is outside. The pool is modest in size and 4ft at its max. The place was chic and clean; you have to walk through the fitness center to get there. By the way, the fitness center was big but mostly cardio machines.
Room- great, a basic 3.5 to 4-star room with all the standards (wi-fi, coffee, tv, comfy bed, etc.,).
Location- The Sheraton is not on the boardwalk, and I don't recommend walking to it, although it's doable, I'm thinking 5 to 6 blocks. The hotel is connected to the AC convention center (see pics).
Parking- my only complaint would be parking since I've never had to pay for it in AC if I'm a guest at a hotel. Parking gets validated except for here. I paid 17 dollars for self-park. If you want to valet, that would cost you 30 (at the Tropicana for example, it's 10 dollars but free if you are staying at the hotel and have a member rewards card which you can get for free). I think this is a steep parking fee especially since there were no conventions happening. The convention center was empty. Maybe when AC was hopping this parking fee was fair, but now with the current state of things (i.e., all the hotel/casino closings) parking fees should not apply.
Here's the kicker: public parking was 15 dollars, so I paid more to stay at the hotel, 2 dollars more. I'm sure they have their reasons; maybe public parking is not as secure. But all parking is inside the convention center lot, so I don't get it.
All in all, I would rather pay for parking and stay here rather than the boardwalk because it was better for a family stay. My daughter shouldn't have to walk through a cigarette- smelling casino to get to her hotel room. But of course, I knew that.
Thanks!