The No-Fly Girls’ Trip to Atlantic City: Luxe Rooms, Late Nights, and Zero TSA Lines

Photo credit: Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

Let’s face it, coordinating a group trip is a logistical nightmare. Between syncing schedules, booking flights, and dealing with delays, even the best-laid plans can start to feel more like work than, well, work. But what if a luxe escape was within an hour’s drive from home?

Enter Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, a polished Atlantic City retreat that makes slipping into vacation mode as easy as hopping in the car. No plane tickets—or group text meltdowns—required.

With spacious suites, indulgent spa treatments, golden-hour poolside lounging and nightlife that actually has a pulse, Borgata checks all the boxes. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply need to press pause on real life, here’s how to do it right. (No passport required.)

Friday Afternoon: Check into your spacious suite and head straight to the MGM Tower’s outdoor pool. Plush cabanas and swaying palms give the space a breezy, tropical vibe, without the sticky heat or flight delay. Sip something citrusy, scroll a little, then toss your phone aside and ease into weekend mode.

Pre-Dinner Cocktails: Get the energy going at the center of the casino floor. B Bar brings the energy, with pulsing music and a steady flow of handcrafted cocktails—the perfect spot for that first clink of glasses before the night begins. 

Friday Dinner: Steps away, American Bar & Grille offers bold seasonal dishes and elevated classics that balance cozy deliciousness with a modern twist. Order a basket of house made parker house rolls, a woodfired pizza or the tuna crudo to pass and pair with signature cocktails (and mocktails).

Late Night Fun: Long Bar is the kind of place everyone in the group can get behind. Equal parts laid-back and polished, it serves up a menu of memorable cocktails and shareable bites. Stay until last call or slip out early for a soak in your suite’s oversized tub.

Saturday Spa Day: After hitting snooze at least once, it’s time to rally for a morning of pampering at Spa Toccare. Start with a restorative CBD massage to melt away stress, then indulge in a Knesko Facial to revamp your glow, and finish with a Hydrating Body Wrap to invigorate and refresh head to toe.

Between treatments, unwind in Spa Toccare’s luxurious lounges and debrief on the night before. Sip herbal tea, enjoy infused water, and savor the calm ambiance. Don’t skip the eucalyptus steam room for an added touch of zen before embarking on day two’s adventures.

Saturday Lunch: Gather the girls at Sunroom for a post-spa catchup. Plan your evening activities over charcuterie and cocktails. Plus, the casual-yet-chic vibe makes it an easy meeting place for the ones who will inevitably show up late.

Saturday Dinner: Round off your perfect weekend with a sophisticated dinner at Angeline by Chef Michael Symon. House-made pasta, expertly grilled seafood, and updated Italian classics give a chic-yet-cozy vibe to share stories over a bottle of wine or round of handcrafted cocktails.

Sunday Morning Reset: Before parting ways, enjoy brunch and mimosas at The Metropolitan. Leisurely recap the weekend over coffee and savor one last slow morning before checking out.

Whether you’re toasting a birthday, planning a much-needed reset, or just craving uninterrupted girl time, Borgata makes it easy to feel miles away without ever leaving the tri-state. Pack your weekend bag, cue the group chat, and get ready to check in to your next chapter of R&R.