Published on: November 24, 2025, 12:26h.

Updated on: November 24, 2025, 12:26h.

• Atlantic City Council mandates the installation of security cameras in smaller hotels and motels
• This government action aims to combat unlawful activities within these accommodations

Atlantic City casinos are flourishing, with gaming revenues and visitor numbers surging past what they were before the pandemic. The nine resorts are continually revamping their facilities, investing millions to enhance the New Jersey coastal hotspot, while certain segments of the local community lag behind.

Recently, the Atlantic City Council unanimously enacted a law aimed at enhancing safety in the East Coast casino hub by boosting security protocols at nearby hotels and motels. The newly introduced Ordinance No. 91 establishes fresh guidelines for short-term lodging establishments.

The new regulations commence with an initial assessment of all hotels and motels boasting fewer than 100 rooms, conducted by the city’s Code Enforcement Division. Annual inspections will give owners 30 days to rectify any detected issues, with follow-up evaluations happening within 15 days.

Additionally, the ordinance mandates that all such facilities must install and maintain “a fully operational security camera system that continuously records all communal areas and outside sections of the property.”

Safety and Security in Atlantic City

The regions immediately neighboring the Atlantic City Boardwalk and Marina District are regarded as relatively safe with common-sense precautions. However, areas further inland, away from tourist routes, tend to have higher crime rates.

Budget-conscious travelers often prefer Atlantic City’s smaller hotels and motels. The city has 26 lodging options with fewer than 100 rooms, many of which have been associated with crime, including drug transactions and prostitution, according to city officials.

Ordinance No. 91 aims to deter such illegal activities in these accommodations and enhance guest experiences.

Lastly, all hotels and motels with fewer than 100 rooms must prominently display “No Trespassing” signs informing that only registered guests are allowed on the premises.

Room Reviews in Atlantic City

Many Atlantic City casino hotels have recently undergone renovations, providing remarkable quality and value when compared to counterparts in Las Vegas. However, outside the Boardwalk and Marina District, reviews for Atlantic City rooms aren’t exactly favorable.

For instance, at the Sunset Inn, located less than half a mile from the entrance of Borgata—one of the city’s most opulent casino hotels—numerous reviews cite issues related to cleanliness, including reports of bed bugs, in addition to safety concerns.

“Upon entering the room, we discovered a dead frog in the bathroom. Bed bugs were present, and the bed sheets appeared stained and unclean,” stated a recent review on Tripadvisor.

“This place is the worst I’ve ever stayed in,” stated another guest on Google. “It seemed very unsafe and untrustworthy.”

Closer to the Boardwalk, new reviews of the Econo Lodge expressed serious safety concerns.

“I was in a corner room that wasn’t covered by security cameras. A homeless person was sleeping by my door,” a guest reported in a Google review.

“There’s inadequate security on the property. I would advise against staying here!” read another.

“A complete nightmare! There is no security. You’re risking your safety as people can do whatever they want here,” echoed another review.