[bigbrett]

One serious thing that separates AC and Vegas is that you can get a decent room last minute in Vegas for around $100-150 on the strip on weekends.

Unless you're comped, you're looking at $400+ in AC on the summer weekends. It looks like the place is more crowded than ever, but I'd have to imagine that a few hotels that offered moderate rates could do very well and would help grow the area--supporting more decent restaurants on the boardwalk, etc.

When I'm travelling with my wife, AC is getting pretty close to Vegas as far as overall experience. Two things that Vegas has for the wife: amazing spas and much better show options. The beach is a big plus over Vegas. Bus vs. plane is also a big bonus for us east coasters