The Amphora Lounge at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City offers one of the best value experiences for travelers and gamblers who leverage points, miles, and casino loyalty programs. For just $12.50 per person in MGM Rewards Points (comps), guests with MGM Gold status or higher gain access to a high-end lounge with unlimited food and drinks.
The offerings are far from basic. Amphora features a rotating buffet menu with premium selections such as jumbo cocktail shrimp, carved meats (and sometimes fish), and different pastas. Regular options include pizza, soups, spring rolls, rice, corn on the cob, candied yams, fresh vegetables, and an expansive dessert station. Guests also enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, including mixed drinks and San Pellegrino sparkling water.
Given the quality and variety, the $12.50 comp entry fee is an unbeatable value, even outclassing happy hour discounts elsewhere that people often rave about. When the lounge is open (typically from 2 PM to 9 PM daily), it often becomes my go-to dining spot, rendering most other food options unnecessary during a stay.
The Pairings That Matter
Accessing Amphora Lounge becomes even more rewarding when paired with a strategic approach to MGM Rewards. Earning Gold status is easy with the MGM credit cards, which grant status after a qualifying spend threshold. For those in New Jersey or nearby, using this card to fund low house-edge Multihand Blackjack Surrender play on BetMGM is an efficient way to rack up both tier credits and comps, especially when 3x tier and comps/freeplay promos are active.
Beyond lounge access, MGM Gold status includes valuable perks such as waived resort fees, room upgrades, and even a complimentary oceanview cruise. These benefits can be stacked with other loyalty programs through status matches and cruise line partnerships, creating additional travel opportunities.
Tips
Amphora Lounge can draw long lines. To avoid waiting, arrive shortly before 2 PM or plan for a visit around 3 PM once the initial rush clears. When the line is excessive and the Borgata Buffet is operating, guests can also use $12.50 in comps to skip the buffet line—another solid backup option.
Comparisons
Compared to other Atlantic City players’ lounges, Amphora ranks at the top. Harbor Club at Harrah’s (or is it The Harbor Club? RIP Darryl) has limited hours and a smaller food selection. The Hard Rock Icon Lounge is decent, but Amphora excels in food quality and variety. Lounges at Golden Nugget and Ocean (not Ocean’s) typically don’t offer access or comps via points and miles methods, limiting their appeal to savvy rewards travelers.
My Two Cents
With generous benefits and consistent quality, the Amphora Lounge enhances the overall value of MGM Gold and Platinum status. For those planning summer travel to Atlantic City, it’s a top-tier perk worth targeting.
Whether you’re a casual visitor or a seasoned gambler, consider applying for MGM credit cards, planning your dining around lounge hours, and using comps smartly.
As always, gamble and use credit both responsibly and intelligently.
See an Amphora Lounge YouTube short I captured:
