Borgata Black Label Status Match
One of the most powerful ways to get more perks from your travels is to maximize the benefits of elite status matches. In my opinion you should always be looking out for status matches since you can often score a great deal by utilizing your existing elite status. One such deal exists in Atlantic City, but it won’t be around long.
By now you no doubt know of the Mlife Hyatt partnership. If you don’t know, those who have status with Hyatt get status reciprocally through Mlife (or vice versa). An easy way to get status for example is through the Hyatt credit card which gives Hyatt Platinum status. That equates to Mlife Gold status which can get you free parking, expedited check-in at some properties and even the occasional modest room upgrade.
The Borgata is a casino in Atlantic City which has been partially owned by MGM Resorts for awhile. They recently completed the purchase and have announced that it will eventually become part of Mlife. Until that time, they have a very very nice loyalty program with an elite tier called “Black Label”
With Black Label you get the following benefits:
- FREE self and valet parking
- Access to Amphora Lounge
- 10% discount at Borgata Collection
- Priority line at check-in and at My Borgata Center
- Invitations to My Borgata Black Label only parties and events
- Priority reservations at restaurants
- Priority access to guest rooms and suites
The Black Label Match
Better yet, Borgata used to only match elites from casino clubs in Atlantic City to their Black Label, but now they have added Gold or higher Mlife elites to the match. When you match to Black Label you get:
- $100 BONUS SLOT DOLLARS or Match Play
- Complimentary Stay in a Classic Room
- Access to VIP Lounge
My Match Experience
I recently visited Atlantic City and had the opportunity to take advantage of the match. After arriving at the Borgata I went immediately to the Player’s Club, showed my card and was given the match without question.
I was informed that:
- I had $20 in comp dollars. It takes $10 in comp dollars to visit the VIP Amphora Lounge which has a full buffet dinner and open bar or $10 in comp dollars to visit the buffet.
- I had $100 in free slot play. I didn’t manage to utilize this benefit.
- I had a free night. I was able to go to the front desk and book my free stay for the following night.
Amphora Lounge & Buffet
After I did the match, I returned to the Boardwalk area where I was staying and came back for my free night the following day. At that time I used $10 comp dollars to enter the Amphora Lounge. The Amphora Lounge which is only open to Black Labels is pretty great considering it has a very nice buffet spread and full open bar. The service was great as well, but it was busy! No wonder they charge $10 in comp dollars.
The next day before I left the hotel, I decided to eat at the normal buffet for lunch since I still had $10 comp dollars available and considering I wasn’t going to be around in the evening for the Amphora Lounge. I found the buffet to be just alright and would recommend the Amphora Lounge for the atmosphere, and the free drinks if you are into that sort of thing.
The Room
My room at the Borgata was just a standard room, but was going for close to $200 for the night of my stay including taxes. The bed was very comfortable and the decor was modern. To be honest it reminded me of other MGM Resorts properties which isn’t necessarily bad. It was everything you would expect from a room in a four star casino resort.
Conclusion
If you already have Mlife Gold or higher status (or another casino status) then it definitely makes sense to do the Borgata Black Label upgrade. Between the lounge access, the free room and the $100 free slot play, you can get a tremendous amount of value and have a little fun too. I was in Atlantic City just to sight see, but no matter the reason for your visit, use this travel hack to save some money!
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OK, I don’t know how you did it, but The Borgata has refused me this upgrade. They told me the ONLY way to get a Borgata Black Card upgrade is having a card of similar status at a competing Atlantic City Casino. I would hope others has not spent the $75 fee to obtain this Hyatt credit card in hopes of getting a Borgata Black card.
It is plain as day on the link in the post. Says they match Gold and above. Show them that page.
so this has to be in person? you dont call in or do something online? you dont need to create a Borgata elite card first like Hyatt then call to match the two status? just wondering how this works.
Yes as far as I know it has to be done in person.
Does the free room have restrictions? (I.e. sun-thurs)
No but they do need to have standard “Classic Rooms” available.
@ed, I did this in August and was able to get it the same day. However, it’s far from guaranteed as it’s based on room availability.
@shawn, instead of the slot play, I was offered the choice between that or $100 match play at table games. Is that not an option any more?
Alex you are right. I had forgotten about the match play. I’ll update to add that as an option.
While in Atlantic City try to go the Knife & Fork for happy hour. Drinks are reasonable and the appetizers are excellent…my favorites are the Kobe Beef sliders, the seafood sampler for two, and tuna tartar.
I am guessing you flew Spirit into Atlantic City?
Nope! I took a Greyhound bus! 🙂
Shawn… do you know if it’s possible to book the comp room for the same day? In other words, get the match and get a comp room for that night? Thanks!
As Alex said it is possible, but is based on space. In my case I had a room for the night I matched, but checked anyway and they were full. Luckily they had space the next night so it worked out. If you do try to do the same night it might pay to have a backup plan or at least keep an eye on their site to see how full they are.
How did you pay for the room which not comped room? Did you pay by credit card or using points?
My room was completely comped. The first night I was there I stayed at Caesar’s Palace. That room was comped thanks to my Total Rewards Diamond status gained from Founderscard.
Shawn – don’t forget to give the good ole $20 trick a go when checking in. While this is a typical Vegas move it’s likely to work.
No doubt it would probably work! For a one night stay by myself I was happy with the regular room but if you want something nicer it couldn’t hurt to try!