ATLANTIC CITY Its not for those who arrive here in motorcoaches, but Atlantic City boosters hope the new $2.4 billion Revel will help turn around the image of this gaming Mecca, making it more attractive as a destination for all gamblers.

To say the Revel megaresort is unlike anything ever seen in Atlantic City is no exaggeration.

The ultra-contemporary, curvy glass-and-steel oceanfront complex - the most costly resort built here - aims to rise above the competition and attract a more upscale clientele to Atlantic City, a gaming and entertainment destination that is undergoing a much-needed face lift in a bid for survival.

Revel began opening last month at the southern end of the Boardwalk, with 500 of its eventual total of 1,898 rooms. When complete, it will occupy 6.3 million square feet of space.

The 47-story edifice boasts guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that give everyone a coveted water view. There's a plush casino with burlesque stage and electronic table-game pit, plus a party pool run by a Las Vegas entertainment group.

Revel hopes to attract those who may not have considered vacationing or holding meetings in Atlantic City.

Grand opening is Memorial Day weekend, when all restaurants and shops are due to be up and running. A 300-room boutique hotel within Revel is planned next year.

Expanding the market

There are 47 million adults within a six-hour drive of Atlantic City. The owners of Revel want to draw people whove never been to Atlantic City; people who crave "a weekend of luxury" at the beach.

Revel, whose name signifies enjoying oneself in the company of others, aims to please resort customers by ignoring casino-world customs. It's the only smoke-free casino resort in Atlantic City. There will be one smoking area outside a nightclub.

And, unlike virtually all other casinos, visitors wont have walk through the gaming area to get to their rooms, and Revel plans no bus programs for day trippers.

Neither will there be a buffet to feed gamers fast and reward them with free or discounted feasts.

Revel says its less interested in doling out comped visits to gamers than attracting those interested in the spa, shopping, night spots and restaurants.

Revel's roster of celebrity-chef eateries ranges from a steakhouse from Iron Chef America winner Marc Forgione, to a budget replica of a taco truck run by another Iron Chef, Jose Garces.

Pool food is from Michel Richard, who has two other eateries at Revel and a restaurant at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Revel's main InOut Pool starts indoors and meanders outside; swimmers pass through see-through automatic doors.

Revel is coming to life after financing fits and starts. First, Morgan Stanley was involved. It withdrew after the crash of 2008 and wrote off more than $1 billion as a loss to Revel's benefit.

Lots of opulence

Little expense seems to have been spared. Polished and unpolished marble from Italy and China abounds. Arty mobiles of paper-thin, gold-colored rectangles dangle from an atrium entrance; rooms have brown leather desk chairs.

Guestrooms reportedly are as chic as any in Las Vegas, incorporating a neutral gray and tan color scheme, fabric headboards with embroidered bronze-colored drapings and 46-inch flat-screen TVs in standard rooms. Handheld tablet devices allow guests to control temperature, order spa treatments and room service. Introductory rates start at $239 and will rise to the $300 range after the grand opening.

Unlike other high-end resorts, not a jetted bathtub is in sight. According to executives, today's germ-conscious consumers think bacteria gets trapped in the jets. Suites do have deep soaking tubs.

The 130,000-square-foot casino has a "digipit" gaming area where players use electronic "chips" to play against dealers who flip "cards" using buttons. The pit is equipped with four poles, where dancers will entertain.

Revel aims to be "theatrical." It wants to give adults the same experience children have when they go to a Chuck E. Cheese, with its video games and birthday-party vibe.

Revel includes a 5,500-seat arena, where big stars will be booked.

As opening nears, Revel is raising something of a ruckus. The curious gawk at the tower with no name on it, just a 90,000-pound orb on top that has 250,000 programmable lights and is visible for miles (no deep meaning; it's art).

High hopes, we have . . .

Whats the feeling in Atlantic City?

That "a rising tide lifts all boats," says Jeff Vasser, executive director of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. Revel "is going to be a boat-raiser," he says.

The city has seen its fortunes fade as legalized gaming in neighboring states has siphoned business and the Miss America pageant moved out. Still-seedy areas near the Boardwalk, with pawn shops, panhandlers and boarded-up buildings, are a turn-off.

Revel is redoing Connecticut Avenue so guests can cruise up without negotiating mean streets.

Part of a new tourist district master plan - initiated by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie - is to clean up neighborhoods, put in parks, shops and more.

Other resorts also are stepping up their games.

Revels closest competition, the popular Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa - with more rooms and gaming space - is undergoing a $50 million renovation, including 1,566 of its rooms.