Here's my story from last year.
Last year me and 3 of my buds stayed at Boardwalk. I have always stayed at Beach Tower before then and had a good time. I had always heard good things about Boardwalk and I wanted to try something new. I was very disappointed. First off we got down there to check in at 4:00pm like our email said (it was email because they lost our packet we were to get in the mail). We stood in the check in line for 5 hours. Just like everyone else that was checking in that day did. Well then they gave us the wrong room. We wanted a private balcony and had reserved one but they put us in the one with the walkway. They told us there was nothing we could do so we just stay in that room. We got in so late after leaving home at 7:00am and then finally getting in the room at 9:30pm we didn't really feel like going to a club or anything so we just chilled. We couldn't chill on the walkway because security had yelled at us for having beer bottles outside the room (that's so stupid). Well the rest of the week we never meet anyone new because it seemed like all our neighboors were stuck up pricks. That never happen at Beach Tower. Everyone down there were always friendly and we always meet some new people to hang out with. I do have to give it to Boardwalks beech though, its packed during the day all day with people drinking and having a goodtime. That is the most fun I've had on the beach, but come night, everyone is in their own little clics and don't really care to meet new people.
So i suggest staying somewhere cheap and just go down to the beach during the day behind Boardwalk. If your going in a group bigger then 10, I'd stay at the boardwalk because you probably won't have to meet new people to have fun, but if you're wanting to meet people do not stay at Boardwalk. Its over priced and over rated. I'd suggest Beach Tower, The Chateau, or one of the Best Westerns. They're all close to Harpoon Harry's and that is the best club down there.
__________
Go to bed drunk at 2 with a 10, and wake up at 10 with a 2!