It is weird. Showboat Atlantic City is arguably the most confusing hotel on the Boardwalk right now, and I mean that in the most literal sense possible. If you haven’t been to AC in a few years, you probably remember the Showboat as that giant, Mardi Gras-themed casino that sat right next to the Revel (now Ocean). Well, the casino is gone. It's been gone since 2014. Today, it’s a massive, sprawling non-gaming hotel that somehow balances being a family-friendly waterpark destination with being a massive convention hub for niche subcultures like anime fans and horror buffs.
When you start looking at showboat atlantic city hotel rooms, you’re going to see a massive range in quality, price, and "vibe." This isn't a cookie-cutter Marriott. Because the building was originally built as a casino-resort, the layout is a labyrinth. You have different towers—the Orleans, the Bourbon, and the Havana—and honestly, the tower you end up in determines whether you have a "meh" stay or a great one.
The Tower Gamble: Orleans vs. Bourbon vs. Havana
Most people just click "Book" on the cheapest rate and then get annoyed when they end up in a room that feels like a time capsule from 2005. Don't do that.
The Orleans Tower is the heart of the operation. If you want to be close to the action—meaning the Lucky Snake Arcade and the Island Waterpark—this is where you stay. The rooms here are generally more updated. You’ll find cleaner lines, better lighting, and a feel that mimics a standard modern hotel. It’s functional. It’s reliable. It’s also where you’ll find the bulk of the "Pet Friendly" rooms, which is a huge selling point for Showboat. Not many places on the Boardwalk let you bring a 50-pound Golden Retriever, but Showboat is famously cool with it.
Then you have the Bourbon Tower. This is where things get a little "vintage." Look, I’m being nice—some of these rooms are dated. We’re talking older carpets and bathrooms that haven’t seen a renovation since the Bush administration. But, and this is a big but, the Bourbon Tower often has the best views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Steel Pier. If you’re a photographer or just someone who likes staring at the waves while drinking mediocre hotel coffee, the trade-off might be worth it.
The Havana Tower is often the quietest. It’s a bit of a hike from the main lobby, which is actually a blessing if there’s a massive tattoo convention or a loud e-sports tournament happening downstairs.
Space is the real luxury here
One thing you have to give Showboat credit for: the rooms are huge. Back when this was a high-roller destination, they built the rooms to accommodate people who were spending twelve hours a day at the craps tables and needed a massive suite to collapse in. Even the standard "King" or "Two Queens" layouts feel significantly more spacious than what you’d get at a brand-new boutique hotel in Philly or New York.
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You’ve got floor-to-ceiling windows in a lot of these units. When the sun hits the water at 6:00 AM, it’s actually pretty stunning.
Dealing with the "No Casino" Reality
Here is the thing about showboat atlantic city hotel rooms that trips up first-timers: there is no gambling.
You walk into this massive, cavernous lobby that looks like a casino floor, but instead of slot machines, you see the world's largest arcade. You see a go-kart track. You see a bowling alley. For some people, this is a nightmare. They want the chime of the slots. For families or people who are in town for a concert at the Hard Rock (which is right next door), it’s actually a relief. It doesn't smell like stale cigarette smoke. That is a massive win for the Showboat.
- Pro Tip: If you want to gamble, you just walk out the side door. You are a 3-minute walk from Hard Rock and a 5-minute walk from Ocean. You can sleep in a smoke-free room at Showboat and lose your money next door. It’s the best of both worlds.
The Island Waterpark Factor
In 2023, Showboat opened the Island Waterpark, a $100 million indoor waterpark that is attached directly to the hotel. This changed the entire dynamic of the rooms.
If you are booking a room during the weekend, expect crowds. High energy. Kids in swimsuits running through the lobby. If you’re looking for a romantic, quiet getaway, you need to be very specific about your room placement. Ask for a high floor in the Havana Tower away from the elevators.
The "Waterpark Suites" are the newest addition to the inventory. These are slick. They’re designed for groups. They have a modern, almost tropical aesthetic that feels completely different from the rest of the hotel. They are also significantly more expensive. If you’re traveling with a squad or two families, the math on these suites actually starts to make sense compared to booking three separate standard rooms.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Price
You'll see Showboat rooms listed for $79 on a Tuesday in October. You’ll think, "Wow, what a steal!"
Be careful. Atlantic City is the king of the Resort Fee. At Showboat, you’re going to get hit with a fee that covers Wi-Fi (which is okay, not great) and access to certain amenities. By the time you add taxes and the resort fee, that $79 room is closer to $130. Still a good deal? Usually. But don't let the "sticker price" fool you.
Parking is another thing. The Showboat has its own garage, but it’s not cheap. If you’re staying for multiple days, that parking bill is going to hurt.
The "Pet Friendly" Nuance
Showboat is one of the most dog-friendly hotels in New Jersey. They don't just "tolerate" dogs; they have dedicated floors for them. However, this means if you have allergies, you MUST specify that you need a non-pet room. Honestly, they do a decent job of cleaning, but dander is a persistent beast.
The Realities of Service
Let’s be real for a second. This is a 1,300-room hotel. During peak season (June through August), the staff is stretched thin. Check-in can be a gauntlet. I’ve seen lines that wrap around the lobby on a Friday at 4:00 PM.
If you want to enjoy your stay, check in early or very late. Use the digital check-in options if they’re working. And don't expect 5-star concierge service. This is a high-volume, high-energy operation. The staff is efficient, but they aren't going to hand-deliver a craft cocktail to your bedside at 2:00 AM.
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What about the food?
There isn't a "fine dining" steakhouse inside the Showboat anymore. You’ve got a Surf Bar near the waterpark, some quick-service spots, and a decent breakfast place. But again, you are on the Boardwalk. You are steps away from some of the best food in Jersey. Don't feel like you’re trapped in the hotel for meals.
Is it worth it?
It depends on who you are.
Stay here if:
- You have kids who want to live at the waterpark or arcade.
- You are traveling with a dog.
- You want a massive room for a lower price than the Borgata or Ocean.
- You’re attending a convention at the hotel.
Skip it if:
- You want a quiet, luxury spa experience.
- You need a casino inside the building.
- You get annoyed by dated decor in older towers.
Actionable Steps for Your Booking
- Call the Front Desk: Before you book on Expedia or Booking.com, call the hotel directly. Ask if there are any conventions scheduled for your dates. A "Furry" convention or a massive cheerleading competition will completely change your experience.
- Request the Orleans Tower: Unless you specifically want the "vintage" vibe of the Bourbon, the Orleans Tower is the safer bet for room quality.
- Check the Waterpark Schedule: The Island Waterpark isn't open 24/7. If you’re booking specifically for the slides, make sure they aren't closed for a private event or seasonal maintenance.
- Join the Rewards Program: Even if you only stay once, joining the "Showboat Rewards" can sometimes shave the resort fee down or get you a late checkout.
- Inspect the Room Immediately: Because of the sheer volume of guests, things occasionally get missed. Check the AC unit and the water pressure as soon as you drop your bags. If something is off, ask to move immediately—it’s much harder to change rooms at 10:00 PM when the hotel hits 100% capacity.
The Showboat is an outlier. It’s a massive, weird, fun, slightly chaotic relic that has successfully rebranded itself for a post-gambling world. If you go in knowing that it’s more of an "Entertainment Hub" than a "Luxury Resort," you’ll actually have a great time. Just watch out for those weekend elevator lines.