The hype
Great for kids who want to game and swim, but adults hate the broken elevators, thin walls, and 'raggedy' feel.
Showboat Hotel Atlantic City
$89-250/ night
Book this if You're a family prioritizing a massive arcade and indoor waterpark over luxury, sleep, or casino gambling.
Why People Love It
- Home to the Island Waterpark (largest indoor beachfront waterpark in the world)
- The Lucky Snake Arcade is absolutely massive and keeps kids entertained for hours
- Pet-friendly policy allows dogs up to 25lbs (rare for the Boardwalk)
Quick Take: A chaotic, non-gaming funhouse that feels like a mall from the 90s trying to survive on nostalgia and chlorine.
Reviewed by @Saranicole723: I've stayed here before, so the lower floor view was a letdown compared to usual, but the balcony size is still incredible. The master bathroom is huge with a great jacuzzi, though the second bath is tiny. Great spot if you need space for the whole family.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely pay a resort fee for amenities you can't use (like the closed pool) and parking is a steep $25/night.
- You are traveling with energetic kids who need 100,000 sq ft of arcade games
- You want to be near Hard Rock/Ocean but can't afford their rates
- You are bringing a dog
Cleanliness & Maintenance
4.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Many reports of 'skipped' service and trash left in hallways.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major complaints about hair in drains, mold in grout, and weak water pressure.
- Maintenance: Struggling. Peeling wallpaper, broken AC units, and the infamous broken elevators are common.
- Linens & towels: Often scratchy or stained. Bring your own if you are particular.
- Odors & scents: Frequently smells of marijuana and damp carpet.
Sleepability™
4MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway shouting/parties
- Slamming doors due to old latches
- Boardwalk noise on lower floors
Before you book
Good to know
- The outdoor pool is unavailable until at least 2026.
- Valet parking is often overwhelmed; self-parking ($25) is faster but the garage is tight.
- Check-in lines can be an hour long at 4pm; arrive early or late to avoid the crush.
What to pack
- Beach towels (waterpark often runs out)
- Power strip (outlets are scarce and loose in older rooms)
- Clorox wipes (cleanliness is hit-or-miss)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Bourbon Tower Ocean View (slightly more updated furnishings)
- House of Blues Junior Suite (Orleans Tower) for a bit more space and quiet
Rooms to avoid
- Standard rooms near the elevator banks (noise + traffic)
- Any room on a lower floor facing the boardwalk (bass from clubs/bars)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room in the Bourbon Tower on a high floor, as far from the elevators as possible. Please confirm if the room has a working mini-fridge.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the waterpark free for hotel guests?
No. Island Waterpark admission is separate and starts around $89/person. There is no free pool access currently.
Does the hotel have a casino?
No. Showboat is a non-gaming hotel. The nearest casinos are Hard Rock and Ocean, both a short walk away.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, approximately $30.92 per night, plus a $150 refundable incidental deposit.
Are the rooms renovated?
Partially. The Bourbon Tower has 'contemporary' updates, but many guests still report worn furniture and maintenance issues like peeling paint.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, dogs up to 25lbs are welcome for a $100 fee per stay.
How is the parking situation?
Expensive. Self-park is ~$25/night, Valet is ~$32-$45. The garage can fill up on weekends.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use the self-service kiosk for check-in if it's working; the front desk line moves at a glacial pace.
- ✨
The 'adults only' section of the waterpark costs an EXTRA fee on top of the admission ticket.
- ✨
Walk to the 'Ocean Casino' next door for morning coffee; the line at the Showboat Starbucks/cafe is often 30+ minutes.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators are a known disaster zone—often only 2 of 6 work, leading to angry crowds.
💡There is a 'weed smell' that permeates many hallways despite the non-smoking policy.
💡The 'balcony' rooms often have doors that are bolted shut or very difficult to open.
💡You can bring your own food into the hotel, which saves a fortune since on-site options are pricey.
💡The arcade credits can be loaded onto your room key/wristband, which is convenient but dangerous for budgets.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Showboat Hotel Atlantic City is located and what's nearby.