Showboat Hotel Atlantic City (2025 Review) – Is It Worth It?
My Stay at Showboat Hotel
During my recent weekend getaway to Atlantic City, I chose to stay at the historic Showboat Hotel, eager to experience this reimagined boardwalk property firsthand. As someone who remembers the hotel’s casino days, I was curious to see how it has evolved. After spending three nights here in January 2025, I’m ready to share my detailed Showboat Hotel Atlantic City review.
The first thing that struck me upon arrival was the hotel’s impressive facade, which still maintains its New Orleans-inspired architecture. The entrance, while not as grand as some of Atlantic City’s casino properties, remains welcoming with its signature red and gold accents.
The Hotel Room Experience
I booked a Premium King Room with an ocean view on the 15th floor, and I have to say, the views were spectacular. The room itself measured around 400 square feet, featuring contemporary furnishings that felt fresh, though not quite luxury-level. The bed was surprisingly comfortable, with crisp linens and multiple pillows that made for excellent sleep quality.
What really impressed me was the bathroom’s size and cleanliness. The walk-in shower had great water pressure, and the vanity area provided ample space for my toiletries. However, I did notice some minor wear and tear around the edges of the furniture, suggesting that some areas might be due for updating soon.
Pricing and Value Assessment
For my winter stay, I paid $89 per night plus resort fees, which I found quite reasonable for the boardwalk location. Weekend rates typically jump to $149-$199, based on my research. Compared to nearby casino hotels, the Showboat offers competitive pricing, especially considering the room size and ocean views.
The mandatory resort fee of $27 per day covers Wi-Fi, pool access, and fitness center use. While I’m generally not a fan of resort fees, the amenities included made it somewhat more palatable.
Hotel Amenities and Facilities
The hotel’s standout feature is the massive Lucky Snake arcade and sports bar, which I found myself visiting multiple times during my stay. It’s the largest arcade in New Jersey, and I particularly enjoyed the retro gaming section. The indoor pool, while not huge, was well-maintained and heated to a comfortable temperature.
The fitness center exceeded my expectations with new equipment and plenty of space. However, I was disappointed to find that the spa facilities mentioned on some booking sites were not operational during my visit.
Location and Accessibility
Situated on the north end of the boardwalk, the Showboat’s location offers both advantages and drawbacks. I enjoyed being slightly removed from the main casino crowd, but it’s worth noting that it’s about a 15-minute walk to the heart of the action at Hard Rock or Ocean Casino.
Parking was straightforward in the attached garage, though I did pay $15 daily for self-parking. The boardwalk access is immediate, and I loved taking morning walks along the beach.
Service Quality and Staff
The front desk staff provided consistently friendly service throughout my stay. Check-in was smooth, taking less than 10 minutes, and my request for extra towels was fulfilled promptly. I particularly want to mention Maria at the concierge desk, who gave excellent local dining recommendations.
However, housekeeping was a bit inconsistent – while my room was cleaned well when serviced, I had to specifically request service on my second day, as it was initially skipped.
Dining Options and Food Quality
The hotel’s dining options are somewhat limited compared to casino properties. Canal Street Coffee serves decent breakfast and lunch items, though I found the prices a bit steep for what you get. The Worship Surf Bar offers casual fare and surprisingly good cocktails – I recommend their fish tacos.
For more substantial meals, I often found myself walking to nearby restaurants or casino properties, which wasn’t ideal on colder days.
My Final Verdict
After my thorough experience, this Showboat Hotel Atlantic City review comes with a measured recommendation. While it’s not the most luxurious option in AC, it offers good value, especially if you can secure a promotional rate. You can book directly at the official Showboat Hotel website for the best available rates.
Should You Book This Hotel?
The Showboat Hotel is ideal for families (thanks to the arcade), budget-conscious travelers who still want an oceanfront location, and those who don’t mind being slightly removed from the main casino action. However, if you’re seeking a full-service resort experience or want to be in the heart of the action, you might want to consider alternatives.
For more options in the area, check out my comprehensive best hotels in Atlantic City guide to find the perfect match for your needs.
