Showboat Hotel Atlantic City

My main reason for coming was the pool and arcade for my son's 10th birthday, so it was a big letdown to find out the pool was closed when we went down Wednesday. They said it would open Friday, and guests could have been told at check-in. The pool costs extra even though you're staying there, as do the arcade and other things. It all feels like a money grab. The food is very expensive too. I drove 14 hours from Georgia for a relaxing vacation and birthday surprise, and I wouldn't recommend this hotel. I'd found it on social media and didn't check reviews before booking. After arriving, I was shocked by the location and the number of homeless people around. The outside looked filthy. Since we'd driven so far, I couldn't turn back, and hoped the inside would be better. The lobby was okay, but the young woman at the front desk the first night seemed irritated and unfriendly. We arrived late and tired, looked around briefly, then went to our room. It was very basic: no microwave, a stinky refrigerator, no decor, poor lighting, and dirty windows. The hotel floors were dirty, the rooms very dated, and glass on doors and windows was dirty. The shower had low pressure and wouldn't get hot. Only one elevator worked, and some floors looked creepy. It's dog-friendly, and thin walls meant we heard dogs barking day and night. Owners left them barking or didn't stop them. Kids yelled, ran around, or dropped things too, and their parents let the noise continue. I was woken this morning by kids and a barking dog. I wish the hotel would put pets and families with small children on separate floors, away from other guests. The place was overrated and didn't live up to the hype.

For a family of 4, the arcade was a useful way to keep the kids busy and the location was decent. But we wouldn't choose Showboat Resort Atlantic City again. The room didn't have a microwave, which made it hard to heat up food or leftovers, a basic convenience we expected for the price. It felt crowded and disorganized, with lots of noise and waiting. Some hallways and shared spaces looked worn and poorly maintained. The room didn't feel properly cleaned when we arrived, some areas seemed neglected, and upkeep was lacking overall. It gave the impression that attractions were getting more attention than guest comfort or room quality. There was some entertainment for kids, but comfort and cleanliness fell short of what we expected for a family of 4.

The arcade staff were pretty friendly, and the brunch crew were lovely. Rooms were decent, though I wish the bathroom had a fan. The atmosphere was good and I'll go back, even if I think the front desk hated me.

The boardwalk location is the only thing this hotel has going for it. Our three-day stay left me feeling it was a total disappointment, and I would give it 0 stars if I could. The rooms were dated and missing basics: no hair dryer, soap, washcloths, or coffee machine. Nobody made the beds or offered housekeeping during our stay. The staff were unfriendly, judgmental, and unaccommodating. Asking for anything made us feel like a burden. The website says valet and bell service are available, but neither was. There were no signs saying the place was under construction, which might explain the mess but doesn't excuse the lack of communication. The bars were closed, and the restaurants weren't accommodating. The elevators felt unsafe: they don't beep on arrival, and the doors slam shut without warning. Save your money and stay elsewhere. Being near the boardwalk isn't worth this level of neglect and disrespect.