If you followed my blog for a while, you’ll know one thing I thoroughly enjoy is going out into the field and taking tours of different hotels and resorts so that I can try to learn as much as I can. Previously, while in community college, I toured the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. This time I found myself in the heart of the city where I got the chance to tour the famous Showboat property in Atlantic City, NJ with my college’s hospitality society. Come along with me as I explore this once buzzing casino, now half abandoned family water park resort.

Orleans in Jersey:

The Showboat Atlantic City has a vibrant and evolving history that mirrors the highs and lows of the city itself. Opened in 1987 as the Showboat Hotel, Casino, and Bowling Center, the property debuted with a splash complete with a 60-lane bowling alley and a bustling 60,000-square-foot casino. The grand opening even featured entertainment legends Bob Hope and Al Hirt, setting the tone for Showboat’s ambitious presence on the Boardwalk.

Throughout the 1990s, the Showboat expanded and innovated. In 1993, it introduced Atlantic City’s first racebook, capitalizing on the newly legalized casino simulcast wagering. A 1995 renovation brought a vibrant Mardi Gras theme, injecting fresh energy into the property. Ownership changes followed in 1998 when Harrah’s Entertainment (later Caesars Entertainment) took over, leading to significant upgrades, including the $90 million Orleans Tower in 2003 and the remodeling of the Bourbon Tower in 2007.

In 2014, the property and surrounding area would forever change when, Despite its profitability, Caesars shuttered and sold the property ending its time as a casino forever. Two years later, the property was purchased and reopened as a non-gaming hotel, pivoting away from Atlantic City’s traditional casino model.

From then on the focus shifted to transforming the property into the city’s first non-gaming destination for families and adults. The property is now home to the Lucky Snake Arcade and Sports Bar, Island Waterpark among other attractions.

First Impressions – A Rough Work In Progress:

When I first arrived at the property, I honestly did not know what to expect and had mixed feelings. Unfortunately, first impressions were not very positive and I really questioned if I wanted to even stay to go on the tour. Years of neglect have left their mark, and despite the recent attempts to revitalize the property, the building still wears the scars of its history.

One area truly shows this neglect the best would be the parking garage for the property. The structure is in rough shape: crumbling walls, deteriorating barriers, and cracked ceilings give it a neglected, almost post-apocalyptic vibe. The elevators are unreliable (and yes, they do get stuck), which isn’t exactly reassuring when you’re hauling bags or traveling with kids. It’s hard to believe this is the first impression many visitors get when they arrive. For a property trying to reinvent itself, the parking situation is something that desperately needs immediate attention.

Yet another thing that stands out, and not in a good way, is the lack of visible security. For a place that’s trying to attract families and tourists, there’s definitely room for improvement here. Walking through certain areas, especially the quieter corners of the property, it’s hard not to feel a bit uneasy. Better lighting, more security personnel, and a stronger presence overall would go a long way in making guests feel safer and more comfortable.

Touring the Property: A Mixed Bag of Old and New

After seeing the parking situation, I really had low expectations for the rest of the day. However, these concerns and worries were soon eased as the day went on. One thing that immediately began to stand out was the strange identity crisis the property has going on. There’s a faint echo of its casino past with outdated signage, decor, theming and dead spaces. There are notably many abandoned areas that are in plain view meanwhile there are newer sections that are refurbished with beach decor. It really gives the property this weird in between feel.

The most glaring example of this would be the shuttered buffet space, House of Blues venue and other banquet areas. As we toured around these areas, it felt like stepping back into a time capsule and felt like I was back in the heyday of the city. The areas sit almost as they were in 2014 when the property closed. It looks like it was just yesterday the casino closed.

Photos taken inside the former House of Blues venue. Original décor, signage and casino memorabilia can still be seen through out the space.

Food Scarcity

The biggest disappointment with this resort is the sheer lack of dining options available. Unfortunately that is not currently the case and there is too heavy of an emphasis on bars. The property, in my observations, has more bars than food options. For a beachside resort on the main strip that is aiming to be family oriented, you would think dining would be center focused.

Current food options available are Atlantic City Eatery, Bricker’s Burgers (former Johnny Rockets), and Limonada. Looking out of these options, I firmly believe the property could greatly benefit from having more grab and go options, cafes and perhaps a fine dining restaurant. With a prime location, I feel like having a Starbucks or Dunkin’ would help bring in more people off the boardwalk and into the property.

Getting Lucky – Lucky Snake Arcade

The former casino floor has been totally transformed into the Lucky Snake Arcade and Sports Bar which is the largest indoor arcade in the state. It’s one of the few spaces, outside of the waterpark, that feels fully alive and thoughtfully put together. The arcade features a good mix of games for all ages, interests and hobbies. One stand out feature is the large vintage arcade room which houses a massive selection of pinball ball machines and is home to classics like Frogger, TMNT, The Simpsons, Pacman and many more. I spent a majority of my time in this room as I enjoy classic arcade games and this area of the arcade was the most enjoyable for me.

One smart design feature is the inclusion of an additional game room just outside of the waterpark entrance. While this room is not nearly as large as the main arcade, it is a perfect way to take a quick break from the waterpark without venturing too far away from the park. Key games include ski ball, claw machines, racing simulators, and Monopoly.  

If you are looking for additional entertainment, the resort also features go-karts, mini golf, bumper cars, roller skating and hatchet throwing all throughout the arcade and surrounding areas. I have to say while I did not get to do these activities, they are a nice touch and help give you more to do when visiting.

Paradise Is Calling – Island Waterpark

Then there’s the Island Waterpark, the newest crown jewel of the property. It’s an impressive, sprawling indoor beachfront water park that finally brings some modern, family-friendly energy to the Showboat. The design here feels much more intentional, with colorful slides, lazy rivers, and cabana spaces that scream “vacation mode.”

Overall, first impressions were pretty solid and I was more than impressed with what I saw. I was expecting for the waterpark being in AC, to be dirty, beat up or questionable. Quite honestly, it was quite the opposite from what I was expecting. The park is impressively clean, which isn’t always a given at water parks. Even better, there’s no overwhelming chlorine smell burning your nose the second you walk in a small but welcome detail. The staff is friendly, attentive, and safety seems to be a top priority, which helps put parents at ease.

The park features a good mix of attractions for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a thrill seeker, enjoy tame attractions or are just looking to float around, there is truly something for everyone. Personally, my favorite was the vast lazy river that circled the entire park, lined with tropical palm trees, real plants and island décor. It is truly the best way to relax and recharge after a long day.

However, there are a few areas where the experience falls short. Let’s start with the food. Expect mediocre stadium-style bites at premium prices. It’s the usual overpriced, underwhelming theme park fare, so if you can eat before you arrive, you’ll save yourself some disappointment (and cash). 

It is also worth taking into consideration, the park does not offer towels during your stay at the park. So make sure you bring your own towel with you otherwise you’ll be charged an arm and a leg for one in the gift shop. I am a little shocked that a water park attached to a hotel does not have towels. From a business perspective, I totally understand the reasons and rationale behind the decision. But from a guest experience perspective, I think this is a little detail that could really bring the experience to the next level.

If anything, the waterpark shows what the Showboat could become if the rest of the property followed suit.

Final Thoughts

My visit to the Showboat in Atlantic City offered a blend of nostalgia and modern amusement, showcasing the potential for revitalization in this once-thriving property. While the scars of past neglect are evident, especially in areas like the parking garage and certain parts of the interior, the transformation efforts are commendable. The Lucky Snake Arcade and Island Waterpark stand out as highlights, providing family-friendly entertainment that embraces the spirit of the resort’s new direction.

However, there remains a significant need for improvement in dining options and security measures to enhance the overall guest experience. As the Showboat transitions into a non-gaming destination, it must address these challenges to solidify its place as a go-to family resort in Atlantic City.

In conclusion, the Showboat represents a fascinating chapter in the city’s history, and I am hopeful that ongoing renovations will breathe new life into the property. With the right balance of attractions, amenities, and a renewed focus on guest comfort and safety, the Showboat can once again become a vibrant cornerstone of Atlantic City. I look forward to seeing how this storied location evolves in the coming years.