Showboat hotel, the only non-casino hotel located on Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk, has the makings of the exceptional hotel visitors once flourished. What was once an iconic casino located near the far end of the Boardwalk, June 2014, Caesars Entertainment announced the planned closure of the Showboat, even though the property was profitable. This move was to stabilize Caesars’s other Atlantic City casinos. After no buyers, the Showboat closed on August 31, 2014. Closed for two years, the “new” Showboat Atlantic City Hotel re-opened July 8, 2016, accepting reservations and welcoming guests. Some rooms have balconies, living and dining rooms with full wet bars and whirlpools. It is also the first hotel to accept pets. With an abundance of space, minus the casino, the hotel is not without its variety of events. One of the most significant arrival to the hotel is “The Lucky Snake Arcade and Sports Bar. This new venue opened on May 15; since then, the excitement and adventure have been non-stop. Noted as the largest Arcade in the state, a slew of events will keep the hotel booming. In the coming months, look for a variety of events everyone can enjoy. Father’s Day weekend, The most significant celebration of black excellence in the country. The 2-day festival will include panels, workshops, parties, live music, comedy, film, and more. For bike lovers, you’re in luck; the 2nd Annual Atlantic City Bike week will burn rubber September 9 -12. Discounted rates will be available. Make sure you go to https://www.showboathotelac.com/ for reservations.
More is on the horizon for this hotel; A massive indoor water park ground-breaking is slated for this summer, opening summer 2022. Coming soon, a 60,000-square-foot beer garden and a domed music venue will hold up to 8,000 partygoers. To top it off, an extension of the Boardwalk for a sun deck near the beach’s dunes also is in the planning stages, after decades of ignoring the Atlantic Ocean — embracing the connection with the beach. The hotel certainly isn’t without its fine cuisine; wind down for food and your favorite cocktail, you’re bound to find something for your delight. Michael’s gift shop is your one-stop-shop for gifts, snacks, and beverages for small items.
Whether the showboat hotel returns to casino gaming remains to been seen. Its owner, Bart Blatstein, has taken a significant step in bringing the casino back by applying to the State Division of Gaming Enforcement. If he meets the criteria, he will have to apply for a casino operator’s license. No doubt, the coming months will bring a lot more activities to the Showboat. If the Showboat ever sees gaming again, I will have to wait. One thing is sure; it will emerge as an exceptional hotel, one of its kind with or without the casino.