
Showboat Hotel
Best for families and beach/boardwalk access, with an on-site indoor waterpark and a very large arcade.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Showboat Hotel is a beachfront, family-focused non-gaming resort on the Atlantic City Boardwalk with an indoor waterpark and large arcade; this guide is for families and boardwalk-first travelers. Golden Nugget Atlantic City is a marina-district casino resort from a nationally recognized gaming brand; this guide is for casino-goers and guests who want a larger resort with on-site gaming and marina access.
Updated · about 2.5 km apart (≈1.6 mi)

Best for families and beach/boardwalk access, with an on-site indoor waterpark and a very large arcade.

Best for guests who want a full-service casino resort with many bars, restaurants, a spa, and marina proximity.
When Showboat Hotel wins: Choose Showboat if you're traveling with children, want direct Boardwalk and beach access, or if early access to an indoor waterpark and arcade matter most.
When Golden Nugget wins: Choose Golden Nugget if you want on‑site casino action, a bigger roster of restaurants and bars, a full-service spa and marina-side setting.
Bottom line: Pick Showboat for family entertainment and beachfront Boardwalk location; pick Golden Nugget for a traditional casino-resort experience with more gaming, dining, and nightlife options.
| Category | Showboat Hotel | Golden Nugget |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Family-first, Boardwalk beachfront resort with indoor waterpark and arcade | Marina-district casino resort with gaming, many bars/restaurants, and spa |
| Location | On the Boardwalk with direct beach access (801 Boardwalk) | Huron Ave & Brigantine Blvd, near the marina (Midtown North) |
| Distance between properties | Showboat is about 2.5 km / 1.6 mi from Golden Nugget | |
| Size (rooms) | 477 rooms | 717 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages; waterpark and arcade focus (hotel minimum check-in age 21 unless accompanied) | All ages welcome at the hotel; casino areas enforce minimums (check local policy) |
| Pools / water features | Indoor Island Waterpark (11 slides, lazy river, wave pool) plus a 21+ adults-only area; former outdoor seasonal pool closed | Outdoor seasonal pool(s) listed; marina nearby — details on number/type of pools are published in supplier listing |
| Restaurants & bars | Several family-friendly outlets (B&B Burger Bar, Eclair, ACE, 12 Bar, Kelly's Ice Cream) and boardwalk-facing dining | 9 restaurants, 10 bars/lounges including Chart House and 24‑hour room service |
| Spa & wellness | Aura Salon and Spa (massages, facials, hair, salon services); 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa plus 24-hour fitness facilities and health club |
| Casino / gaming | Non-gaming hotel — arcade & sports bar replace former casino space | On-site casino and sportsbook |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive event space (large ballrooms, The Terminal, ~110,700 sq ft listed across sources) | Conference center and banquet halls; meeting space available (exact totals not published in supplier listing) |
| Parking & arrival | Self and valet parking (fees); no dedicated airport shuttle | Free self parking listed onsite; valet available (surcharge) |
Showboat sits directly on the Boardwalk with immediate beach access and Boardwalk-facing dining.
Choose Showboat for the Boardwalk/beach experience and quick access to family attractions.
Golden Nugget is located in Atlantic City’s marina district near the Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina.
Golden Nugget suits travelers who prefer a marina-side casino resort setting a short drive from the Boardwalk.
Showboat offers a range of family-friendly room types, suites and apartment-style rooms.
Showboat’s room mix is tailored to families and longer stays that benefit from kitchen-style options and family suites.
Golden Nugget lists many room categories, from standard luxury rooms to multiple suite types and marina views.
Golden Nugget has a larger room inventory and a broad selection of suite choices for adults and couples.
Showboat focuses on family-friendly, boardwalk-facing casual dining and grab-and-go options.
Showboat emphasizes casual, family-oriented dining with boardwalk views and quick bites.
Golden Nugget offers a larger number of full-service restaurants and bars, including seafood and late-night options.
Golden Nugget suits travelers looking for more varied dining and bar choices without leaving the property.
Showboat’s headline amenity is the Island Waterpark and the large arcade complex.
If an indoor waterpark and family entertainment are your priorities, Showboat is the clearer pick.
Golden Nugget’s main draws are its casino, marina access, and resort-style pool offerings.
Golden Nugget appeals to guests who want gaming, waterfront ambiance and adult-focused resort amenities.
Showboat provides a full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center and family-friendly nightlife tied to the arcade and performance venues.
Showboat blends family wellness services with event-driven nightlife and fitness programming.
Golden Nugget lists a full-service spa, nightclub and 24-hour fitness facilities.
Golden Nugget is better if you want a traditional casino-resort night scene plus a spa and fitness center.

Showboat — indoor Island Waterpark, large arcade and family suites make it the obvious family pick.

Golden Nugget — on-site casino, sportsbook, nightclub and numerous bars for evening entertainment.

Showboat — located on the Boardwalk with direct beach access and ocean-view dining options.

Golden Nugget — a larger roster of restaurants and lounges (9 restaurants, 10 bars) and 24-hour room service.
Showboat — it has the Island Waterpark, Lucky Snake Arcade and family-sized rooms; it’s billed specifically as a family resort.
Golden Nugget has an on-site casino and sportsbook; Showboat is a non-gaming hotel and replaced its former casino space with family attractions.
Showboat is on the Boardwalk. Golden Nugget is in the marina district and is about 2.5 km / 1.6 mi from Showboat and the Boardwalk near Showboat.
Yes — Showboat has Aura Salon and Spa; Golden Nugget lists a full-service spa in its supplier details.
Golden Nugget has more on-site restaurants and bars; Showboat focuses on family-friendly and boardwalk-facing casual outlets.
Explore how Showboat Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·