
Showboat Hotel
Best for families and boardwalk/beach access, plus an indoor waterpark and large arcade.
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Showboat Hotel is a beachfront, family-focused Boardwalk resort with an indoor waterpark, arcade, and event spaces; this guide is for families and shore-goers who want easy beach and boardwalk access. MGM Tower at Borgata is a luxury hotel tower attached to the Borgata resort complex; read on if you want a full-service spa, more restaurants, and casino-adjacent nightlife.
Updated · about 1.2 km apart

Best for families and boardwalk/beach access, plus an indoor waterpark and large arcade.

Best for travelers who want a luxury hotel with many dining options, a full-service spa, and casino access.
When Showboat Hotel wins: Choose Showboat if you’re traveling with kids, want direct Boardwalk/beach access, or want on-site waterpark and arcade perks.
When MGM Tower at Borgata wins: Choose MGM Tower at Borgata if you want a high-end hotel experience with many restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, and easy access to Borgata Casino and event venues.
Bottom line: For family-focused, beachfront boardwalk fun pick Showboat; for a luxury, spa-and-dining focused stay tied to Atlantic City’s major casino scene, pick MGM Tower at Borgata.
| Category | Showboat Hotel | MGM Tower at Borgata |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Family-friendly Boardwalk resort with a large indoor waterpark and arcade | Luxury hotel tower attached to a major casino resort complex |
| Location | On the Atlantic City Boardwalk with direct beach access | Midtown North, connected to Borgata resort (casino area) |
| Size (rooms) | 477 rooms across two towers | 757 rooms in MGM Tower |
| Ages / audience | All-ages resort (family-focused); waterpark includes a 21+ adults-only area | All-ages (not adults-only); positioned as a luxury casino resort |
| Pools / water features | Indoor Island Waterpark (slides, lazy river, wave pool) and waterpark adult-only section; outdoor seasonal pool historically closed | Indoor pool, outdoor seasonal pool, and 1 hot tub |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple casual outlets on-site (B&B Burger Bar, Eclair, 12 Bar, ice cream, pizza seasonal) focused on family/boardwalk fare | Many dining choices (17 restaurants), multiple bars/lounges (6), and high-end steakhouse options |
| Spa & wellness | Aura Salon and Spa (massage, facials, salon services) plus 24-hour fitness center and courts | Full-service spa with massages, body treatments, facials, plus fitness center |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive event space (multiple ballrooms including Bourbon Room and The Terminal; Cvent lists 110,700 sq ft total) | Conference space ~18,000 sq ft and banquet facilities |
| Parking & fees | Self and valet parking for a surcharge; mandatory resort fee and room deposit apply | Self and valet parking (surcharge); fees for some services and breakfast available for a fee |
| Known for | Island Waterpark and the Lucky Snake Arcade (large family attractions) and Boardwalk/beach access | Connected to Borgata Casino, wide restaurant selection, and luxury hotel amenities |
Showboat sits directly on the Boardwalk with short beach access and easy walking to classic Atlantic City attractions.
Choose Showboat for easy beach and Boardwalk access and family-friendly seaside activities.
MGM Tower at Borgata is inside the Borgata resort complex in Midtown North, close to casino nightlife and event spaces.
Choose MGM Tower if you want to be at the center of casino nightlife, large-scale dining, and resort entertainment.
Showboat offers a broad range of room types including family suites and apartment-style rooms aimed at families and longer stays.
Showboat’s room mix is built for families and groups needing extra space or kitchen facilities.
MGM Tower at Borgata has a large inventory of upscale guest rooms and ‘Restore’ room variants for a premium stay.
MGM Tower focuses on standard luxury hotel room types with amenities suited to couples and adult travelers.
Showboat’s on-site dining leans toward casual boardwalk fare and family-friendly outlets.
Showboat is best for casual, family-oriented meals and quick boardwalk bites.
MGM Tower at Borgata provides many more dining choices across a wide range of styles and price points.
MGM Tower is the better pick for food-focused travelers and those wanting multiple upscale dining and bar choices.
Showboat is centered on its indoor Island Waterpark and family aquatic attractions rather than traditional hotel pools.
Pick Showboat for waterpark access and family-focused aquatic fun, not for a classic hotel pool deck.
MGM Tower offers conventional resort pools and hot tub access alongside extensive indoor recreational facilities at Borgata.
MGM Tower suits guests who want standard luxury hotel pool facilities and cabana options rather than a waterpark.
Showboat combines a full-service salon/spa and 24-hour fitness with family entertainment and evening arcade action.
Showboat fits well if you want family-friendly evening entertainment plus a convenient on-site spa.
MGM Tower emphasizes a full-service spa, salon services, and casino-linked nightlife through Borgata’s venues.
MGM Tower is better for guests seeking a bigger spa menu and late-night casino entertainment.

Showboat — indoor Island Waterpark, the Lucky Snake Arcade, family suites, and boardwalk/beach access.

MGM Tower at Borgata — 17 restaurants and multiple bars covering casual to high-end dining.

MGM Tower at Borgata — full-service spa and upscale hotel amenities linked to Borgata resort services.

Showboat — property sits on the Boardwalk with quick beach access and ocean-view dining.
Showboat — it offers an indoor waterpark, early-access perks for guests, a large arcade, and family room/apartment options.
MGM Tower at Borgata — it’s connected to Borgata with casinos, late-night bars, and large entertainment venues.
Yes. Showboat has Aura Salon and Spa; MGM Tower at Borgata offers a full-service spa. Check each property for treatment availability and reservations.
MGM Tower at Borgata — it lists 17 restaurants and multiple bars versus Showboat’s primarily casual, family-friendly outlets.
Explore how Showboat Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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