
Showboat Hotel
Best for families and groups who want direct Boardwalk access, an indoor waterpark and large event spaces.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Showboat Hotel is a non-gaming, family-focused Boardwalk resort with an indoor waterpark and large arcade; this guide is for families, event planners and boardwalk visitors. Ocean Casino Resort is a large oceanfront casino resort with a major spa and nightlife scene; this guide is for casino-goers and travelers who want a full-service resort experience.
Updated · about 0.9 km apart

Best for families and groups who want direct Boardwalk access, an indoor waterpark and large event spaces.

Best for travelers who want a full-service casino resort with many restaurants, a large spa and nightlife options.
When Showboat Hotel wins: choose Showboat if you’re traveling with kids or booking a large event and want Boardwalk/oceanfront rooms plus the Island Waterpark and the Lucky Snake Arcade.
When Ocean Casino Resort wins: pick Ocean for casino gaming, more on-site dining options (roughly 18 restaurants), a big spa program and a broader nightlife and entertainment lineup.
Bottom line: Showboat is the better fit for family-focused shore stays and large-group events on the Boardwalk; Ocean Casino Resort is the choice for guests seeking casino action, more dining variety and full-service resort amenities.
| Category | Showboat Hotel | Ocean Casino Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Family-focused, entertainment and event-centered | Large oceanfront casino resort with nightlife and spa |
| Location | On the Boardwalk with direct beach access | Oceanfront on the north end of the Boardwalk |
| Size (rooms) | 477 rooms | 1,800 rooms |
| Minimum check-in age | 21 (guests under 21 must be with a parent/guardian) | |
| Pools & water features | Indoor Island Waterpark (11 slides, lazy river, wave pool) and an adults-only waterpark area; seasonal outdoor pool previously closed | Indoor pool(s) and an outdoor seasonal pool; beach access/Boardwalk nearby |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site casual venues (B&B Burger Bar, Eclair, ACE, 12 Bar, etc.) | About 18 restaurants and 7 bars/lounges (varied cuisines and room service) |
| Spa & wellness | Aura Salon and Spa (massages, facials, salon services); 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa (massages, body treatments, facials) plus fitness facilities |
| Known for | Island Waterpark, large arcade (Lucky Snake) and event/ballroom space | Casino gaming, large restaurant lineup and concerts/live shows |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive event space (The Terminal, Bourbon Room, Carousel Room, many ballrooms) | Meeting rooms and banquet hall (large-capacity event hosting available) |
| Parking & fees | Self and valet parking for a surcharge; mandatory resort fee and deposit apply | Self parking (surcharge) and additional fees such as breakfast fee |
Showboat sits directly on the Boardwalk with immediate beach access and quick walking distance to pier attractions.
Choose Showboat for direct Boardwalk/beach access and quick walks to family attractions.
Ocean Casino Resort is a large oceanfront property at the north end of the Boardwalk with easy access to the beach and boardwalk tram.
Choose Ocean when you want a beachfront casino resort with easy Boardwalk connections.
Showboat offers a mix of standard rooms, ocean-view suites and multi-bedroom apartment-style units aimed at families and groups.
Showboat focuses on family-sized rooms and suites with Boardwalk or ocean views.
Ocean Casino Resort provides a very large inventory of room types across a full-service casino resort.
Ocean has the scale and variety expected from a full-service casino resort.
Showboat’s dining mix skews casual and family-friendly with several Boardwalk-facing options.
Pick Showboat for straightforward, family-focused Boardwalk dining and quick bites.
Ocean Casino Resort lists a large selection of restaurants and bars across the property.
Ocean is a better fit if you want more restaurant variety and bars on site.
Showboat’s centerpiece water offering is the Island Waterpark and a large arcade for families.
Showboat caters to families with a major indoor waterpark plus an adults-only waterpark section.
Ocean offers traditional resort pools and direct beach access as part of its oceanfront setting.
Ocean suits guests who want pool and beach combination alongside casino amenities.
Showboat provides a full-service salon and spa plus a 24-hour fitness center and family entertainment.
Showboat blends family entertainment with a standard spa and round-the-clock fitness options.
Ocean emphasizes a full-service spa, a nightclub/live shows and a broader nightlife lineup.
Ocean is the pick for spa lovers and guests seeking an active nightlife and casino scene.

Showboat — indoor Island Waterpark, the Lucky Snake Arcade and family-sized suites.

Ocean Casino Resort — a full casino, nightclub, many restaurants and live-show programming.

Showboat — extensive meeting and ballroom spaces (The Terminal, Bourbon Room, multiple large venues).

Ocean Casino Resort — around 18 restaurants and several bars across the property.
Showboat is better for kids thanks to the Island Waterpark, the Lucky Snake Arcade and family-sized rooms.
Ocean Casino Resort is a full-service casino property; Showboat is a non-gaming resort.
Yes — they’re about 0.9 km (0.6 mi) apart on the Boardwalk, an easy walk in good weather.
Yes — Showboat has Aura Salon and Spa; Ocean lists a full-service spa offering massages and body treatments.
Explore how Showboat Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·