
Showboat Hotel
Best for families and groups who want Boardwalk access, an indoor waterpark and lots of on‑site food and entertainment.
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Showboat Hotel is a large, non-gaming Atlantic City boardwalk resort with an indoor waterpark, arcade, multiple restaurants, and extensive event space — a good read for families and groups who want big‑scale Boardwalk access. Port‑O‑Call Hotel is a mid‑size, classic Ocean City beachfront hotel with a seasonal outdoor pool and single on‑site restaurant — useful for travelers comparing a quieter family beach stay to an Atlantic City resort.
Updated · about 32 km (20 miles) apart

Best for families and groups who want Boardwalk access, an indoor waterpark and lots of on‑site food and entertainment.

Best for travelers who want a simpler, classic Ocean City beachfront stay with a pool and a central boardwalk location.
When Showboat Hotel wins: Choose Showboat if you want a big, active property with an indoor waterpark, a very large arcade, many on‑site dining and bar options, and extensive meeting/wedding spaces.
When Port‑O‑Call Hotel wins: Choose Port‑O‑Call if you prefer a smaller, beachfront Ocean City hotel with direct proximity to the Ocean City Boardwalk, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a quieter shore stay.
Bottom line: For high‑energy family entertainment, waterpark perks, and large events pick Showboat; for a straightforward Ocean City beach hotel with easy boardwalk access and a smaller scale, pick Port‑O‑Call.
| Category | Showboat Hotel | Port-O-Call Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, activity-driven boardwalk resort with family entertainment and event spaces | Classic mid-size Ocean City beachfront hotel with a relaxed, local beach feel |
| Location | On the Atlantic City Boardwalk, immediate beach access and near Steel Pier | In Ocean City (Central), about a 5‑minute walk to the Ocean City Boardwalk and steps from the beach |
| Size (rooms) | 477 rooms across two towers | 98 rooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages welcome; family resort with an attached indoor waterpark (has a 21+ adults-only waterpark area) | |
| Pools / water access | Indoor Island Waterpark (slides, lazy river, wave pool) and boardwalk beach access; prior outdoor pool is closed | Seasonal outdoor pool (open May–October) and direct beach access |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on‑site venues including B&B Burger Bar, Eclair, ACE, 12 Bar and other cafes/bars | One main restaurant (Adelene) with pool views and limited room service; cooked‑to‑order weekend breakfast for a fee |
| Spa & wellness | Aura Salon and Spa on site (massages, facials, salon services) plus 24‑hour fitness center | Spa services available on site (reservations required for massages); fitness facilities listed |
| Meetings & events | Very large meeting/event capacity (dozens of rooms, largest spaces like The Terminal and Bourbon Room; total meeting space over 100,000 sq ft listed by industry sources) | Conference center with about 671 sq ft of conference space and 3 meeting rooms |
| Accessibility & family features | Wheelchair accessible paths, family rooms, pet‑friendly (dogs allowed), early waterpark access for guests | |
| Onsite parking & fees | Self and valet parking available (fees apply); mandatory resort fee and deposit required | Free self parking and uncovered parking available; resort fee USD 40 per night listed in supplier policies |
Showboat sits directly on the Atlantic City Boardwalk with immediate beach access and close walking distance to Steel Pier and nearby casinos.
Showboat is best if you want to be in the middle of Atlantic City’s Boardwalk action.
Port‑O‑Call Hotel is in central Ocean City, a short walk to the Ocean City Boardwalk and the beach.
Port‑O‑Call works for travelers who want classic Ocean City boardwalk proximity without Atlantic City crowds.
Showboat offers a wide range of room types across two towers, including suites and family apartments.
Showboat provides many room layouts for families and groups who need more space.
Port‑O‑Call has a smaller, standard set of room types with ocean‑ and city‑view options.
Port‑O‑Call is a straightforward beachfront hotel with common mid‑size room choices.
Showboat has multiple on‑site dining and bar options across the property and Boardwalk-facing venues.
Showboat is for travelers who want a wide selection without leaving the property.
Port‑O‑Call keeps dining simple with one main restaurant and limited room service hours.
Port‑O‑Call is fine if you want a single onsite restaurant and easy boardwalk dining nearby.
Showboat’s signature amenity is its attached Island Waterpark and the large, family‑oriented entertainment complex.
If an indoor waterpark and waterpark perks matter, Showboat is the clear pick.
Port‑O‑Call offers a seasonal outdoor pool and direct beach access as its primary water features.
Port‑O‑Call suits guests who want a small hotel pool plus easy beach time.
Showboat provides a full spa, 24‑hour fitness center, and nightlife tied to its arcade and bars.
Showboat combines wellness services with family and adult evening entertainment.
Port‑O‑Call lists on‑site spa services and evening entertainment but on a smaller scale.
Port‑O‑Call offers basic spa and fitness options and easy access to Ocean City nightlife on the boardwalk.

Showboat — attached Island Waterpark with slides, lazy river and guest early‑access program.

Port‑O‑Call — smaller beachfront hotel steps from the Ocean City Boardwalk and beach.

Showboat — far larger meeting and event spaces, including multiple ballrooms and The Terminal.

Port‑O‑Call — single pool‑view restaurant (Adelene) and a compact, easy property layout.
Showboat is geared to families with its indoor Island Waterpark, a very large arcade, multiple casual dining options, and family room types. Port‑O‑Call is family‑friendly too but on a smaller scale.
No. Both hotels list cooked‑to‑order breakfasts available for a surcharge; breakfast is not generally included.
Showboat has extensive meeting and event space (many large ballrooms and The Terminal). Port‑O‑Call offers much smaller conference space (about 671 sq ft).
Yes. Both provide easy access to the ocean: Showboat on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and Port‑O‑Call a short walk from the Ocean City Boardwalk and beach.
Explore how Showboat Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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