Showboat Hotel highlights: Island Waterpark and the Lucky Snake Arcade

Showboat Hotel puts you on the Atlantic City Boardwalk with direct access to Island Waterpark and the Lucky Snake Arcade. Hotel guests receive the 'Rise 'N Shine' perk—one hour of early access to Island Waterpark—and can visit Lucky Snake Arcade and the adjacent 12 Bar for games and drinks.
In this guide
Island Waterpark — what’s here
Island Waterpark is the hotel’s indoor waterpark featuring slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, a surf simulator and splash zones for children. The waterpark is attached to the Showboat property and operates seasonally with hours that vary by day.
The waterpark includes an adults-only section called Paradise Adult Island that features the Bliss Pool and a swim-up bar; access to that area typically requires an additional fee.
- Slides: multiple family and thrill slides (the park lists 11 slides)
- Wave pool and surf simulator
- Lazy river and splash/children’s play areas
- Paradise Adult Island: 21+ area with swim-up bar (additional fee)
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Number of slides | 11 (park listing) |
| Adult-only area | Paradise Adult Island; additional fee |
| Early access for hotel guests | 1 hour (Rise 'N Shine program) |

Rise 'N Shine: hotel guest waterpark perks
Showboat Hotel guests get one hour of early access to Island Waterpark before it opens to the public through the Rise 'N Shine program. This perk is described on the hotel waterpark materials and is intended to give guests quieter time in popular attractions like the lazy river and wave pool.
Waterpark hours vary by day and season; published hours on third-party listings include midday openings (for example, weekend hours often begin around noon). Confirm current daily hours and any reservation or capacity rules with the hotel or waterpark before you go.
- Hotel guest early access: 1 hour before public opening
- Waterpark hours vary; example published hours: Sun–Mon 12:00–7:00, Fri–Sat 12:00–8:00 (seasonal)
- Adults-only section access may require an extra fee
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Arrive at the waterpark ticketing area early | Checks and entry are easier during the Rise 'N Shine hour |
| Bring swim shoes and towels | Surfaces can be wet and crowded later in the day |
| Confirm age rules for Paradise Adult Island | Access requires being 21+ and usually an extra fee |

Lucky Snake Arcade & 12 Bar — games and casual dining
Lucky Snake Arcade is a large, multi-level entertainment space on the former casino floor with arcade games, VR experiences, pinball, glow mini-golf and a sports bar menu. The property describes Lucky Snake as part of a roughly 60,000-square-foot arcade complex with over 300 games.
12 Bar sits at the entrance to the arcade and serves cocktails; its hours extend into the late evening on weekends. The Lucky Snake Sports Bar offers a full menu suitable for families and groups.
- Over 300 games including VR and pinball
- Glow mini-golf and family-oriented attractions
- 12 Bar: cocktails and bar seating by the arcade (hours vary; later on Fri/Sat)
| Venue | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Lucky Snake Arcade | Games, VR, mini-golf, family entertainment |
| 12 Bar | Cocktails and bar seating at the arcade entrance |
| Sports Bar | Full menu suitable for families |
Rooms that put you close to the waterpark and arcade
Showboat Hotel has a wide range of room types across two towers. If proximity to the Boardwalk, ocean views, or extra space matters, consider one of the ocean-view or suite categories.
Room categories on the property list include standard and family configurations; below are examples you can request when booking. Confirm availability and exact views with reservations.
- Ocean View Room (1 King Bed) — ocean views, 420 sq. ft. listed
- Ocean View 2 Queens Room (2 Queen Beds) — beach-facing option for families
- Oceanfront Premium Suite with Balcony (1 King Bed + 1 Double Sofa Bed) — larger suite with balcony and oceanfront space
- Two Bedroom Family Suite — flexible bed configurations for families
| Room name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Standard Room | 1 King Bed; basic option near hotel services |
| Limited View 2 Queens Room | 2 Queen Beds; value option (limited view) |
| Ocean Front Super Suite with Balcony | Large oceanfront suite with 1 King Bed |

Family planning, hours and policies to know
Showboat Hotel markets itself as a year-round family resort. Children of any age are welcome, but booking rules note children age 10 and above may be charged as adults for activities. The minimum check-in age for rooms is 21 unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The property charges a mandatory resort fee per room, per night (the fee covers fitness-center access, housekeeping, an in-room safe, and internet access). A cash or card deposit at check-in is also required; check your reservation for the posted amount and payment requirements.
- Minimum check-in age: 21 (ID and credit card required)
- Resort fee: mandatory (covers fitness center, safe, internet, housekeeping)
- Deposit: a cash or card deposit is required at check-in (confirm amount)
- Breakfast is available for a surcharge (cooked-to-order; not included in room rates)
| Service | Typical detail |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in from 4:00 PM; check-out by 11:00 AM |
| Fitness center | 24-hour access included via resort fee |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet available for a surcharge |
Getting there and nearby attractions
Showboat Hotel is at 801 Boardwalk on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and is within easy walking distance of Steel Pier, the beach and casinos. The Atlantic City Rail Terminal and Atlantic City International Airport are the closest major transit points; local jitneys and trams also serve the boardwalk area.
Nearby attractions you can walk to include Steel Pier (amusement rides) and Absecon Lighthouse. The Boardwalk itself offers restaurants, arcades and seasonal attractions a short walk from the hotel entrance.
- Address: 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey, 08401, US
- Beach access and Boardwalk are immediately adjacent to the hotel
- Steel Pier: about a five-minute walk
- Absecon Lighthouse: roughly an 11-minute walk
| Transport | Notes |
|---|---|
| Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) | About a 10–15 minute drive (no dedicated hotel shuttle listed) |
| Boardwalk Tram / Jitney | Local card-based tram and 24-hour jitney minibus service connect area stops |
| Taxis / Rideshare | Plentiful around the boardwalk for late-night travel |


