What to pack for Showboat Hotel and Atlantic City
Pack beachwear, waterpark-ready items, and a mix of casual Boardwalk outfits plus dressier options for dinner or events; bring ID and the credit card you’ll use at check-in (minimum check-in age is 21). Also pack basic toiletries, any prescription meds, a small beach bag/towel, and proof of pet details if you’re bringing a dog (dogs only, up to two per room).
In this guide
Essentials for check-in and hotel logistics
Bring a government-issued photo ID and the credit card you plan to use at check-in — Showboat Hotel requires both and enforces a minimum check-in age of 21 (guests under 21 must be with a parent or guardian).
Expect a cash or card deposit at arrival; Showboat requires a deposit per room, per stay. Also plan for the mandatory resort fee that covers internet, fitness-center access, housekeeping and an in-room safe (the fee is charged per room, per night).
- Government-issued photo ID
- Credit card (same one used for reservation)
- Deposit method (cash or card accepted)
- Reservation confirmation and any special-request notes
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| ID & credit card | Required at check-in; minimum age confirmation |
| Reservation confirmation | Speeds up arrival and confirms room type |
| Deposit (card/cash) | Hold required by property at check-in |
| Pet paperwork (if applicable) | Hotel allows dogs only, up to two per room |
What to pack for the Island Waterpark
Island Waterpark is an indoor waterpark attached to the hotel with slides, a lazy river, wave pool and guest early-access program called Rise 'N Shine. Bring swimwear and items that work in chlorinated water.
Showboat guests get one hour of early access before public opening; if you plan to use the adults-only Paradise Adult Island (21+), know that access usually costs extra. The hotel’s former outdoor pool is not available, so the Island Waterpark is the main wet amenity.
Towels may be provided in the waterpark, but it’s useful to have your own beach towel or quick-dry towel for the Boardwalk and beach after waterpark hours.
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Water shoes or flip-flops with good traction
- Quick-dry towel or beach towel
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Sunscreen (for Boardwalk/beach use)
| Item | Pack if |
|---|---|
| Swimwear | You plan to use slides, wave pool, or lazy river |
| Water shoes | You want extra grip on wet surfaces |
| Waterproof pouch | You’ll bring phone or small valuables on the Boardwalk |
Beach and Boardwalk items
Showboat Hotel sits on the Atlantic City Boardwalk with direct beach access and beach chairs/umbrellas provided seasonally; ocean swimming is typically best June–September when water temps are warmer. Pack lightweight, sun-protective clothing for daytime Boardwalk walks.
Evenings on the Boardwalk can be breezy, so include a light jacket or windbreaker for spring and fall stays. If you expect to use the Boardwalk Tram or jitney, bring small bills or a card for transit (tram is card only for fares).
- Light jacket or windbreaker
- Sunglasses and hat
- Flip-flops or comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
| Season | Recommended extras |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | High-SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses |
| Spring/Fall | Light jacket or windbreaker |
| Winter | Warm coat and layers (temperatures can dip below freezing) |
Clothing and footwear for rooms and restaurants
Pack casual daytime outfits for the Boardwalk, plus one or two dressier options if you’ll dine at ACE or visit 12 Bar or the Lucky Snake Arcade & Sports Bar. Showboat is a non-gaming, beachfront resort — most dining is casual to smart-casual.
If you booked one of the suite types (for example Ocean Front Super Suite with Balcony or Oceanfront Premium Suite with Balcony), include easy indoor loungewear for larger living spaces and a pair of slippers. Comfortable shoes are helpful for walking to nearby attractions like Steel Pier and the Absecon Lighthouse.
- Casual daytime outfits
- Smart-casual outfit for dinner or bar visits
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Slippers or house shoes for suites
| Room type example | Packing tip |
|---|---|
| Standard Room / Standard 2 Queens | Simpler packing; mix-and-match casual wear |
| Ocean View Room / Ocean View 2 Queens Room | Add a light sweater for ocean breezes on balconies |
| Ocean Front Super Suite with Balcony / Oceanfront Premium Suite with Balcony | Include loungewear and slippers for larger suites |
Spa, fitness, and active extras
The Aura Salon and Spa (Bourbon Tower, 2nd floor) offers massages, facials and salon services — bring any preferred skincare or post-treatment products, and be prepared to call (609) 270-4550 to reserve treatments. Spa hours run daily with salon services starting later in the morning.
The Showboat Fitness Center is open 24 hours and offers scheduled boxing fitness classes; pack workout clothes, running shoes, and a refillable water bottle. If you plan to use outdoor pickleball or beach-volleyball, bring sport-appropriate footwear and a change of clothes.
- Workout clothes and sneakers
- Athletic socks and a small towel
- Refillable water bottle
- Post-workout toiletries (shampoo/soap)
| Activity | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Spa appointment | Comfortable loose clothing, any product allergies noted |
| Gym/boxing class | Athletic wear, gloves if needed |
| Beach volleyball/pickleball | Sport shoes, sunscreen |
Electronics, documents, and money
Bring chargers, a portable battery pack, and any adapters for devices; Showboat provides free Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas, and some listings note wired in-room internet is available. If you’ll do work, pack a laptop and a small travel router if you need wired connections.
Keep printed and digital copies of your reservation, photo ID, and any pet documentation. The hotel accepts major credit cards (cash is not accepted for some charges), and there are parking charges for self or valet parking — pack a credit card for parking and incidental holds.
- Phone and device chargers
- Portable battery pack
- Printed reservation and digital confirmations
- Credit card for resort fee, deposit and parking
| Charge/hold | Likely method |
|---|---|
| Deposit at check-in | Card or cash accepted (property requires deposit) |
| Resort fee & parking | Card commonly used for charges |
| Spa or dining | Card preferred for on-site charges |
