Showboat AC?

We just booked the Showboat in AC for a two night spring trip. We have been to AC a few times before but only as a few hour stop on our way to/from other destinations. This is our first stay there (and first time going as Diamond) and have a few questions:

Is there are a specific tower to request at check-in? I have read old posts that the Bourbon Tower is better. Is that still true?

What is their Diamond lounge like? I read on the Total Rewards site that "fees may apply" in reference to the Showboat Diamond lounge. Anyone know what that is about?

Are drinks free while playing slots?

What is the smoking situation? Is smoking banned altogether or is there smoking gaming areas?

Any other tips for exploring the other casinos? We plan on using the shuttle to check out other Harrah's properties.

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.

~Allen

Hi Allen,

I can answer some of these.

I believe that they are charging $10 in comps for any additional guests beyond you and one guest. The Caesars (HET) Diamond lounges in AC are a lot better than the ones in Vegas and serve hot foods.

Drinks are free while playing slots, however they are not comped at all of the bars with machines built into them.

Smoking is in designated sections of the casinos, not to exceed 25% of the casino floor. Some of the casinos are very good at marking the smoking/non-smoking areas. Others are not. Some also provide smoking lounges. Please note that the majority of the rooms will also be designated as non-smoking if you prefer a smoking room.

Showboat is at the northeastern tip of the Boardwalk and has an internal connection over to the Taj Mahal, which has an internal walkway to Resorts. Harrah's is the CET/HET flagship property in AC. Caesars and Bally's are next to each other and you can get to each other without walking outdoors. This is good when for inclement weather.

Borgata will upgrade you to their Black Label card from your diamond card. If you have not done it before, I believe that they also give you free slot play and free comp dollars for food. Trump casinos and the Tropicana usually does this too if you have never had a card with them before.

The shuttles can get very full and don't run as frequently as the jitneys do.

The Bourbon tower is a little nicer, but the standard rooms are, basically, identical in both towers. Bourbon tower TV's have HD, Orleans tower TV's don'tl, if that makes any difference. Bourbon Tower is closer to the casino and the Diamond Lounge, but further from transportation. I always request Bourbon, but am perfectly happy if they put me in Orleans.

There are no fees for the Diamond Lounge, unless it is something new. The lounge was closed for renovation when I was there in December, but should be open now. The lounge is quite comfortable and they have a nice buffet.

Drinks are free in the casino.

There are plenty of smoking areas, but the only 9/6 JOB VP machines are in a non-smoking area.

The shuttle is often crowded, but Diamond cards are supposed to get preferential treatment (I rarely use the shuttle, myself).

At Showboat and Harrahs, drinks at the bars are free if you are playing the bar top slots. At Bally's or Willd Wild West, you have to pay for drinks at the bar whether you are playing or not. I believe the lobby bar at Bally's is the only bar in town that doesn't allow smoking (the VP isn't very good though).

Bally's has my favorite VP machines (Full Pay, .25, Triple Play, Progressive, Bonus Poker). Hard to get a machine during the busy times. Non-smoking section.

Harrahs has the best indoor pool area, if you are interested. I don't know if you can use it if you are staying at Showboat, but you could ask.

Showboat is my favorite place to stay in AC.

Ned in NYC

Thanks for the prompt replies. Both are very helpful and just what we needed to know.

~Allen

Ned,

I think that the Diamond lounge charge is relatively new. Frank posted something on this thread and I was wrong, they charge $25 per person after the first two people.

page two of Greenhorn in AC thread

What's the parking fee @ showboat? I saw $5 somewhere (if you have a Harrahs card)...is that still a valid amount...and is that per/day, or per time that you exit the garage, etc? Is there anyplace nearby that you can park for free?

Thanks.

I seem to remember something about "fees may apply". That may be left over from a year or so ago when Harrahs was going to charge a fee/comps if you had not played xxxx points in a certain prior time span.
The announcement came mid year, and a furor ensued. Program canceled. I spoke to a guy in the lounge at Ballys (Best Diamond lounge view!) in December who basically just renews his Diamond for the free food and drink for the remainder of the year, with little to no play. For a Diamond, the first additional guest is free, second is $10 in RC's and the 3rd is $25. Hope you enjoy!

As a follow up to sdixonbigdog's question is there a charge for Showboat valet parking if a hotel and/or Diamond guest?

~Allen

When you pull up to valet, make sure you mention that you are diamond (and/or show your card). You will be given a 'special' diamond valet ticket. There is no charge for valet (for diamonds), and you can use a special 'diamond/7*' kiosk to scan the barcode on your ticket; which automatically puts you in the (priority) cue for valet delivery.

FWIW, my favorite diamond lounges (in Atlantic City) are Bally's and Caesars (because of view); and my favorite place to play is Bally's (because of the awesome 'low-limit' big baccarat at Bally's High Limit).

Bigdog,

The general fee for parking at the casinos in AC changes depending on the time of day, day of the week, time of the year, etc. The casinos are mandated to pay the state a fee for every car that parks in their lots. (IIRC it's $3 per car.) If you have a gold card, it's usually the same rate all the time and you don't get charged the fluctuations. The higher the card, the less you will have to pay. From time to time, they will offer free parking if you earn x amount of points too. Unfortunately, it's not a cut and dry situation where the price is always the same. Obviously, the slower times are when the parking will be cheaper or free.

You only pay the fee once while you are parked in the garage. So, if you are parked in the garage for 4 or 5 days, you only the one fee. Some casinos charge you when you enter, others charge you when you leave. You can park at another casino's garage for free by showing a parking receipt within 24 hours.

You can luck out and possibly find street parking. However, I wouldn't recommend it. You would probably be a couple of blocks away from the casinos and not all of those neighborhoods are safe. Also, you wouldn't be able to in the marina district.