My husband and I have stayed at the Showboat several times (4? 5? 6? - can't remember) as well as at other Harrahs properties on the Boardwalk. We were there this year from May 4th to May 6th.

Check-in could not have been quicker or more cordial. We've only had to wait on line once for check-in there (we must have merged with a bus tour) and were entertained while on line by a juggler and a magician, and were offered water by the management. On this occasion, we were second in line and attended by Suzan, who was very friendly and courteous. Although we had booked a Bourbon Tower room (comped), we were given a room in the Orleans Tower, where we have stayed before. This time we were on the 20th floor with a broad view of the ocean and the Absecon lighthouse. Although some on this board have complained about views of the sandpit, it helps to be aware that A.C. is undergoing a great deal of new construction (much like Vegas in the past few years), and there are dig sites everywhere. The hotel isn't deliberately assigning rooms with bad views -- it's just that all the views are presently compromised.

In any event, the room itself was, as always, clean, comfortable, quiet and safe. I understand the Bourbon tower has plasma TVs, but the big old-fashioned armoire television was fine for the little bit of time we actually watched it. King bed was comfortable enough, with clean linens and four plump pillows and an extra in the closet. We found two to be too much, though -- they're that lofty. Plenty of towels in the bathroom, bathmat, and a skid mat for the tub. Single sink in the marble vanity with plenty of space for essentials. Body lotion, soap and conditioning shampoo were provided. The toilet is in an attached alcove with its own door. The room had a table with two straight-backed chairs, an armchair, a sofa, safe, phone, clock radio, fridge (which we never use), coffee maker (never use that either), hair dryer, iron, etc. We were mid-floor and heard no noise to speak of.
Corridors are bright and clean, elevators came quickly, and housekeeping respected privacy signs. The truth is that I've never been disappointed in a comped room at Showboat. We've had one at Resorts (clean, but full of cast-off, mismatched furniture) and the legendary face-the-lobby rooms at Caesars (large and clean), but at Showboat I think we get the same treatment as any paying guest.

Parking was comped with a small amount of play. While we were there the casino was celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a cash giveaway, which was fun to watch even though our names weren't chosen. Nice prizes, too -- ranging from $250 to $5000 in cash. There were some small parades, a roving juggler and roving magicians for the kids. I spent most of my time on the slots, as I usually do, but the machines were distinctly unkind to me this time around. Overall, they seemed tighter than usual and ate most of my budget the first day. My husband played blackjack and broke even on both forays, so he was happy. Drink service was a little haphazard -- Plenty of offers Monday night, but I sat at a machine for four hours today and only saw a waitress once. As casinos go, I suppose Showboat's is a little small, but there are plenty of slot machines to choose from and there seemed to be plenty of table games. Staff are invariably friendly, accommodating and really know their hotel.

We had pastries and coffee at Gold Tooth Gertie's at Bally's. Always a nice variety and fresh, if a little pricey. We had comps for the Virginia City Buffet at Bally's (regularly about $21.00). Nice fresh selection of Italian, American and Chinese dishes (and a specialty Mexican station this month), although desserts were a little lacking in quantity and imagination. Before check-out, we had breakfast at the Mansion Cafe at Showboat - generally decent service and portions.

The only caveat I have about Showboat is that it's at the end of the Boardwalk. It's a long walk to any other casino except the Taj, which is right next door. We've stayed center-Boardwalk to be more in the "center" of things, but we always seem to return to Showboat because, well, it's just so consistently nice.