Showboat Resort owner Bart Blatstein has launched a $50 million renovation of the property in conjunction with the planned opening of a new $100 million indoor waterpark. — Renderings courtesy: Tower Investments Inc.
By Joshua Burd
The owner of Showboat in Atlantic City is detailing plans for a $50 million renovation as construction continues on a massive indoor water park at the iconic Boardwalk property.
Bart Blatstein, CEO of Philadelphia-based Tower Investments Inc., said the final phase of remodeling for the hotel’s 800 rooms, suites, lobby and other common areas is underway. That work is slated to be complete in conjunction with the opening of the $100 million dollar ISLAND Waterpark, slated for this summer, as part of the firm’s ongoing move to reposition the former casino.
“The Showboat is the only true family-friendly, year-round resort in Atlantic City and these major investments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to elevate guests’ experiences,” Blatstein said. “The room and other property enhancements will ensure the stay experience aligns with our extraordinary entertainment offerings that we have developed in recent years.”
SLIDESHOW: Renovations at Showboat
Blatstein acquired the former Caesars Corp. property in July 2016, when it was among several Atlantic City casinos to shutter amid growing regional competition. That kicked off a multiphase plan to reimagine what’s now the largest non-gaming hotel in New Jersey, including the 2021 launch of Lucky Snake at Showboat, a sprawling venue with an arcade, a sports bar, indoor spaces for live entertainment and improved convention and meeting spaces.
The company added an indoor go-kart racetrack last summer.
The latest phase of renovations will encompass a full overhaul of the Showboat’s room inventory, according to a news release. That will include modern coastal-themed furnishings designed to emulate the beachfront location, while all rooms will offer modern key lock technology enabled by guests’ personal phones.
“Open now for our seventh summer, we know how much our guests enjoy staying with us at Showboat and look forward to elevating that experience even more with these renovations,” Blatstein said. “At Tower, we’ve always believed in Atlantic City and can’t wait to open our waterpark! New offerings like the Lucky Snake and the incredible events we offer will just keep making this celebrated city even better and more attractive to guests.”