ATLANTIC CITY -- A week after the Showboat in Atlantic City reopened its doors as a non-casino, 850-room hotel, the developer behind the rebirth of the dormant resort says his expectations have been exceeded.

The Showboat's owner, Caesars Entertainment, closed the still-profitable casino to reduce the number of casinos in Atlantic City, which has been struggling with plunging revenue and increased. The casino executives also blasted developer Bart Blatstein’s plan to restore casino gambling to the Showboat. The casino closed in 2014, and he reopened it as a non-gambling hotel. Casino contraction hit Atlantic City again Friday, as the parent company of the Showboat Casino Hotel announced it will close the Mardi Gras-themed casino on Aug.

'Business is great,' Tower Investments CEO Bart Blatstein said. 'It is the best non-casino and no smoking property in Atlantic City. It's also a great location with beautiful rooms and amazing views.'

Since its reopening, feedback from both guests and the community has been positive.

'Guests are very pleased,' said Blatstein.

The Showboat was shuttered in August 2014 amid a wave of casino closures that included Revel, Trump Plaza and The Atlantic Club.

The Showboat, on the north end of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, was purchased by Stockton University in a failed bid to turn it into a satellite campus. Blatstein purchased the former casino for $23 million in a deal that closed in January.

It took 38 days to reopen the hotel, which is 'unheard of,' according to Lisa Augustine, of ACSB Hospitality, which is overseeing the hotel. She said it typically takes nine to 12 months to open a property.

'The people of Atlantic City have been so helpful,' said Augustine.

Showboat Hotel is the only hotel in the city with 65 suites, 40 of which have a balcony overlooking the beach and boardwalk, Augustine said.

The pet-friendly hotel also has three restaurants: Atlantic City Eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; Canal Street Coffee offers made-to-order espresso beverages as well as prepared salads and sandwiches; and Worship Surf Bar caters to the bar crowd with lunch, dinner and live music on the weekends.

'I'm thrilled to be part of the rebirth of Atlantic City,' said Blatstein. 'My confidence and belief in the future of Atlantic City has never been stronger.'

Rates range from $129 to $349 per night for standard rooms, depending upon the day of week, season, and demand. To make reservations, call 855-212-0201 or book online at www.showboathotelac.com. Parking rates range from $8 to $15 for self-park and valet.

Showboat Casino Trump Taj Mahal

Lori M. Nichols may be reached at lnichols@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @photoglori. Find NJ.com on Facebook.