What is a hotel games room?
A hotel games room is a dedicated space where guests can relax, unwind, and enjoy a variety of entertainment options—without ever leaving the property. Depending on the size and style of the hotel, these spaces might include arcade machines, pool tables, board games, video game consoles, or even immersive virtual reality (VR) setups.
But a games room isn’t just about having fun – it’s about engagement. The more time guests spend enjoying your hotel’s amenities, the more memorable their stay becomes. And that positive experience can translate into stronger reviews, more repeat visits, and greater word-of-mouth referrals.
In this blog, we’ll break down the benefits of a hotel games room and how your hotel can effectively design, build, and market a games room as part of your everyday experience package.
Why hotels should consider a games room
Modern travellers are seeking experiences as much as they are seeking a place to stay. Whether it’s families wanting more ways to spend time together, solo guests looking for ways to unwind, or business travellers craving downtime, expectations have shifted. A hotel games room taps directly into these needs, delivering memorable experiences that guests will talk about long after check-out.
A well-designed games room can:
- Increase guest satisfaction by offering unexpected value.
- Encourage longer stays as guests find more reasons to linger.
- Drive repeat bookings and positive reviews from guests who had a standout experience.
- Differentiate your property from competitors, especially in crowded markets.
There’s also the practical benefit of keeping guests on-site. Instead of seeking entertainment elsewhere, they’re spending time, and potentially money, within your property. From food and beverage sales to paid access or packages, a games room can open new revenue streams as well as boost loyalty.
In fact, hospitality research highlights that unique and personalised amenities are a key driver of guest satisfaction and retention—helping properties stand out in a competitive market.
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How a hotel with games room can drive more bookings
Guests today are looking for value in their stay, and when they see entertainment options on-site, it often tips the scale in your favour.
Positive experiences in shared spaces like games rooms often lead to glowing reviews, which are key drivers for future bookings. The J.D. Power 2023 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study found that staff service garners the highest level of satisfaction among all guest experience factors measured, highlighting the importance of excellent guest experiences to drive bookings.
Family travellers, digital nomads, and business guests love game rooms. For families, it’s a lifesaver—keeping kids entertained without needing to leave the property. Digital nomads and business travellers often seek out spaces to relax after work hours. A games room provides that perfect middle ground: casual, social, and relaxing. It becomes a shared space for connection, helping you appeal to a wide range of guests.
Hotels are leveraging games rooms in marketing and loyalty programs. Properties that highlight their games rooms in booking platforms, social media, and guest communications often see increased engagement. Some even run events—like game nights or tournaments—that create buzz and drive repeat visits.
Ultimately, a games room helps your hotel stand out. It’s a point of difference in a competitive market and a feature that adds tangible value to the guest experience, encouraging more bookings from both new and returning guests.
How to design a profitable hotel games room
Adding a games room to your hotel is one thing—designing it to drive profit and guest satisfaction is another. The most successful games rooms strike a balance between smart design, the right game mix, and opportunities to monetise. Here’s how to make yours work for your space and your guests.
Key elements of a successful hotel games room
Choosing the right games
Your game selection should reflect your guests. Families may enjoy arcade games and board games. Solo travellers and couples might gravitate towards pool tables, console gaming, or VR experiences. Variety is key, but quality matters too—invest in durable, easy-to-maintain equipment.
Emerging technologies like VR and AR are also becoming more common in hospitality, offering immersive experiences that wow guests and create social media-worthy moments. Integrating modern technology can increase guest engagement and satisfaction.
Optimising space & design
Not every hotel has room for a sprawling arcade. But even small properties can create inviting spaces with thoughtful design. Consider lighting, acoustics, and flow—make sure games don’t disrupt nearby rooms or public areas, and create a space that feels separate and special.
Tech-driven experiences
Use smart reservation systems to manage games room access, contactless payment options for added convenience, and loyalty program integrations to reward frequent users. This not only improves the guest experience but can also provide valuable usage data.
Hotels that personalise experiences using guest data report higher satisfaction and increased loyalty. Hospitality software allows you to track guest preferences and deliver tailored offerings, whether it’s recommended games or targeted promotions.
Best ways to monetise a hotel games room
While a games room enhances guest experience, it can also contribute directly to your hotel’s bottom line. The key is to strike the right balance between offering value and creating revenue opportunities.
Paid access vs. Free guest perks
Some hotels offer unlimited access to their games room as part of the room rate, creating a sense of added value. Others charge for entry or individual games—think arcade token systems or day passes. The right approach depends on your brand positioning and target guests.
Including access as a free guest perk can boost satisfaction and encourage longer stays, especially for families. Paid access, on the other hand, can open a new revenue stream. You might also explore tiered options—free access for basic games, with premium experiences like VR or tournaments available at an extra cost.
Event & package promotions
Hosting game nights, esports tournaments, or private bookings can generate both buzz and bookings. These events not only attract guests but can also draw in local visitors, giving you another source of revenue.
Sponsorships & partnerships
Teaming up with local businesses or gaming brands can enhance your games room offerings at little to no cost. Consider sponsorships for tournaments, co-branded events, or even equipment partnerships that provide you with games in exchange for brand visibility.
This approach not only reduces your overhead but also offers marketing benefits, helping you tap into new audiences.
Hotel games room success stories (Examples & case studies)
Some hotels have gone all-in on the games room experience. For instance, The Magic Games Hotel in Spain features retro gaming consoles in themed rooms and a dedicated entertainment zone for guests of all ages, becoming a destination in its own right.
Hotel games room trends: What’s next for guest entertainment?
Games rooms are no longer just about arcade cabinets and pool tables. Forward-thinking hotels are tapping into emerging technologies and trends to offer standout experiences that drive bookings and loyalty.
The rise of VR and AR gaming
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are reshaping how guests engage with hotel spaces. Immersive VR stations or AR-enhanced games create memorable, high-impact experiences that are ideal for social media sharing—helping hotels reach wider audiences organically.
A report by Hospitality Technology magazine notes that properties incorporating VR and AR gaming have seen increased guest engagement and higher overall satisfaction scores, particularly among younger demographics and tech-savvy travellers.
Eco-friendly gaming
As sustainability becomes a priority for many travellers, hotels are exploring eco-conscious gaming options. From energy-efficient machines to sustainably sourced board games and digital gaming solutions that reduce physical waste, these choices show a commitment to responsible hospitality.
Not only do these practices align with your guests’ values, but they can also lower operational costs and contribute to your hotel’s environmental goals.
The future: AI-powered gaming, the metaverse, and gamified loyalty
Looking ahead, we’re likely to see AI-powered gaming assistants that tailor experiences to individual guest preferences, metaverse hotel lounges where guests can socialise virtually, and gamified loyalty programs that reward guests for participating in hotel activities.
By staying ahead of these trends, hotels can future-proof their offerings and appeal to experience-driven travellers who prioritise innovation and engagement.
