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.
NB: This is an article from SiteMinder, one of our Expert Partners
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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.
