SCOTTSDALE, AZ—Gamers will have a chance to have a stay in properties inspired by some of the earliest video game blockbusters when Atari Hotels open across the country in the future.
“Simply put, Atari Hotels was born of the idea that gamers, new and old, need a place to call home,” said Shelly Murphy, managing partner, Atari Hotels, which has plans to open properties in Las Vegas and Phoenix. “They don’t have that right now, which is such a shock in our current world where video games are one of the most successful markets in entertainment. Atari is the original gaming company and as our idea grew, we could think of a more perfect iconic brand to work with. Our primary goal with Atari Hotels is building a place where immersive entertainment, gaming and hospitality intersect, creating genuine experiences for guests and gamers alike, no matter their age or skill level.”
Atari Hotels, announced earlier this year as an exclusive licensing agreement with Atari, the entertainment brand behind video games properties such as Asteroids, Centipede, and Pong, will offer guests a wholly unique hospitality experience inspired by, and built with, classic and modern video game culture in mind, she said.
GSD Group, the developers of the hotels, has secured the rights to build future Atari Hotels in Austin, TX, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, San Jose, CA, and Seattle. The company has also hired architecture and design firm Gansler to handle the design of the properties. Atari Hotels is also working with Subnation to develop its brand identity.
Murphy said that each hotel will have a similar look, but with unique differences. “We expect that some of the features will be the same or at least very similar throughout each hotel,” she said. “We do plan to have unique features and experiences at each location so guests have something new to discover at each hotel, including incorporating local vendors and artists.”
Atari Hotels will blend the past, present and future of video games and entertainment for a destination that offers guests a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience, complete with state-of-the-art amenities for esports fans and content creators. Guests can enjoy the latest in video games, experience cutting-edge immersive entertainment, purchase exclusive Atari Hotels merchandise and play the night away in retro-style gaming arcades.
A speakeasy and fully equipped nightclub will be available for adult guests, as well as themed restaurants and bars. Atari Hotels delightfully plays with the themes of retro-futurism, pop culture and nostalgia.
Keeping the retro with the state of the art is a fine balance, according to Murphy. “Everything about Atari Hotels is retro-inspired yet outfitted with the newest and very best in gaming and entertainment technology, as well as immersive experiences,” she said. “We’re working with the top design and development firms and visionaries in the hospitality, gaming and tech space to help us bring this vision to life.”
