Inside Hijinx Hotel: The “hotel” built for games, not guests

June 22, 2026 - 21:19

California Live correspondent Paul Costabile recently checked into a different kind of hotel experience at the Irvine Spectrum. Hijinx Hotel is not a place to rest your head. It is a venue designed entirely for interactive play, where groups work together to complete a series of immersive challenge rooms.

Each room is packed with oversized games, hands-on puzzles, and colorful ball pits. Visitors can also find karaoke stations and other unexpected surprises around every corner. The concept is built around teamwork and fun, with no overnight stays involved. Instead, guests move from one themed room to the next, racing against the clock to solve challenges and earn points.

The space aims to offer a fresh alternative to traditional nightlife or a standard day out. It is meant for friends, families, or coworkers looking for a shared, active experience. Costabile described the atmosphere as energetic and playful, with a focus on laughter and collaboration rather than competition.

Hijinx Hotel has quickly become a popular spot at the Irvine Spectrum, drawing crowds who want to step away from screens and into a world of physical, hands-on entertainment. For those seeking a memorable outing that does not involve a bed, this game-filled hotel might be the perfect destination.