I have a fondness for well-crafted escape room lobbies. Unfortunately, they seem to be a rare find. In many instances, the lobbies tend to be small and lackluster, offering just a handful of seats, a few decorations, and a wall to take group pictures at (a pet peeve of mine – take them in the rooms!). I believe the lobby should be an integral part of the entire escape room experience. Thankfully, we’ve come across venues where the owners share this sentiment, elevating the anticipation and enjoyment right from the moment you step into the lobby.
Examples of Fantastic Lobbies
Here are a few examples of escape room businesses we’ve been to that have put together amazing lobbies.
Rabbit Hole Recreation Services – Louisville, CO
Rabbit Hole Recreation Services features a cozy yet intimate lobby adorned with a captivating steampunk ambiance. Optional lockers, a regal throne perfect for snapshots, themed and comfy seating, and an array of intriguing photographs offer an intriguing and delightful environment as you wait for your escape room adventure. Additionally, a convenient water dispenser adds a welcome touch.
For those who are new to escape rooms, an in-lobby game is available. While playing in a crowded lobby might seem a bit awkward, it provides a fun taste of the puzzle world we enthusiasts love so much.
This lobby does a fantastic job getting players into the spirit of escape rooms and heightening their anticipation for the upcoming adventure.
The Sanctuary – Oklahoma City, OK
The Sanctuary’s lobby looks and feels like a Hollywood set piece, creating a visually compelling atmosphere. Although the seating may not be the most luxurious, it’s another lobby that puts players in the mood for their escape room experience. One particularly fascinating feature is the oversized eye positioned above the check-in desk. It’s both eerie and cool as it moves around looking here and there.
Escapology – Orlando, FL
The Orlando location of Escapology has a unique and upscale steampunk design that sets it apart from other escape rooms. The lighting, colors, furniture, and music all contribute to the immersive and high-quality experience that the facility offers. For first-time players, this is an experience like none other. We’ve visited other Escapology locations that have similar decor, but the Orlando location on I-Drive is our favorite.
Escape My Room – New Orleans, LA
The huge lobby at Escape My Room fits seamlessly with the thematic elements and narratives of their games. It is full of oddities and the decor fits the time period, the distinct charm of New Orleans, and the eclectic nature of the DeLaporte family.
Other Interesting Choices
While the previously mentioned locations offer visually stunning lobbies, there are others I appreciate for different reasons. The following establishments have opted for adding interesting features to less ornate spaces, yet these thoughtful additions can make a significant impact on a player’s experience.
CU Adventures – Urbana, IL
CU has a 2-player video game in their lobby that is unforgettable. It takes teamwork to play the game and is a wonderful way to pass the time for those who show up early or between games.
Key to Escape – Statesville, NC
Key to Escape is located in an old historic church, and though their lobby may be compact, they’ve injected it with fun and engagement. To enter, players are greeted with an electronic puzzle even before stepping through the front door, setting the tone for a puzzle-solving mood. Inside, you may find some fake rats running around if you’re lucky.
The Immersive Machine – Phoenix, AZ
The lobby at The Immersive Machine is shared with the art studio they run, but they have a secondary space that serves as a waiting room. It’s here where the excitement really kicked in. Inside, there is a rack of costumes you can wear if you want (some players love to get into character), a TV for the intro video, a refrigerator with complimentary drinks, and puzzles to unlock a briefcase full of snacks. How fun!
The Power of Aesthetics in Escape Room Lobbies
A well-designed and decorated escape room lobby can significantly enhance the overall experience for players, and yes, contribute to the success of the business. Here are some benefits and design elements that can make an escape room lobby fun and engaging:
Benefits:
First Impressions: The lobby is a player’s first point of contact, besides maybe the website. A well-designed lobby creates a positive first impression, setting the tone for the entire experience.
Enhanced Atmosphere: A welcoming atmosphere in the lobby builds anticipation and excitement, making participants more receptive to the challenges ahead. Show off your crew’s design prowess and skills.
Brand Identity: A thoughtfully designed lobby can reinforce the brand identity of the escape room facility, creating a memorable and unique experience.
Social Interaction: The lobby serves as a social space where players can interact with each other, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
Additional Revenue Streams: A well-designed lobby can be utilized for selling merchandise, refreshments, or additional experiences, contributing to additional revenue for the business.
Design Elements:
Thematic Decor: Carry the theme of the escape rooms into the lobby. Use props, artwork, and decorations that reflect the themes of the various escape rooms, creating a cohesive and immersive environment. This is especially useful if you have a storyline that threads through the games tying them all together.
Interactive Features: Incorporate interactive elements like puzzles or mini-games in the lobby to get participants in the problem-solving mindset and build excitement.
Comfortable Seating: Provide comfortable seating areas where participants can relax before or after their escape room experience. Consider themed seating to maintain the immersive atmosphere.
Lighting and Ambiance: Use lighting to create a specific ambiance that complements the escape room themes. Dim lighting, colored lights, or themed fixtures can enhance the overall mood.
Sound: Implement background music or ambient sounds that match the escape room themes. This enhances the overall immersive experience and builds excitement.
Photo Opportunities: Design areas where players can take photos of themselves to capture memories of their experiences. This can also serve as a promotional tool when shared on social media. Team photos, however, should be done in the rooms.
Informational Displays: Provide clear and concise information about the escape room experiences, rules, and upcoming events. Digital displays or well-designed posters can be effective.
Refreshments: Provide refreshments, be it complimentary or for purchase. A water dispenser is a wonderful option for patrons.
Merchandise: Carve out some room for merch like apparel, board games, magnets, stickers, etc.
Games: Provide puzzle games, skill games, pinball machines, riddle books, escape bags, etc. to keep waiting players occupied.
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By incorporating these design elements, an escape room lobby can become a memorable and enjoyable part of the overall experience, enhancing customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat business.
