So, you’re on the hunt for a tycoon game that’ll really sink its hooks into you? Well, “Hotel Architect” might just be the answer to your managerial prayers. I managed to get my hands on an early demo, and it’s got that classic tycoon charm that’s hard to resist. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it’s definitely polishing it up nicely.
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Right off the bat, you’ll notice this isn’t one of those first-person management sims that are flooding the market. This is a proper, old-school tycoon game, with all the familiar mechanics we know and love. We’re talking scenarios that challenge you to build and manage hotels in different locations, each with unique goals and unlocks, and a sandbox mode where you can unleash your inner architect and design your dream hotel from the ground up. Being the thorough reviewer I am, I naturally dove into both modes.
Let’s start with the scenarios. The demo offered two scenarios, each set in a distinct location. You’re dropped into a pre-built hotel and tasked with modifying or expanding it to meet specific objectives. These objectives range from simple things like increasing the number of rooms to more complex challenges like attracting specific customer types. What I really appreciated about the scenarios is how they subtly introduce you to the game’s mechanics. It’s not a heavy-handed tutorial; instead, you learn by doing, which I find far more engaging. Seeing those pre-built hotels also provides a valuable reference point for what’s possible in the sandbox mode. And honestly, the scenarios have a nice, well-balanced feel. They’re challenging enough to keep you engaged, but not so difficult that you feel overwhelmed.
Each location also has its own unique quirks. In one scenario, you’ll be dealing with extreme heat, which means air conditioning becomes a crucial consideration. It adds a nice touch of variety and keeps things interesting. My only real complaint about the scenarios is that there were only two. I was definitely left wanting more. The locations were interesting and the goals were fun.
Now, let’s talk about the sandbox mode, which is where things got really interesting. This isn’t a sandbox where you have unlimited funds and can build whatever you want. You’re building a hotel from the ground up, starting with the bare essentials. You’ll need a reception area, a maintenance area, a laundry, and, of course, rooms. Room value is a critical factor, as it determines which customer types you’ll attract. You’ll also need to consider the amenities your customers require, like en-suite bathrooms, exterior windows, and even gyms. And don’t forget the facilities, like restaurants, bars, and entertainment areas, which are essential for attracting specific customer types and boosting your hotel’s star rating.
Playing the sandbox is a slow and steady process. It takes time to build your reputation and attract guests. And if you overextend yourself early on, as I may have done, you can find yourself in a bit of a financial hole. The construction system is quite unique. You’ll need to hire a building crew to handle everything from laying foundations to placing furniture. While I appreciate the realism of this system, I found the furniture delivery aspect a bit tedious. Having to call in a crew every time I wanted to place a new piece of furniture felt a bit cumbersome and time-consuming.
The core progression of the game revolves around your customers. As you improve your hotel, you’ll unlock higher-paying customer types. Each customer type has specific needs and preferences, which adds a nice layer of depth to the gameplay. The hotel ranking system is also a fantastic feature. A critic will visit your hotel periodically, evaluating various aspects and assigning a star rating. This rating is crucial for attracting those high-paying customers. I found that I was able to reach four stars relatively quickly, which was satisfying, but I do hope the full game offers a bit more challenge in this area. Perhaps more customer types require higher stars, or the critics become more harsh.
Staffing is another important aspect of the game. You’ll need to hire staff for various roles, like cleaners, maintenance workers, and receptionists. The staffing system is pretty straightforward in the demo, but I’d love to see some additional features in the full game, like rostering and task assignment. Imagine being able to assign a cleaner to focus specifically on changing sheets or cleaning bathrooms. That would be a game-changer and add much more depth to the management. The current system works, but it feels a bit basic.
Customers also leave reviews, which provide valuable feedback on your hotel’s performance. It’s a great way to see what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. It makes it feel like your hotel is truly alive.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Hotel Architect. I spent a good four or five hours playing the demo, completing all the scenarios and building a hotel in the sandbox mode. The mechanics are solid, the tycoon feel is definitely there, and there’s a lot of room for creative design. This is a game I’ll be keeping a close eye on. It’s scheduled for a 2025 release, so hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long. I’m eager to see what new features and content they add, and I’m definitely looking forward to playing more scenarios.
The Hotel Architect demo is available as part of Steam Next Fest until March 3rd.
Click here to check it out
And until next time, stay caffeinated!
