Hotels / Hotel Tycoon: the review

Components

The variety of hotels, each with its own card indicating rates based on the number of nights, made the game visually striking for the 1980s. While the years have taken their toll, the cardboard buildings still look impressive once laid out on the board.

Each hotel—from the simple Boomerang to the majestic President—has its own unique style and characteristics. The Safari and Taj Mahal, for example, may seem less exciting than the others, but every hotel has the potential to be a profitable investment if managed wisely.

Gameplay

“Hotel / Hotel Tycoon” is essentially a 3D Monopoly, but with one significant addition: income. Placing hotel income in strategic locations is crucial for attracting guests and making your hotels more profitable. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy and planning that goes beyond simply buying properties.

Game Experience

In my experience with “Hotel / Hotel Tycoon,” I noticed that some hotels are significantly more advantageous than others. In particular, controlling hotels like the President offers a substantial advantage, with its high profit potential and commanding presence on the board. Even the Boomerang, though less imposing, has a better cost-benefit ratio than other hotels, making it an attractive option for quick financial returns.

This disparity between hotels introduces a clear asymmetry into the game, where luck in controlling certain hotels can significantly influence the final outcome. This aspect can lead to gameplay dynamics where some players may feel disadvantaged from the start, depending on the properties they manage to acquire.

Moreover, the combination of planning and luck is a constant theme in “Hotel.” Decisions about where to build and when to expand are critical, but dice rolls often introduce excessive randomness. There were times when the die prevented construction or doubled the cost of building, greatly affecting the course of the game. These moments can be frustrating for players seeking greater control over their strategies.

Strategy and Luck

“Hotel / Hotel Tycoon” requires smart strategy to maximize profits from your hotels. However, luck plays a significant role. This balance between strategy and luck makes it suitable for both casual players and families. Moments when luck works in your favor can be exhilarating, while those when it turns against you can teach younger players how to handle disappointment.

This video review of Hotel Tycoon from the Giochi Corsari channel can help you better understand the elements and mechanics of this 1980s classic.

Family Game

The game shines as a family activity. It’s simple enough to be accessible to children, yet offers enough depth to keep adults engaged. Games with my family are always filled with laughter and friendly competition. Even if the little ones sometimes win purely by luck, their joy at managing to “outsmart” the adults is contagious.

Conclusion

“Hotel / Hotel Tycoon” is an economic strategy game set in a family-friendly, accessible context. However, its reliance on luck and the asymmetry between hotels can sometimes overshadow strategic planning. Despite this, the game remains a fun and engaging experience for young players and for adults who appreciate a light game with a touch of nostalgia.