Gamers rejoice! Atari to build video-game-themed hotels

One of the world’s most iconic video gaming companies has acquired the rights to launch Atari Hotels in the United States.

The first location for this video-gamed-themed hotel brand will be Phoenix, with construction of the property to begin in the middle of this year.

Atari Hotels will offer “fully immersive experiences for every age and gaming ability”, including the latest in virtual and augmented reality. Select hotels will also feature state-of-the-art venues and studios to accommodate esports events.

Hotel development and design are being led by Shelly Murphy’s GSD Group and Napoleon Smith III, producer of the wildly successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film franchise reboot.

Phoenix-based real estate developer True North Studio will develop the first Atari-branded hotel.

Atari CEO Fred Chesnais said: “We are thrilled to partner with GSD Group and True North Studio to build the first-ever Atari branded hotels across the United States. Together, we’ll build a space that will be much more than just a place to stay.

“Atari is an iconic global brand that resonates with people of all ages, countries, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds, and we cannot wait for our fans and their families to enjoy this new hotel concept.”

Smith said: “When creating this brand-new hotel concept, we knew that Atari would be the perfect way to give guests the ‘nostalgic and retro meets modern’ look and feel we were going for. Let’s face it – how cool will it be to stay inside an Atari?!”

Murphy said Atari Hotels will be the first hotel brand of its kind in the US, offering gamers of all ages “the ultimate in immersive entertainment and in every aspect of gaming”.

“We’re excited to be working on this project with such great partners and to bring a big win to Arizona,” she said.

Additional Atari Hotels properties are planned for Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco, and San Jose.