Travelers seeking to immerse themselves in virtual worlds will soon be able to stay in real-life pixelated accommodations, as the world's first Minecraft-themed hotel is scheduled to open near London in 2027. Located within the Chessington World of Adventures resort, the 69-room venue reflects a broader shift across the global hospitality sector toward immersive, gaming-centric destinations.
The development will feature 20 upscale rooms alongside 49 standard accommodations, all rendered with the blocky textures, iconic creatures, and distinct color palettes characteristic of the best-selling video game. Design details extend to public spaces, where cube-shaped trees and animals bring the Overworld to life in reception, while elevators inspired by Nether portals and mine-shaft corridors guide guests through the facility. The site will also feature an interactive restaurant and a potion-themed bar.
Adjacent to the lodging, theme park visitors can experience "Escape the Nether," marketed as the world's first Minecraft roller coaster featuring indoor and outdoor sections, as well as dedicated dining areas and themed retail stores. According to Filip Keatly Thoms, Creative Director of Minecraft Parks and Experiences at Mojang Studios, the design team meticulously calculated block scales and biome elements to ensure an authentic transition from digital gameplay to physical environment.
The project arrives amidst a surge in gaming-inspired travel worldwide. Recent initiatives include Japan's Pokémon-themed hotel rooms across major cities and a Poké Ball pod hotel in Hokkaido, alongside Spain's Magic Games Hotel at the Magic World Resort in Oropesa del Mar. As hospitality brands increasingly leverage interactive intellectual properties, gaming experiences are evolving from screen-based entertainment into fully realized residential and recreational environments.