From the moment you “check in” to the Hijinx Hotel at Westfield Chermside, you could believe you’re in a chic New York lodging, complete with faux fireplace, vintage luggage stacked up and a red carpet leading to an intriguing elevator. Once you’re inside, the fun and hijinx begins, as the elevator takes you up to level 8 (yes, the shopping centre only has two levels – you have to experience it to understand!). When the doors open, you are ready to play, and a game master will guide you through the different hotel rooms.
What’s inside? You’ll have to read our Hijinx Hotel Chermside review below to find out!
What is Hijinx Hotel Chermside?
Hijinx Hotel Chermside is an immersive interactive game experience where hotel rooms are reimagined into quick-play challenge rooms. It’s rather quirky: think a luxe version of a sideshow alley at the Ekka with a storyline that carries through the whole experience.
It’s not a hotel, so leave the suitcases at home. As their slogan says, it’s the best place to play, not stay. But it’s not an escape room experience either. Each room has a fun challenge or game to play, and a scoreboard at the back of the room.
(Tip: check the scores of previous teams on the “Smartometer” in the foyer area before you go in and try to beat them!).
How does Hijinx Hotel work?
There are two hotel corridors, each with five game rooms. Your group (between two and six people) is allocated four minutes in each room to complete the challenge, so you must work against the clock. A narrator explains how to play, and then the clock starts ticking.
Playing one set of five challenge rooms takes 30 minutes, and playing all 10 rooms takes an hour. Each room is themed – in one, you will play battleships, and in another, you will try to guess the song played by the oversized piano. Some require thinking, and others are physical, like the giant ball pit and doughnut-shaped hoops where you must scramble to get as many balls in as possible.
One word of caution – it’s a highly stimulating environment, which may be overwhelming for some kids.
Eating and drinking at Hijinx Hotel Chermside
Before or after your session (or both!), you can sit in the swish hotel bar. Think green velvet booths encased by real books you can pick up and read.
The glamorous and colourful fit-out is one of the things that parent company FunLab, who also owns Holey Moley Mini Golf, is renowned for.
The licensed bar is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a wine, beer or fancy cocktail while the kids burn off some energy inside the hotel’s games rooms. Of course, the kids don’t miss out either, with a selection of soft drinks and juices. A food menu, including $12 kids’ meals, are also available, all served with a side of fries.
Hijinx Hotel Chermside Review
Parents, grandparents or carers are not required to accompany their children but can follow if they wish or pay entry and participate alongside them. Parents vs kids would be a lot of fun – and don’t go easy on them!
The cost is $25 per adult, and $20 per child, for five game rooms. Parties and functions are popular for kids and adults, and several options exist. Their party packages can cover everything including the food, drink, cake and activities.
Visiting Hijinx Hotel Chermside
Tired of the same old family vacay location? Why not book a family PLAYcation at Hijinx Hotel these school holidays starting at just $20per person!
Hijinx Hotel is open daily from 10 am until late and becomes adults only from 9 pm onwards. It is next to Holey Moley Mini Golf in Westfield Chermside’s outdoor precinct. Parking is available within Westfield Chermside carpark via Gympie Road or Hamilton Road, Chermside; alternatively, you can park off Banfield Street.
Accessibility
There is room to push a pram, and pram parking is available, however, the activities in each room are only suited for children aged five and up.
Tweens and teens will especially love it, and there are plenty of photo opportunities for them in every themed space. The whole hotel is wheelchair accessible except for the ball pits.
Due to the popularity of this venue, we recommend booking ahead. For more information or to book, visit the Hijinx Hotel Chermside website.
Brisbane Kids visited Hijinx Hotel Chermside as special guests. Costs were covered.
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