Description (from the company website): You find yourself trapped in one of the many rooms in Bates Hotel. You have 30 min to find your way out before you become the next on Normans list.
Difficulty (1-10): None listed
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Cost: $20
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Can book up to 8
Staging Area: Small waiting area with a bench or two but plenty of standing room. Metro Access/Parking: There’s a parking lot alongside the harbor that’s basically in the middle. You’ll need to drive or get a lyft (see what I did there?).
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
Jason didn’t do a post-room video but he reserves the right to do so and update this page.
Logistics:
Description of the room: It’s a small room with 3 pieces of furniture + a bed and pictures on the walls.
Understanding of the Mission: Um…Escape
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: Time left on the clock was 1:31, however, as the GMs went to reset the other rooms, my GM left his walkie-talkie elsewhere so I had to emergency-key it out of there and make a scene (read: call for help), so more like 3 and change.
Our Suggested Party Size: I can’t say I’d recommend more than 4 (first because it’d be cramped, and second because there’s honestly not a lot to do.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes, but in the wrong ways. Read on.
Members of our team (other than the ERG): It was just little old me (Jason).
Jason was able to escape the Bates Motel!
Worth the time and money? No
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar – I went there beforehand and had the fish tacos. Very good. Only about a 5 minute lolly-gag to get to the room.
Description (from the company website): When Robert Quinlan identified his newest victim, Room 303 was the room he always checked them into. To an unsuspecting guest, the room looked like any other ordinary vintage hotel room. However, it was one part of the hotel that Robert had specially modified to allow him to spy on his guests through hidden peepholes and secret passageways.
You are Robert’s next victim and have found yourself in the room where so many before you started their final horrifying journey.
Can you escape the clutches of this Psycho or will you meet the same torturous fate as Robert’s 19 other victims?
Room 303 is where your nightmare begins.
A look at your lodging… (Picture provided by 303 Escape)
Difficulty (1-10): None listed, but 11% escape rate with 0 clues
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: Variable ($40pp for 2, $35pp for 3-4, $30pp for 5-6)
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-6
Staging Area: The lobby looks like a hotel lobby. There’s plenty of seating considering there’s only 1 room currently open. (And plenty of hand sanitizer because, you know, COVID-19.)
Metro Access/Parking: We drove from the Colorado Springs area, so we can’t tell you about Metro access, but there is ample parking in the lot. (And FYI, looking at the building, it’s around back on the end. We walked down the grassy hill, but you’ll find it easier to take the actual sidewalk…)
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Jason forgot to take one, but you will be able to read his thoughts below.
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this room for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: The room is designed as a hotel room, complete with passageways and peepholes. It looks like a hotel room, it FEELS like a hotel room.
Understanding of the Mission: Solve the puzzles to escape through Robert Quinlan’s labyrinth and exit into the lobby. OR DIE.
Did We Escape: Yes!
Time Remaining: 5:49 remaining (What can I say, we were rusty!)
Our Suggested Party Size: I wouldn’t go over 4 but you can definitely fit 6 in here.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Jason D and Steph D
We (all of us) forgot to take a picture after escaping. 🙁
Description (from the company website): A desperate cry for help falls on deaf ears as you and your group take up the challenge to save this poor girl. Your journey begins in the infamous Warren’s Occult museum as you search for clues as to what was taken and what has caused the neighbors and their young daughter vanished without a trace . Remember everything in the Warren’s is possessed or cursed so avoid taking anything with you!
Difficulty (1-10): Not listed, but has a 26% escape rate as of this writing (as per the website)
Time Limit: 65 minutes (Note: When this room was first booked, it was listed as 75 minutes. After that, I was told it was 65, as now listed. When we got there, we were given 60 minutes, plus a few extra, as you’ll read.)
Cost: $29.99
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Listed as up to 10, the booking page says minimum 3, but once you click Book, you are told minimum 4, max of 12. If you have less than 4, I’d recommend calling.
Staging Area: The location is (appropriately for the theme) in the basement of an office building. There’s a bench in the corner and a water cooler. Standing room otherwise. Metro Access/Parking: This room was not in our home location, so we drove everywhere.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this room at a discount, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: The initial room this escape starts in is cramped. Pretty much to be expected if you’ve seen the movies, as you’re supposed to be in the Warren’s Occult Museum.
Understanding of the Mission: Find the stolen items and figure out why the neighbors and their daughter have disappeared.
Did We Escape: Nope.
Time Remaining: 🙁 Even with the extra time.
Our Suggested Party Size: 4-8, though 8 will be a tight fit.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D, Aaron, Andrea, Mary Jo, Liam, and 3 others whose names I have, unfortunately, forgotten.
We did not take a photo after this failure. Not that we didn’t want to, but we weren’t asked.
Worth the time and money? Yes and no.
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: We didn’t go anywhere after (nearby), so no recommendation here. Sorry.
Description (from the company website): The notorious serial killer “One-Eyed Jack” is terrorizing your town. Despite the warnings to stay indoors you decided to go out with your friends for a night on the town. The last thing you remember is taking a sip from your drink. You awake groggy and confused, locked in a crude jail cell. You need to act quickly and find a way out before he returns.
This experience takes place in a low light environment. Crawling may be required.
Difficulty (1-10): N/A
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $35 (and all rooms are private bookings)
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-8 (games must be booked with at least 2 people, but I was able to do this on my own because I asked nicely (and it was the last time slot of the night))
Staging Area: Very large open lobby with plenty of seating and water, if you ask nicely.
Metro Access/Parking: It’s in Las Vegas, and I drove, so drive or take Uber/Lyft
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this room for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: You start out locked in a cell with only a lantern for light. It’s a pretty creepy way to start. There’s a trunk outside the cell, an armoire next to it, and a fish tank. And not to mention your friend, the skeleton.
Understanding of the Mission: You got a little drunk and after blacking out, you were snagged by Jack and thrown in this cage. Legends say spirits are still trapped in Jack’s cabin. They are there to help you, if you ask for it. Jack is coming back in an hour to finish you off so hurry up!
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 13 minutes even
Our Suggested Party Size: 2-6
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Just Jason
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: It was already after midnight so I just went back to my hotel, but it’s Vegas so you can go anywhere.
Description (from the company website): Thirty years ago, the Richardsons moved into this house only to be driven away by pure evil. Upon putting boxes in the attic, the Richardsons’ daughter Evilyn, stumbled across a beautiful doll. In the weeks following their move into the new home, the family started being terrorized by a spirit trapped in the doll. But little Evilyn refused to be parted from it. Fed up, her parents decided to do away with the doll, but soon realized they had made a grave mistake.
One night the Richardsons went into their daughter’s room to say good night and found her dead at her vanity. In shock and – as they cradled the lifeless body of their daughter – they heard a distant voice whispering “I told you not to throw me away.” They ran from the house leaving everything behind and never returned.
You and your team will have to summon all your courage to rid the house of the evil that has held it for the last three decades. But the task won’t be easy. You need to find the spirit’s name to chase it from the house, but you have to work quick. When the spirit gets bored or thinks you may be getting too close to revealing its name, you may not be able to leave the house. You may join Evilyn and be trapped for the next 30 years. (ERG note: edited for case, grammar and punctuation).
Difficulty (1-10): N/A
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $25 (Use code ERG10for 10% off your booking)
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Up to 10
Staging Area: Small area with counter and several chairs.
Metro Access/Parking: This location is in a shopping center, but this was my first visit to CA so I drove everywhere.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this room for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: You start off in the Richardsons’ living room (tv, lamps, couch, coffee table, etc.) and have to make your way through a locked door to Evilyn’s room. That’s where it gets weird…
Understanding of the Mission: Figure out who the spirit really is and why she’s haunting the house. Then, of course, get out, unless you want to remain trapped for eternity with her.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 10 minutes even
Our Suggested Party Size: I would say 4-6 is fine. While 10 will by no means be cramped, some of you may get bored.
Did the room challenge the entire team? It was only me (Jason), so yeah.
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Just Jason. (I did not take a picture at this room. Totally forgot because I was talking with Greg for a while.)
Worth the time and money? Yes. Absolutely.
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
The Thai Restaurant – Little hole in the wall that was quiet and had good food.
Description (from the company website): Welcome to Jay Jayson’s Colorado Vacations, enjoy your slay…
The place is Colorado and the time is now. You and a group of your friends and family find a slammin’ deal on a rental vacation home nestled deep in the Colorado mountains. You imagine all of the s’mores you are going to make under the stars with your loved ones and without thinking twice you book your stay. After all, how could this possibly be the worst decision you ever make?
Shortly after arriving something doesn’t seem right, a menacing note left by the property manager reveals his true intentions and you begin to realize that your life is in danger. However, you are not alone. The spirits of his previous victims remain in the house, and they want to help you to escape Jay’s trap. Can you identify the forgotten belongings of his victims and follow their clues to safety? Or will you meet your fate at the hands of Jay Jayson? Only time will tell…
In A Colorado Slaycation, you and your team will have to work together and stay focused under pressure in order to escape. This type of room is something we like to call a “funnel puzzle” where the objects you find throughout the room all contribute to your escape. Funnel puzzles are great for larger groups as it includes all of the players in the experience. We have incorporated many custom built puzzles, traps, and special effects into this room for the ultimate experience. Will you be able to escape the full size guillotine trap? Can you decipher the electric chair puzzle? Book now to seal your fate and witness a truly memorable escape experience!
Difficulty (1-10): N/A
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $30
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-8
Staging Area: Lobby is mostly standing room, but there’s a water cooler and plenty to keep your eyes busy.
Metro Access/Parking: Parking lot is more than sufficient.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this room for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: The room starts out… small. It’s a super tight squeeze. But it certainly looks like a cabin in the woods.
Understanding of the Mission: Escape the vacation home with your lives by using items and clues left behind by previous victims (and their spirits).
Did We Escape: BARELY
Time Remaining: 30.25 seconds
Our Suggested Party Size: 4, maybe 5/6 (it can get cramped for 5-6 people, but depending on your team, 4 may not be enough brainpower)
Did the room challenge the entire team? Absolutely
We escaped from Jay Jayson, but not before having some leftovers…
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph D, Aaron, Andrea, Kera, Seth
So, for a little while now, we’ve seen rumors and then brief snapshots of an Escape Room movie. Being the enthusiasts that we are, as well as loving a good thriller, we were a bit intrigued as to how the crew was going to take an escape room experience and turn it into a cinematic experience.
The local DC rep from Columbia Pictures reached out to us to see if we’d be interested in attending the DC premier of the movie. Since we already promote reviews and games, and worked with the Solver team last year on their movie, we agreed spread the word.
This movie opens in theaters on January 4.
The premise: (from the press release)
You find yourself in a room – no windows, only one door, and it’s locked. The madman who’s locked you in has set up a series of fiendishly clever and difficult puzzles that, when solved in the correct order, will lead to the key and your salvation. And to add to the difficulty, he’s set a ticking clock, with one hour to complete the puzzles and escape… or face the consequences.
What sounds like a horror movie is one of the fastest-growing entertainments in the world: the escape room phenomenon. Armed with only your wits – and the variety of strengths of the people in the room with you – players have been cracking codes, deciphering enigmas, and unlocking hidden caches as quickly as they can. Each room has a secret plot, with players piecing it together as a fun, team-building experience. Since the dawn of the concept in 2010, escape rooms have popped up all over the world at an amazing rate by satisfying human nature’s hunger for fun and escape from reality.
When producer Ori Marmur tried out an escape room with his family, he saw the potential for a film – and because audiences worldwide have embraced the concept, it could be a film whose themes had global appeal. “I thought it was very immersive and incredibly fun, sort of a living boardgame,” he says. The project seemed to be a natural fit with a classic locked-room mystery setup, and with producer Neal H. Moritz, he began to shepherd the project. Quickly, they hit on a way to raise the stakes, making the ultimate escape room: one that is not only hyper slick and incredibly dangerous – when the clock runs out, it means death.
Our Take:
We’ve done a number of rooms where a serial killer or madman has us trapped in their lab or lair, and we have to figure our way out before he/she returns. Now, we’ve even done a few rooms that had a “Saw” feeling with them, so the overall theme of the movie isn’t that far a stretch. What is interesting is that the room turns deadly AFTER the characters begin playing. From the looks of the trailer and the press packet we received, it simply looks like the six strangers have agreed to do a room together that is billed as the most immersive room yet, and has a $1 million prize for escaping. Let’s just hope none of them show up drunk or stoned (this has happened to us).
As the experience progresses, they have to make their way through and figure out their own role in the game and how the rooms were specifically created for each of them… and not die in the process.
We were pretty psyched to see that Adam Robitel, who directed Insidious: The Last Key also directed this one, so that brings some legitimacy to the movie being a true thriller.
Stay tuned for our review of the movie. Check out and follow our social media channels below to be notified when new postings and interviews are published.
Check out the trailer below (from Columbia/Sony Pictures YouTube channel):
Planning on seeing this movie? What are you most excited about?
Comment on the post below and let us know!
Logistics:
Rated PG-13 for Terror/Perilous Action & Violence, Some Suggestive Material and Language.
Columbia Pictures presents an Original Film production, Escape Room. Starring Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Deborah Ann Woll, Jay Ellis, Tyler Labine, Nik Dodani, with Yorick van Wageningen. Directed by Adam Robitel. Produced by Neal H. Moritz and Ori Marmur. Screenplay by Bragi Schut and Maria Melnik. Story by Bragi Schut. Executive Producer is Rebecca Rivo. Director of Photography is Marc Spicer. Production Designer is Edward Thomas. Editor is Steven Mirkovich, ACE. Music by Brian Tyler & John Carey.
Description (from the company website): This is the Hayden family’s room of murders. This section of the farmhouse is known as the Great Room. This massive section of the farmhouse will challenge your wits in all fashions. Multiple sections, secret passage ways, and puzzles you’ve never experienced before will have your team running mad. What terrible secrets lie within the Great Room? Just what were the Hayden family members up to? Just be warned you have only 60 minutes to complete the Great Room and save yourselves. Do you have what it takes? (ERG note: edited for grammar and punctuation).
Difficulty (1-10): N/A
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $29
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Up to 10
Staging Area: There isn’t much of a lobby here, so essentially when you walk in there’s a small area with a reception booth, and this is where we had our security briefing.
Metro Access/Parking: This is in Northern NJ in a warehouse, so you’ll need to drive in some way.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Note: The ERG were given the opportunity to try out this room for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: There’s a 2-story room you start in with a large table, columns holding up the upstairs, and a few doors.
Understanding of the Mission: “Save yourselves”
Did We Escape: No, and let me tell you why…
Time Remaining: See above
Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 is more than enough.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph, Val, Stu (No picture was taken)
Worth the time and money? Yes and no. Again, let me tell you why…
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
This location is in the middle of nowhere (almost literally) so I have no idea. It was 10pm (ish) so we just went home.
Description (from the company website): You’re a team of paranormal investigators who have been requested by a hotel owner to investigate strange happenings inside the mysterious room 213. As soon as you enter the room you can sense that something else is going on. Before you can ask, your host has quickly left the room. As you hear the door lock, you realize you’ve been trapped. Can your team uncover the Mystery of Room 213?
Difficulty (1-10): 6/10 and not recommended for children under 13
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $28
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 4-6
Staging Area: A pretty large lobby with a few bar tables and chairs, and a lounge with couches and chairs and tables.
Metro Access/Parking: It’s in Herndon so you’re better off driving.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Logistics:
Description of the room: You enter a hotel room that is supposedly haunted… where the occupants end up missing.
Understanding of the Mission: Pretty simple… figure out if the room is truly haunted and what happened to the former guests.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 3 minutes
Our Suggested Party Size: 6 was pretty good
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather and Steph D., plus 2 random people (not pictured)
Worth the time and money? Hell, yes! (Anything that can scare Jason into jumping is definitely worth doing LOL)
Contact and Website: 011 (if dialing from outside Croatia), then 385 91 923 1248 www.escapeart.hr
Room – Dracula’s Chambers:
Description (from the company website):
Welcome to mystical castles of Transylvania
Eternal residences of deadly, unholy, humanlike creatures. Locally known as moroi or strigoi, but you may know them simply as… Vampires.
Bloodsucking bastards, who traded warmth of the day for cold blackness of the night. Pale, bloodthirsty monsters who enjoy the sound of fresh blood rushing through your young, pumped veins. Sophisticated alluring devils who can only be defeated by wooden stakes with silver tips, sunlight, or garlic.
Legends say there are a few ways to become one. If you are born with extra hair or a tail, if you are the 7th child in the family, if you die an unnatural death or get bitten by one – beware. Maybe your favourite drink will become Bloody Mary, Stacy, Tom or Whoever Smells Nice.
The Glorious Madman Called Dracula
Long long time ago, in the 15th century, in his medieval castle, lived a cruel, cruel ruler named Vlad Dracula. Some might say he was one of the greatest Romanian rulers. Great at conquering, but with not so great personality. He was well known and feared across the land, because he had a nasty habit of impaling people who wronged him. Hence, the nickname Vlad The Impaler, or Vlad Tepes.
He was not very tall, but was strong as hell. His cold, terrible appearance would cast a shadow of fear in every room he stepped into. His pale skin and piercing green eyes could freeze your blood. Even when he was in a good mood, his thick, black eyebrows made him look threatening.
He vanquished lots of land, impaled lots of people, and finally, after a long reign of terror, Vlad The Dragon died an unnatural death in battle. Well, eventually, every life has to come to an end. Or does it?
500 years later…
You are a member of a team of curious wildlife explorers who are on a mission in Transylvania. It’s starting to get dark, and you know you all should head home, but… You see a monumental castle lurking behind the tall dark trees and, of course, go and have a closer look. Carefully walking around the castle, you see an opportunity – an open door. You go into the castle and snoop around a little more. Oh, another door! You slide them open and enter the room. There is a big painting hanging on the wall. Wait, that’s a portrait of Dracula! A set up table, with no dust on. Hmmm. What’s on the menu? If you don’t want it to be you, you better run!
Bam! Door slams shut. Panic. No way out. It is getting darker by the minute. Panic again.
Tick-tock! Only 60 minutes left until Count Dracula wakes up. Probably hungry. And we all know what’s his favourite food.
Get out or get sucked!
Difficulty: 2 of 3 stars
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost:Cost:Cash only in Croatian kuna is accepted
150 kuna per person for 2 people, about $23.14 each
100 kuna per person for 3-4 people, about $15.43 each
90 kuna per person for 4 people, about $13.89 each
75 kuna per person for 5 people, about $11.57 each
Languages: Offered both in Croatian and English
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2–6 people
Staging Area: A very comfortable seating area, and you are offered a beverage before you go in the room.
Metro Access/Parking: This location is on the second floor of a building down in the city center. Uber works well in Zagreb.
OUR EXPERIENCE
This is the video we took before we entered the room:
This is the video we took just after we completed the room:
Note: We were given the opportunity to try out this room for free, with the understanding that we would continue to provide an honest review and follow the same process we’ve used on all of our other ratings.
Logistics:
Description of the room: A small, dimly lit parlor decorated in red and black, with a slight mist floating in the air. There is a desk with mirror, a large cabinet, and a small table, along with some bookshelves, and a large door.
Understanding of the Mission: You have stumbled into Dracula’s castle, and have one hour until sunset to find the key and escape before ending up as Dracula’s breakfast.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 2:46 remaining
Our Suggested Party Size: 4 should work fine
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather
Did Heather and Mike escape Dracula’s chambers, or do they now have an eternal thirst for the red liquid (no, I’m not talking about Cabernet Sauvignon… that thirst already existed)?
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: There are lots of places within walking distance, so we recommend you use Google or TripAdvisor (or ask for a recommendation!)
