Description (from the company website): Dr. Jekyll needs your help! He is transforming into Mr. Hyde much more often and he fears that he will soon be destined to remain as the hideous creature forever. Can you investigate within the laboratory and help him find the cure that will save him? Or will the same fate be your destiny?
Difficulty (1-10): Advanced
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $24 (ages 15+)/$20 (ages under 15), but use ERG25 when booking to get 25% off your tickets
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 3-10
Staging Area: Small lobby with standing room and restrooms through the briefing room (which is where most of the seating is).
Metro Access/Parking: We drove. I’ve no idea of the public transportation system down there.
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 begin in Dr. Jekyll’s lab. There’s your typical lab-found items, but you can see there’s a lot more than meets the eye (just without the Transformers).
Understanding of the Mission: Upon entering the lab, you need to decipher the clues left by Mr. Hyde and figure out how to get into the freezer in the back of the lab before it’s too late and the potion is ruined.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 12 minutes even
Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 is sufficient for this escape
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Steph, Scott, Gordon (and his daughter whose name I can’t remember)
We helped Dr. Jekyll keep himself out of trouble.
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
7 Hermanos – pretty good tex-mex restaurant we stopped in before the room
“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”
Your room has just been hit by a tornado and you’ve barely survived. But there is no time to rest! The weather authority has just reported that another tornado is heading your way! You have 60 minutes to escape the rubble before the next storm hits and finishes you off. You better act fast because…
This room will blow you away.
BONUS MISSION:
Guess who forgot to put a first-aid kit in the storm shelter? Yep, that would be you. You and your team have suffered injuries from the first storm and need medical attention! Find a first-aid kit to patch yourselves up before you exit. It would be a real shame if the storm shelter became your tomb.
Difficulty: not rated, but the escape rate for the room is 35%, and the success rate for securing the bonus is 15%
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $25 per person (plus a booking fee)
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Up to 8.
Staging Area: there is a small lobby that is located just outside the Game Masters’ control center and next to a hallway that leads to all of their rooms. Plenty of seating for small parties as they wait to enter the rooms.
Metro Access/Parking: there is a large parking lot outside, so drive away!
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 enter your house, which has been decimated by a previous tornado. Things are strewn everywhere and walls have even collapsed. How will you find what you need and escape before the next tornado hits?
Understanding of the Mission: pick your way through your destroyed house and escape before the next tornado hits.
Did We Escape: yes
Time Remaining: 7:43 (broke the current record by about 3 minutes)
Our Suggested Party Size: 6 was good
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Alex, Mark, Dylan, Erin, and Heather
We (Alex, Mark, Dylan, Erin, Mike and Heather) escaped the second tornado!
Worth the time and money? absolutely
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
Quaker Steak & Lube – great restaurant with some awesome happy hour specials (drink discounts and half-priced appetizers) and a huge selection of wing sauces and dry rubs
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 – Robin Hood:
Description (from the company website): Be the hero. Save the Kingdom!
The Sherwood forest
Nature’s little gem, located in Nottinghamshire. If you ever find yourself there, you may stumble upon a man in green, armed with a longbow. If you are honest and humble, have no fear, you won’t be hurt. Au contraire, you’ll be invited to share a meal. But, if you are greedy and sneaky, be careful when riding through the woods, because you might end up riding your horse backwards back to town. Buck naked, and penniless.
Who does that, you might ask? A rebel in lincoln green tights, Robin Hood. And his unavoidable band of Merry Men. Well, techincally, Robin might be a thief, but he is no common criminal. “No honor among thieves” does not apply to this rebel. He takes from the rich and gives to the poor. Although an outlaw, he is a strong supporter of the rightful king. Especially king Richard the Lionhearted.
But, to make things even more interesting, every kingdom has to have some bad guys. In this case, the culprits are greedy, corrupted Sheriff and prince John, conniving usurper brother of the king. Those two often keep Robin occupied, with their tireless plots and attempts of stealing the crown and taking the throne.
Robin Hood
A witty heroic outlaw. Highly skilled archer and swordsman. Takes from the rich and gives to the poor. Usually seen hanging out with his gang, the Merry Men, near hollow oak trees. Very much in love in lady Marion. All together, a good guy.
King Richard the Lionhearted
A valiant, competent military fighter. Wise and noble ruler. Courageous and generous. The ideal king – kind and considerate of his subjects. Compassionate man who takes good care of his whole kingdom. Also a good guy.
The Sheriff of Nottingham
Robin’s archnemesis. Greedy bastard, who abuses his authority. Rotten apple of the kingdom. Pompous, arrogant and manipulative. Also in love with Marion, the love od Robin Hood’s life. Definitely not a good guy.
The Merry Men
Robin’s band of outlaws. Trained fighters. Loyal and jolly.
Little John: Robin’s right hand. The tallest man in the group.
Friar Tuck: A Holy man who eats a lot, drinks a lot and swears a lot.
Will Scarlett: A musical, fashion obsessed dandy. Trusted friend and a merciless fighter.
Much, The Miller’s Son: Young, innocent and not too bright. Loyal to the bone.
The crown is stolen!
This is not the case of whodunit, because we already know who to blame for this – those two little weasels, Prince John and his shifty pal, Sheriff of Nottingham. Rumor has it that the crown is hidden somewhere in Sheriff’s office. Unfortunately, Robin is not in town at the moment, so it is up to you, his band of Merry Men, to fight this fight and make things right.
Luckily for you, those two are hungry little bastards, and they went out to the nearest tavern for lunch, to celebrate. But they’ll be back in 60 minutes! Get your detective cape on and jump into this window of opportunity!
Find the crown. Save the Kingdom!
No pressure.
Difficulty: 3 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 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 Sheriff of Nottingham’s office, complete with medieval weapons, barrels, a desk, and some heavy doors. Check out the photos (found on Escape Art Zagreb’s website) below:
Understanding of the Mission: Prince John and his sycophant, The Sheriff of Nottingham, have stolen King Richard’s crown while he’s off fighting in the crusades. As a King Richard loyalist, you have to rescue the crown before it gives Prince John any ideas of seizing full control of the kingdom as well (and not simply acting as regent).
Did We Escape: yes… and no (see below)
Time Remaining: not applicable – we essentially did a walkthrough of this room where we played the room, but got hinted right away or told the solution (if it was a math puzzle or required a lot of calculation) since we had another room booked at a different location, but really, really wanted to check this out before we left. We’re glad we did.
Our Suggested Party Size: 6 would work fine
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather
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!)
Description (from the company website): Trust no one.
Question everything.
Uncover the truth.
Step inside of a thrilling mystery centered around some of the greatest conspiracies of our time. Players will need to piece together the clues and connect the dots before time runs and the truth is lost forever. Strap on your tin foil hats and uncover the truth beneath the lies.
Difficulty: Intermediate/Expert
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $31 per person, but use ERG15 to take 15% off your games booked (not valid on Saturdays)
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 4-8
Staging Area: A small waiting room with a reception desk, and small fridge with water (don’t they have a fridge here???) and some small puzzles to work on while you wait.
Metro Access/Parking: It’s in the historic part of downtown Frederick, so if you’re going to visit from DC, you’re gonna need to drive. There is a parking lot right next to the building, or ample street parking nearby.
OUR EXPERIENCE
We actually forgot to do the pre- and post-videos because we had such a good time talking (at length) with the owner. W0mp W0mp
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 walk into a room with 2 tables, a bunch of string-pointed diagrams on the walls, and what we could only guess to be a clean room in the back.
Understanding of the Mission: Uncover the clues in Icarus’ hideout, determine where he hid all the information, and get out with it before the Feds find you there.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 3:30
Our Suggested Party Size: We had 4 with one novice and one escape room virgin (ERV), and that was tough. We’d likely recommend 5-6.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Absolutely
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Alex and Anna
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: You’re in downtown Frederick in the historic district. Lots of places nearby to eat and drink (we don’t have a recommendation because we didn’t stop anywhere).
Description (from the company website): A perfect library with floor to ceiling bookshelves. The smell of old books that lingers here is distinctive, but it is hard to know exactly what creates the nostalgic aroma. The room looks like the place where Goldfinger would stockpile gold reserves. Oh, wait… Have I just said gold?
Well, that is right. Probably you have heard that the Order of the Alchemists has finally created the Philosopher’s Stone. The secret gathering of the Order is arranged to take control of the World with this powerful artifact. You are sneaking into the library of the Master of the Order just 60 minutes before the Order members will start arriving. You are the last hope of mankind, you have to stop them.
Our escape room could be filled with enough comfy chairs and reading material to call itself DC’s best-hidden library but you will not have time for such mundane activities anyway. This is the place where the Order of the Alchemist keeps their secret documents and your task it to find the Stone.
The Alchemist is an innovative escape room here in DC. Once you and a group of your friends cross the threshold, you are transported into a different world. Can you escape the library before the members of the Order come for you? Can you find the Stone before it is too late?
Difficulty (1-10):9/10
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $29/per person
Identifier: R1
Party Size: 2-8
Staging Area: The staging area was basically a lobby with a couch, coat closet, and a water cooler.
Metro Access/Parking: The nearest Metro stop is either Tenleytown or Woodley Park metro (and then a bus), so it’s likely easier to drive/cab/Lyft in. There is street parking and one or two garages nearby.
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: Instead of describing it, we have a picture! (posted with permission from Insomnia Escape DC)
This is a view of the room from the entryway.
Understanding of the Mission: Pretty straightforward. Find the hidden Philosopher’s Stone before he comes back and catches you.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 13 minutes.
Our Suggested Party Size: We had 6; 4-6 should be perfect.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Not particularly
Members of the team (other than the ERG): Steph D, Heather, Rosemary, and Don
Worth the time and money? This room had previously been billed as their best and hardest room. We can tell you it’s certainly not the hardest.
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After:
Old Europe. Authentic German food a few minutes walk. Been there twice.
Description (from the company website): You’ve received a rather cryptic journal from your missing graduate professor, Dr. Summerlee. Gather your classmates, travel to his last known coordinates and locate him before the jungle… or, perhaps something worse, claims him.
Difficulty (1-10): Medium
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $32
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Up to 6v6
Staging Area: Lobby has plenty of seating, some games to keep your hands busy, and a brain teaser that, if I recall correctly, nets you 10% off.
Metro Access/Parking: It’s in a shopping center, but I don’t know anything about the public transit system down there. Drive or call a Lyft/Uber.
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 (apologies for the wind):
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 your (competitive) adventure in the remnants of a crash site and need to find your way out and through the series of rooms before the other team.
Understanding of the Mission: Find your Professor, or what he was searching before, before it’s too late and you become one with the jungle.
Did We Escape: Yes. We both won and lost, too. Read on.
Time Remaining: I don’t actually know but the other team beat us out of the room, but because they used a 4th clue (you only get 3), they lost 3 minutes off their time. So, we beat them, time-wise, by 90 seconds. (And we only used 2 clues.)
Our Suggested Party Size: We were a group of 6 (with 4 ERVs) against a group of 4 novices. I would highly recommend 4 as your minimum.
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): John, Rosemary, Jayden, Julian, Steph D.
Description (from the company website): Your friends have come over to play your newest video game, but once you get to the basement you see your mom has locked up all your gaming gear until you finish your homework. You and your friends have 60 minutes to find all your gear and put it back together before your mom kicks them out and they all go over to Wade’s house.
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. However, this place is in a shopping center so there is plenty of parking.
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: It’s the basement from what was likely your parents’ house back from the early 80s, with shag carpeting, wood paneling, and an old, comfy couch. There are tons of different toys around and a few gaming systems. [There is literally the same wood paneling from my basement growing up. -Jason]
Understanding of the Mission: You didn’t do your homework, so your mom dismantled your new game system. Figure out how to re-assemble it before your friends arrive; if it’s not “ready, player one,” they’re gonna go over to Wade’s house. (And seriously, screw Wade.)
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 7:25
Our Suggested Party Size: 4-6 (their recommendation is spot on)
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather, Valerie, and Steph D.
We found all the games and didn’t lose our friends to “Wade”.
Description (from the company website): Obsessed with conspiracy theories, a friend sends a final desperate message: one of his theories is true! Separate fact from fiction before time runs out! An intriguing mystery for up to 8 investigators.
(image taken from Cville Escape Room’s website)
Difficulty (1-10): unlisted
Time Limit: 60 minutes
Cost: $25 + tax per person
Identifier: R1
Party Size: Up to 8
Staging Area: They put us in a small waiting room with chairs and then came in to give us the briefing. It’s cool that Cville Escape Room has a Lock & Key Club for players who have done 4 rooms at this location. Once you hit your 4th room, you get your name on a ribbon attached to an antique key, and for every successive room, you get a small key pin added to the ribbon.
Metro Access/Parking: There’s a pay-parking lot about 1.5 blocks away and street parking, if you can find it.
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 is a cluttered apartment littered with stuff all around, and tons of posters, newspaper articles, and other stuff on the walls.
Understanding of the Mission: We have to explore the different conspiracy theories of a friend of ours (who has since gone into hiding) to determine which conspiracy theory is correct.
Did We Escape: Yes
Time Remaining: 4:47
Our Suggested Party Size: 6 was good, but only if you have experienced people with you (there is a LOT to do in this room… see below).
Did the room challenge the entire team? Yes
Members of our team (other than the ERG): Heather, Steph, Corey, and Brittany
Worth the time and money? Yes
Where to Eat/Drink Before/After: It’s downtown Charlottesville right off the main pedestrian walkway, so there are tons of options. We ate dinner at the place below.
Fellini’s – good cocktails and beer selection. Food was okay.
Citizen Burger Bar – excellent burger place and a good selection of beers
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!)
