The Untapped Revenue Stream That Enhances Guest Experience and Boosts On-Site Spend
In hospitality, guest expectations have shifted. It’s no longer just about clean rooms and great service—it’s about experiences. And while rooftop bars and curated playlists have had their moment, there’s a quieter trend gaining traction in the industry: arcades.
Yes, arcades.
Not the clunky nostalgia trips of the past, but modern, low-maintenance, high-margin setups that are enhancing the guest journey and quietly outperforming other amenities in both engagement and revenue.
It’s Not Just a Game Room Anymore
Today’s arcades are flexible, scalable, and surprisingly effective. Whether it’s a fully themed entertainment space or a small cluster of machines near a lobby or lounge, arcade attractions are being used to:
- Capture family traffic and keep kids engaged
- Increase dwell time at your location
- Add energy and atmosphere to common spaces
- Create new touchpoints for guest interaction
And because arcades appeal to a wide range of ages—kids, teens, couples, even business travelers looking to unwind—they’re becoming a smart, inclusive amenity that drives ROI without draining resources.
Minimal Staff. Maximum Impact.
One of the most compelling aspects of adding arcade equipment to a hospitality venue is the ease of operation. Unlike restaurants, pools, or spas, arcade attractions typically require minimal staffing, especially when supported by the right partner.
Games can run independently, are easy to maintain, and can be serviced quickly by outside support. They’re also easy to rotate seasonally, refresh with new titles, or scale up during peak seasons.
In short: arcades create value without adding complexity.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Big to Be Effective
We often think of arcades as full-fledged game rooms—but that’s just one option. Some of the most successful setups we’ve seen in hospitality involve just a few machines in:
- Hotel lobbies
- Elevator bays
- Near restaurants or lounges
- By pool entrances or gift shops
A single well-placed crane or redemption machine can generate surprising engagement. These high-traffic placements encourage spontaneous play, help occupy downtime, and often create a memorable experience tied directly to your property.
The Rise of "Revenue-as-an-Amenity"
What’s exciting about this trend is that arcades don’t just improve the guest experience—they drive actual, measurable revenue.
In many cases, hospitality venues are partnering with arcade solution providers on a revenue share model—eliminating the need for upfront investment or in-house expertise. The result? A new stream of passive income that enhances your space while delighting your guests.
It’s hospitality strategy, reimagined: An amenity that pays you back.
Quiet Growth. Big Results.
If it feels like you’re starting to hear more about arcades in hospitality, it’s not your imagination. From boutique hotels to large resort brands, more operators are exploring how to activate unused space, engage guests, and unlock new revenue—without increasing their operating burden.
We’ve helped many of them do just that.
In fact, we currently operate in many hotels across North America, helping properties of all sizes boost guest engagement and tap into new revenue. One standout example is the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, where our arcade installation was recently recognized in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the best arcade experiences in the country.
It’s a powerful reminder that a well-executed arcade doesn’t just entertain guests—it can elevate your brand, drive loyalty, and deliver results.
Thinking About Your Next Amenity Move?
If you’re reimagining your guest experience—or wondering how to turn underutilized areas into opportunity—it may be time to think beyond the expected.
Because while others are adding the same tired amenities, you could be building something more engaging, more profitable, and way more fun.
This October, P1AG is heading to The Hospitality Show in Denver, an event focused on redefining the guest experience, optimizing operations, and driving innovation. As industry leaders gather to explore what’s next in hospitality, we’re showcasing something timeless, flexible, and surprisingly powerful: arcades. We'll be at our booth on Oct 27-28.
