Plans for a gaming-themed Atari Hotel in Las Vegas have been officially abandoned. After years of anticipation, the project will no longer move forward in the Nevada city. Attention now shifts to a single remaining development in Phoenix, Arizona.
Key Takeaways
- The Las Vegas Atari Hotel project is no longer happening.
- Only one Atari Hotel site, in Phoenix, Arizona, remains active.
- The Phoenix hotel aims for a 2028 opening, but still requires significant funding.
- Initial plans included eight US cities for Atari-themed accommodations.
Las Vegas Deal Fails to Materialize
The vision of a retro gaming hotel on the Las Vegas Strip will not become a reality. A spokesperson confirmed this week that the deal for the Las Vegas location did not come to fruition. This marks a significant change from the initial 2020 announcement, which projected a network of Atari Hotels across the United States.
The company is now concentrating its efforts on the Phoenix site. This strategic shift leaves only one active project from an ambitious multi-city plan.
Project Timeline
- 2020: Atari Hotels project announced for eight US cities.
- 2020: Phoenix hotel groundbreaking initially planned.
- 2026: Las Vegas project officially abandoned.
- Late 2026: Phoenix hotel construction expected to begin.
- 2028: Phoenix hotel projected to open.
Phoenix Hotel Focuses on Funding
The Phoenix, Arizona, location was always intended as the first Atari Hotel. It was meant to be the flagship property, paving the way for other developments. Construction on this site was originally slated to begin in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread development delays across many industries.
Presently, the Phoenix hotel is expected to break ground later this year. The target opening date is now 2028. However, a significant hurdle remains: funding.
"Atari Hotels is putting its focus into the Phoenix site 'for the time being'," a spokesperson stated, highlighting the current singular focus.
The Need for Capital
Despite the renewed focus, the Phoenix project still requires substantial financial backing. A December press release indicated the company is actively seeking between $35 million and $40 million. This capital is crucial to fund the construction of what is described as a "playable destination" for gamers.
The success of the Phoenix hotel hinges on securing this investment. Without it, even this last remaining project could face further delays or cancellation.
What is an Atari Hotel?
An Atari Hotel aims to blend a traditional hotel experience with an immersive gaming environment. Guests would find retro and modern gaming attractions integrated throughout the property. The concept promised a unique stay for video game enthusiasts, featuring interactive experiences and themed decor inspired by the iconic Atari brand.
Ambitious Plans Scaled Back
When the Atari Hotel project was first announced, it included plans for eight major US cities. These locations were Austin, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and Phoenix. The initial announcement generated considerable excitement among gaming fans and the hospitality industry.
However, over the past six years, most of these plans have shown no signs of progress. Las Vegas is now definitively off the table. There has been little information regarding the status of the other proposed cities.
Future Expansion Remains Uncertain
The official Atari Hotels website mentions that "Additional sites, including Denver, are being explored under separate development and licensing agreements." This suggests that while Las Vegas is out, the possibility of other locations is not entirely closed. However, the primary focus remains on securing the Phoenix project.
The scaling back of the original vision highlights the challenges in bringing such a specialized hotel concept to life. Economic factors and development complexities have reshaped the project's scope. The gaming industry continues to grow, but translating that into large-scale themed accommodations has proven difficult.
Developers are now working to ensure the Phoenix location can move forward. The outcome of the Phoenix project will likely influence any future expansion decisions. For now, the dream of an Atari-themed hotel rests solely on the Arizona desert.
