Minecraft is about to become more than a screen-based obsession. A dedicated hotel themed around the best-selling video game of all time is set to open near London in 2027, giving fans the chance to sleep, dine, and play inside a pixelated world.
The 69-room property will be part of a new Minecraft World area at Chessington World of Adventures, a theme park in Surrey, southwest of the British capital. Alongside the hotel, the area will feature a roller coaster inspired by the game's fiery Nether dimension, immersive dining, and a host of interactive elements.
The announcement underscores how gaming-themed travel is moving beyond conventions and theme park rides into full-blown hospitality. Hotels are increasingly turning virtual worlds into tangible places where guests can stay overnight, and Europe is very much part of that shift.
From Pokémon pods to Minecraft blocks
In Japan, the MIMARU hotel chain operates Pokémon-themed rooms across ten properties in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with interiors packed with characters and themed bathrooms and kitchens. This month, the concept went a step further with the opening of a Poké Ball-shaped hotel in Hokkaido, part of a Pokémon Sleep collaboration. The three-metre-wide pod sits beside a lake and is designed to recreate the experience of sleeping inside a real Poké Ball.
Closer to home, Spain's Magic World Resort in Oropesa del Mar, on the Mediterranean coast, has a dedicated Magic Games Hotel, featuring gaming-themed rooms, consoles, virtual reality and augmented reality areas, tournaments, and a video game museum.
Now the UK is joining the trend. The new hotel at Chessington will offer 20 upscale rooms and 49 standard options, all designed to immerse guests in Minecraft's blocky aesthetic. The reception area will bring the game's Overworld to life with cube-like trees and animals, while lifts inspired by Nether portals and corridors resembling mine shafts will guide visitors deeper into the experience.
Rooms will feature the blocks, objects, creatures, textures, and colours characteristic of the game, according to Mojang Studios, the developer behind Minecraft. The hotel will also include an immersive restaurant and a potion bar, with interactive elements woven throughout.
“We’ve thought about every detail, from the scale of the blocks to how to bring the creatures and biomes to life in the real world,” said Filip Keatly Thoms, Creative Director of Minecraft Parks and Experiences at Mojang Studios. “Our goal is to create an authentic Minecraft experience and allow visitors to experience the game in a completely new way.”
Guests will also be able to head next door to the theme park to try Escape the Nether, described as the world's first Minecraft roller coaster, with both indoor and outdoor sections. The ride is part of the wider Minecraft World area, which will include family attractions, dining options, themed shops, and immersive experiences.
The trend for gaming-themed travel shows no signs of slowing, and the UK's entry into the market is a clear sign that hotels see value in tapping into the passion of dedicated fanbases. As group travel across Europe continues to evolve, themed stays are becoming a key draw for younger travellers and families alike.
While the exact opening date has yet to be announced, the project is slated for 2027. For now, Minecraft fans across Europe have plenty of time to plan their blocky getaway.
