Hotel: A Playing Guide to Rules, Instructions & Winning Strategies

A quick intro to the game

Hotel is a board game that has been a favorite among families and friends for decades, as long as you’re not the one going bankrupt, of course. The game was first introduced in the 1980s and has since gained popularity worldwide. The Hotel game is a property trading game, where players aim to build hotels and charge other players rent when they land on their properties.

The game requires a Hotel game board, Hotel buildings, property title deeds, play money, and player tokens. I remember a fun Hotel game night with my family back when we first discovered the game. We were all in on the hotel business, wheeling and dealing. There were laughs, bluffs, and surprises around every corner. It wasn’t just about hotels, but the good times we had together.

Released in 1986 and designed by the legendary board game creator, Milton Bradley, overall it’s a strategic and competitive game where players aimed to build and expand their hotels. The game was inspired by earlier hotel-themed games like “Hotel Tycoon” and “Acquire.” Over the years, Hotel gained popularity and became a classic in the world of board games. It combined elements of real estate, strategy, and negotiation. The game’s success led to various editions and adaptations, ensuring its enduring appeal to this day, including in my household on family game night!

The Rules for Playing a Game of Hotel

The Hotel game is governed by a set of rules that guide the gameplay. These rules are designed to ensure fair play and to make the game enjoyable for all players. Here are the official rules for playing Hotel:

1. Each player starts the game with a set amount of money.
2. Players take turns to roll the dice and move their token around the board.
3. If a player lands on an unowned property, they may buy it from the bank.
4. If a player lands on a property owned by another player, they must pay rent to the owner.
5. Players can build hotels on their properties to increase the rent they charge.
6. The game ends when all but one player has gone bankrupt. The remaining player is the winner.

While these are the official rules, some players may choose to introduce ‘house rules’ to add variety to the game. For example, some players may decide to award a bonus for landing on ‘Go’ or to allow players to collect rent while in jail.

Quick playing overview

Setup

At the start of the game, each player chooses a token and places it on the ‘Go’ space. The properties are shuffled and placed face down on the board. Each player is given a set amount of money from the bank.

Gameplay

Players take turns to roll the dice and move their token around the board. If a player lands on an unowned property, they may buy it from the bank. If a player lands on a property owned by another player, they must pay rent to the owner. Players can also build hotels on their properties to increase the rent they charge.

End of the Game

The game ends when all but one player has gone bankrupt. The remaining player is the winner.

Some tips to win

Winning at Hotel requires a combination of strategy, luck, and negotiation skills. Here are some strategies that can help you win at Hotel:

1. Buy properties early in the game. The more properties you own, the more rent you can collect.
2. Build hotels on your properties. Hotels increase the rent you can charge, making it more likely that other players will go bankrupt.
3. Negotiate with other players. If you’re short on cash, you can try to negotiate a deal with another player. For example, you could offer to trade properties or to pay them a lower rent.
4. Keep an eye on your opponents. If you notice that an opponent is low on cash, you can try to land on their properties to force them to sell.

Remember, the key to winning at Hotel is to make smart decisions and to stay focused. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you, and always keep your eye on the prize.

Specific strategies you can use

While there’s no surefire way to win at Hotel, there are some strategies that can increase your chances of success. Here are some of the best strategies for playing Hotel:

1. Focus on acquiring a complete set of properties. Owning a complete set allows you to build hotels and charge higher rent.
2. Don’t spend all your money at once. It’s important to have some cash on hand in case you land on another player’s property and have to pay rent.
3. Use your hotels wisely. Don’t build hotels on properties that other players rarely land on. Instead, focus on the properties that are landed on most often.
4. Be willing to negotiate. Trading properties with other players can help you complete a set and start building hotels.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun. While winning is great, the real joy of Hotel comes from playing the game with friends and family.

Scenarios you might face

During a game of Hotel, players may find themselves in a variety of scenarios. Here are some common scenarios and how to handle them:

1. You’re low on cash: If you’re running low on money, consider selling some of your properties or hotels. You can also try to negotiate a deal with another player.
2. You’re in jail: If you’re in jail, you can’t collect rent. However, you can still trade properties with other players and build hotels.
3. You’re ahead: If you’re in the lead, don’t get complacent. Keep buying properties and building hotels to maintain your advantage.
4. You’re behind: If you’re trailing, don’t give up. Look for opportunities to trade properties and build hotels. You never know what might happen in Hotel!

Remember, the key to success in Hotel is to stay focused and to make smart decisions. No matter what scenario you find yourself in, there’s always a way to turn things around.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q: Can I collect rent while in jail? A: No, players in jail cannot collect rent.

Q: Can I trade properties with other players? A: Yes, players can trade properties with each other.

Q: Can I sell my hotels? A: Yes, players can sell their hotels back to the bank.

Q: What happens if I run out of money? A: If a player runs out of money, they must sell their properties and hotels until they have enough money to pay their debts. If they still can’t pay, they are declared bankrupt and are out of the game.

Q: How do I win at Hotel? A: The winner of Hotel is the last player remaining after all other players have gone bankrupt.

External Links

Quick review of Hotel, the Board Game [Video]