Funlab to open new Hijinx Hotel entertainment destination in Melbourne 

'Leisure-tainment' business Funlab is opening a new entertainment destination - its popular Hijinx Hotel - in Melbourne’s CBD for the first time at QV Melbourne on 1st August.

This bold new entertainment destination throws out the rulebook on what a ‘hotel’ should be, combining immersive quick-play challenge rooms, all-new games and impressive cocktails, alongside a splash of nostalgia courtesy of Archie Brothers, a circus-themed arcade-meets-cocktail-bar packed with arcade games and quirky fun. The venues are coming together under one roof with a 1,600sqm total floor space, creating a bold new benchmark in competitive socialising right in the heart of Melbourne.

Hijinx Hotel invites guests to ‘play, not stay’ as they swipe their key to a series of immersive game rooms cleverly disguised as hotel rooms.

Funlab advises “don’t be fooled by the concierge desk. There are no beds here, just ball pits, bold colours, brain-teasing challenges, and a whole lot of laughter.”

Two to six players complete a course of five challenge rooms at four minutes per room, and with a total of 10 quirky and playful rooms, this multi-sensory playground delivers mind-bending puzzles, WOW-worthy cocktails, and an atmosphere charged with unfiltered fun. 

The Hijinx Hotel QV launch also brings brand-new game experiences exclusive to this venue. Guests can channel their inner art thief with a never-seen-before immersive, fast-paced challenge room where precision, teamwork, and quick thinking are your best friends. Also debuting is a mega light-up floor grid; a high-energy, interactive game that lights up as you move, ideal for dancing, dodging, or just showing off your reflexes. These additions dial up the chaos and creativity, cementing Hijinx Hotel as the city’s go-to destination for next-level play. 

Michael Schreiber, Funlab Chief Executive adds “the excitement building around Hijinx Hotel and Archie Brothers at QV Melbourne has been incredible. We set out to create a destination that brings pure joy to Melbourne’s social scene, and the response so far tells us people are ready to escape the everyday and dive into something unforgettable. What excites us most is how this venue is set to bring everyone together, from couples and friends to full corporate teams looking to shake up their next event. We’ve built a space where play leads the way and memories are made from the moment you arrive.”

The venue is also available for parties, offering a one-of-a-kind space where play and connection collide. From challenge rooms that foster teamwork and problem-solving to arcade games and karaoke, the venue is perfectly suited to birthdays, celebrations, staff parties, offsites, end-of-year celebrations.

From claw machines to arcade games and immersive virtual reality, there’s something for every level of gamer or nostalgia-chaser. Together, the two brands turn the venue into a full-blown fun-factory with karaoke rooms, two private function spaces perfect for memorable parties and corporate events, and capacity for up to 400 thrill-seekers throughout the venues at once.  

Funlab shared “at the bar, the experience is as theatrical as it is delicious. Have the bartender prepare the awe-inspiring Bubble and Pop cocktail in front of your eyes; an exotic fruity blast with Pampero white rum, coconut rum, watermelon, lemon, and egg white, topped with a sweetly scented bubble that bursts and gives way to a dazzling suspended vapour! Other cocktails include Mystic Peach, served in a mystical unicorn bowl, Strawberry Mojito and Mirror Mirror, poured into a glamorous disco ball. Combine these with delicious pizzas, tacos, chicken bites and a range of sides for an experience truly worth checking in to.”

As a special opening weekend offer, pre-book your Archie Brothers QV Melbourne game card online between Monday 28th July and Sunday 3rd August and receive double in bonus credit - no code required to book, and you can use the credit at any time.

Located at QV Melbourne, Level 3, Cnr Lonsdale and Swanston Street, Melbourne, the collaboration is shaping up to be Melbourne’s most unmissable new experience. 

Bookings are open now at hijinxhotel.com.au/locations/qv-melbourne  archiebrothers.com.au/locations/qv-melbourne  

Images. Credit: @zennieshia