Hijinx Hotel

“Curiouser and curiouser!” – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, 1865

Just like Alice, it’s time to take a deep dive down the rabbit hole and experience the ultimate whimsical wonderland that is the Hijinx Hotel. Located in Chadstone’s new all-seasons playground, The Social Quarter, this faux-accommodation is designed for guests to play, not stay! Upon arrival, ‘check-in’ with the quirky New York-style concierge who will direct you to the elevator for your immersive experience to begin. The interior design and decor is out of this world, think Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel or The Overlook Hotel from The Shining. Stepping into the old style hotel corridors lined with ornate wooden doors, plush carpeting, walls adorned with elegant wainscoting and sconces providing soft lighting, the atmosphere is one of timeless elegance and refinement. It has a touch of old-world charm – but not all is as it seems.

At Hijinx Hotel, the experience is truly magical. Each door doesn’t lead to a traditional hotel suite, but instead provides a gateway into a series of jaw-droppingly cool ‘challenge rooms’. Each room provides a type of interactive game where participants must complete a single objective within a set time period. Unlike an escape room, a challenge room focuses on completing a task or objective. Each one is specially themed and designed, furnished by outrageously oversized set pieces, dazzling props and an explosion of colour. The objectives range from physical tasks such as sliding into an adult sized ball pit and shooting as many hoops as possible; to mental challenges like solving word scrambles or remembering song patterns on a giant piano. As the time ticks down, the tasks become increasingly more difficult, adding to the excitement and challenge of the game. Those who are easily carried away by competitiveness (me!), enter with extreme caution and realistic expectations of your self-abilities.

After working up both a sweat and an appetite – and trust me, you will – follow the signs and head on downstairs to the decked out hotel bar. As you admire the decor, treat yourself to some fan favourites such as pizza, wings or the juicy corn ribs with fresh herbs, smoked salt, egg free mayonnaise and fresh lime. And of course, what’s a hotel ‘getaway’ without cocktails. You cannot visit Hijinx Hotel without trying one or both of their signature creations. Rub a Dub Tub, a fruity fireball concoction served in a small bathtub and accompanied by floating duckies; and Bubble & Pop, the highly recommended and extravagantly theatrical cocktail made up of Southern Comfort, vanilla, lemon, pineapple, white peach and garnished with a smoking bubble on top.

Hijinx Hotel truly is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows guests to embrace their happiest self. It’s a place where guests can let their imagination run wild and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Hijinx Hotel
The Social Quarter, Level 1
1342 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148