Hotel Nocturnus

This is by far the best escape room we have ever done and I’ve done over a hundred. The room is huge and you work your way through about 13 different sections to get to the way out. I counted at least 8 major serial killers in the story and finally getting to the identity of zodiac was totally unexpected. I’m not going to say we got out without clues because some of the puzzles are hard and they’re definitely unique compared to other San Diego escape games. If you’re looking for a game that you need to win then this probably isn’t for you. You also don’t want to bring younger players here as it’s a little scary. Overall this is a must do game.

As someone who’s played around 30 escape rooms, I’m throughly impressed whenever I encounter different puzzles or elements! I appreciated the live actor who assisted whenever we needed. We literally only made it with 1 second to spare! I had done this game with people who haven’t completed many escape rooms and they were able to contribute to puzzles easily!

Okay, when I first walked in, I expected I was going to be jump scared every 5 minutes; not like that at all. The room is very thrilling, well designed, and you see the different serial killers and other historical murders they based this room on. That being said, a great time. I felt stupid that the way out is the way in, but you don't know that when you're trying to get out of the first room. However, you do need to collect lots of clue throughout the game, to escape in the end. The elevator was nice touch, and I loved feeling like a People Under the Stairs. We had a lot of fun, and the host was great.

As of writing this I am currently at 27 rooms. I am by no means an expert. That being said, this is how I felt: We had a late night reservation. Initially the owner seemed like a cool guy. The lobby is top-notch and very well done. I loved the atmosphere. We were given a word to say when we needed a hint, making me think that we were going to be a special system in place for using the word. We never used it... You will be told that an investigator actually tried the room and said it was exactly how it works as an investigator (they work with the police; it is not just one person or one group that solves the mystery, but multiple agencies). Instead of relying on cameras and communication, you have a guide that is there with you (read: leading you) through each room, and is there, "as you need hints" (you will get them anyway). A friend and I were continously told to start over for one puzzle instead of allowing us to fail and learn from it for the next attempt. The storyline is a bit all over the place, and once you finish you are left with a, "so what did we solve?" feeling, instead of the adrenaline induced, "yeah, we nailed it!" or "dang, almost got it." When asked what we thought of the room I said that is it was middle of the road; that I've done worse but this was no where near the top for me. The setup, theme and decoration was awesome, but the constant interactions with the guide left me not being able to keep a train of thought and it spurred this odd anxiety of: ***Trying to figure out what I'm looking at and how to decipher the puzzle I could be looking at before the guide spoils it for me.*** It is very linear. One particular puzzle, three of us were waiting on a group member to answer because there was nothing else to do. This happened at least 3 times. Don't get me wrong, the rooms are awesome and I wanted to explore the uniqueness and details of them. However, my experience seemed to be on rails and I did not get the chance. In the end, while trying to be constructive with what I did not enjoy about the room was met with more talk about the investigator that tried the room and back handed comment such as, "...if you were smart, you would have done..." which turned me off to giving any further constructive criticism. Before starting the room, the owner stated that it is one of the hardest rooms in San Diego. It is, in that reading and using a single cipher to decode the majority of the word puzzles can wind down the clock to solving the room and leave you in a time crunch. If you use them, bring your reading glasses. I personally put this on the same level as the Scooby Doo room with Escapology for comparison; looks super cool, not executed well at all. I get that an investigator attempted it and said good work, but just because something says, "military-grade" doesn't make me want to buy it further. I'm paying for an experience, not "how it would be." ------ TLDR: If you enjoy spooky, serial killer themes, this is your room. If you don't mind a linear puzzle arc, this is your room. If you don't like wondering if the answer you are formulating is or is not the correct answer, this is your room. If you enjoy seeing innovations in escape rooms (there are many innovation here that as very cool), this is VERY much your room. However, I enjoy trying and failing 4 times to crack the code the 5th time. Call me a masochist, but I want to struggle because it makes the victory all the sweeter. ----- This is a story book, not an escape room.

Absolutely wonderful escape with so many unique elements, great story/puzzles, and super friendly staff. Highly recommend!