Atari announces deal to build eight themed hotels across the country, and Denver made the list. 

A deal was announced recently between Atari, real estate group True North Studio, and IT specialists the GSD Group to build eight Atari brand hotels in the U.S. Along with Denver, the locations include Austin, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and Phoenix. The Phoenix hotel is scheduled to be the first one built and set to break ground later in 2020.

The niche hotels will feature eSports studios on-site, an Atari gaming area, meeting rooms, movie theatres, gyms, co-working spaces, as well as restaurants, bakeries, and bars among other amenities. The hotels are expected to appeal to both recreational and business travelers and will provide a "luxurious, relaxed and one-of-a-kind experience."

Artist rendering of the hotel. Courtesy of Atari

Atari owns over 200 games and franchises and is behind classics like Pong, Frogger, Ms. Pacman, and Space Invaders, as well as newer apps and games like Ninja Golf and Roller Coaster Tycoon. This will be the company’s first venture into the themed hotel market. Established in 1972, Atari was one of, if not the first innovator in the video games market and produces games for many different platforms, including PC, smartphones, tablets, and develops games for Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo.

The new Atari-themed hotel will be the first of its kind in Denver and will likely draw quite a crowd. Video games are not just for kids and the chance to stay in a hotel dedicated to them sounds like a truly memorable experience. We have to say, we hope to get in on some of the grand opening events when the time comes because this sounds like a place where everyone can have some fun.

Does the idea of an Atari-themed hotel in the Mile High City make you as excited as it does us? What kinds of games and characters do you hope to see highlighted once it opens? We can’t wait to check this place out. Sound off with your thoughts in the comments.