🕯 Frequently Asked Questions

Some answers are simple… others you may discover for yourself.

Where are you located?

19 E Citrus Ave

The Alley Hotel is hidden within Umbrella Alley in Downtown Redlands.

You won’t find us like a typical destination. Before your experience, you’ll receive specific instructions to locate the lobby and begin your game.

Follow them carefully.

When does my experience begin?

Your time starts the second your booked experience begins.

Each experience begins a little differently…

The Tour includes a short pregame—finding your way to the hidden lobby. Once inside, your experience begins.
The Ringmaster and The Stairwell begin before you arrive and continue throughout the hotel, including the lobby itself.

Not all stories begin the same way.

What’s the difference between the experiences?

Each experience reveals a different part of The Alley Hotel:

🕯 The Tour – Discovery, story, and the beginning
🎪 The Ringmaster – Heartless – Interactive gameplay and Story’s world
🔪 The Stairwell – A darker, more intense descent into Jack’s version

Play one… or experience the full stay.

Do I need to play them in order?

Not required—but recommended.

Start with The Tour to understand what happened.
Continue with The Ringmaster…
and finish with The Stairwell.

Some guests prefer to go in blind.

That choice is yours.

How long is each experience?

Experiences range from up to 60–80 minutes total, including approximately 60 minutes of gameplay.

Time works a little differently inside the hotel…

How many players can participate?

Most experiences are designed for 2–7 players.

We may be able to accommodate more - PLEASE SEND US A TEXT

Private bookings ensure your group experiences the hotel together.

Is this scary?

Yes—but not in the way you might expect.

The Alley Hotel focuses on atmosphere, story, and psychological tension rather than jump scares.

Some guests laugh.
Some don’t.

Can the experience be toned down?

Yes.

Each booking is private, and the experience can be adjusted to fit your group.

If you’d prefer something less intense, just let us know ahead of time.

After all… not every guest is ready for everything the hotel has to offer.

Is there an age limit?

Not necessarily.

Because each booking is private, we can adjust the intensity and scare level to fit your group. Guests of all ages can enjoy the experience with the right setting.

If a group will be attending without an adult participating, we do ask that you please contact us ahead of time. This helps us ensure the experience runs smoothly for everyone.

While we love hosting younger guests, the environment is immersive and hands-on—so respectful behavior is important to keep the experience safe and enjoyable.

Adults are welcome to relax in our lobby if they prefer not to participate, while still remaining nearby if needed.

And don’t worry…

we’ve only considered sending a few guests off to the circus. 🎪

Will there be actors?

Yes.

Our actors are part of the story—they guide the experience, interact with your group, and bring the hotel to life in ways that go beyond traditional hints.

They are there for storytelling and direction… not just puzzles.

For your comfort, actors will not touch you.

We can also adjust the level of interaction to fit your group. And interestingly, many guests who initially request little to no actor interaction often end up asking for more once they step inside the lobby.

If you have any concerns or preferences, feel free to call or text ahead of time—we’re always happy to accommodate.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing—you’ll be moving through different areas of the hotel… and not all of them are what they seem.

But feel free to dress however you like.

Costumes are always welcome—whether you’re trying to blend in with the hotel… or become part of the show. 🎪

Can I arrive early?

We recommend arriving on time—not too early.

Your instructions will guide you when your experience begins.

Arriving too soon may leave you waiting…or missing part of the experience.

What if I’m late?

Late arrivals may shorten your experience or result in cancellation.

If you’re running late, please text us as soon as possible. If no group is booked after you, we may be able to push your start time back—though this is not guaranteed. We’ll always do our best to accommodate when we can.

If we’re unable to adjust your time, we’ll work with you to move your booking to another available day or time.

The hotel runs on a schedule…
and it doesn’t like to wait.

Can I book all experiences?

Yes—and we recommend it

Each experience reveals a different layer of the story.

Play one…
or experience the full stay.

Planning to experience all three chapters?
Text us for a full-stay rate…

The hotel always prefers guests who stay a little longer.

Do I need to play all three experiences in the same day?

No.

You’re welcome to spread your stay across multiple visits. When booking the full experience, we can provide a voucher so you can return and complete the remaining chapters whenever you’re ready.

To receive the full-stay discounted rate, all three experiences must be booked together at the same time.

Some guests prefer to take their time…

After all, the hotel isn’t going anywhere.

Do I need to solve puzzles to complete the experience?

Yes—most experiences include puzzles and challenges.

But this isn’t just about solving things…

It’s about understanding what happened here.

No experience is necessary—whether it’s your first escape room or your fiftieth, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience.

Your host is there to guide you through the game and help move the story forward, so you’re never truly stuck. The story at The Alley Hotel is just as important as the puzzles themselves.

We offer unlimited clues…

but be prepared—if you need a few too many, you might get roasted just a little.

Final Question…

Will I make it out?

That depends.

👉 CHECK IN NOW… IF YOU DARE