Atari Hotel Brings Retro Gaming Glamour To Phoenix’s Creative Roosevelt Row: What Tourists Need To Know

Published on December 18, 2025

The city of Phoenix is getting ready to have a hotel that is exceptional not only in the American Southwest but also in whole US. The wait after years of expectation is over; the Atari Hotel Phoenix is officially getting going, and the developers have disclosed that the construction will start in 2026 followed by a projected opening in 2028. The announcement is not only exciting news to travelers but also gamers and nostalgia seekers as it opens up a bold new reason for downtown Phoenix to be regarded as a global travel destination.

Planned for the heart of Roosevelt Row, the city’s vibrant arts and culture district, the Atari Hotel promises more than just a place to stay. It aims to become a destination in its own right, combining immersive gaming experiences, live entertainment and hospitality under one neon-lit roof inspired by one of the world’s most recognisable video game brands.

What Is the Atari Hotel Phoenix?

The Atari Hotel is an 11-storey, 118,000-square-foot mixed-use development located at the corner of Roosevelt Street and Central Avenue. Developed by Intersection Development, the project carries an estimated value of USD 124 million.

Inspired by Atari’s pioneering role in video game history, the hotel blends retro-futuristic design with modern technology. According to details shared on the official Atari Hotel website, the property will feature high-tech guest rooms, premium VIP suites and a series of interactive spaces designed to appeal equally to casual travellers and serious gamers.

For visitors exploring downtown Phoenix, the location places the hotel within walking distance of galleries, cafés, street art and light rail connections, making it a strategic base for discovering the city beyond the joystick.

A New Travel Experience Built Around Gaming

Unlike conventional hotels that simply add a games room, the Atari Hotel places play at the centre of the guest experience. Plans include an esports arena capable of hosting tournaments, live-streamed competitions and gaming events that could draw international audiences to Phoenix.

Additional amenities are expected to include interactive gaming lounges, a concert and live events venue, themed bars and restaurants, and curated retail spaces. Developers have indicated that these facilities are designed not only for hotel guests but also for local residents and visitors passing through the city.

From a travel perspective, the concept aligns with a growing demand for experiential accommodation, where hotels double as entertainment hubs and cultural landmarks rather than passive places to sleep.

Public Investment Opens the Door to Fans

In a move that reflects Atari’s community-driven ethos, the development team has announced a public investment offering linked to the hotel. The initiative allows members of the public, including gaming fans, to financially support the project.

Developers have explained that the investment is intended to accelerate development timelines and deepen engagement with the global Atari fan base. While specific financial returns were not positioned as guarantees, representatives suggested the opportunity allows supporters to feel directly connected to the hotel’s creation.

This approach marks a shift from traditional hotel financing and reinforces the property’s identity as a shared cultural project rather than a closed corporate venture.

Why Roosevelt Row Matters

Roosevelt Row has become one of Phoenix’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, known for its monthly art walks, independent eateries and creative energy. Positioning the Atari Hotel here anchors the project within a district already popular with travellers seeking authentic urban experiences.

For international visitors, Roosevelt Row offers a more walkable, character-rich alternative to resort-style Phoenix stays. The Atari Hotel is expected to complement this environment by attracting a younger, experience-focused audience while contributing to downtown’s continued revitalisation.

City observers have suggested that the hotel could act as a catalyst for further tourism-led development in the area, strengthening Phoenix’s reputation as a creative city rather than solely a desert gateway.

Looking Ahead to 2028

If construction proceeds as planned, the Atari Hotel Phoenix will open its doors in 2028, nearly a decade after the concept was first revealed. For travellers, the long timeline has only added to the sense of anticipation surrounding the project.

By merging gaming culture with hospitality and live entertainment, the Atari Hotel aims to redefine what a city-centre stay can offer. It is positioned not just as accommodation, but as an immersive attraction capable of drawing visitors who might otherwise overlook Phoenix.

With the gradual transformation of the city into a cultural and creative hotspot, the Atari Hotel is a daring representation that Phoenix is ready to accept not only innovation but also nostalgia and fun; hence, it welcomes tourists around the globe to hit the start of a different kind of urban adventure.