The Imaginarium - "The Grand Wilshire Hotel"

Updated: Apr 22

LOCATION:  North York, Ontario, Canada

Photo above is property of The Imaginarium

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: The Grand Wilshire Hotel
📅 DATE PLAYED: March 17, 2023
🎬 GENRE: Murder Mystery, Paranormal
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 4 Players): 5/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 4-10 PPL
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: CAD $35/PP + Tax
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: YES

📖 THE STORY

Inspired by an amazing Tedtalk about a theory of the real identity of "Jack the Ripper" and his connection to America’s first serial killer H.H. Holmes, you find yourself entering the once beautiful Grand Wilshire Hotel. Owned by the infamous Dr. Herman Mudgett, his killing spree finally came to a close in these halls after leaving behind a trail of bodies in Chicago during the World’s Fair and the Whitechapel District in London… but not without leaving a mark. His ghost resides here in the hotel, tormenting the innocent souls of his last three victims. You realize that only you can save them from this hellscape…but time is ticking and you only have an hour before Mudgett traps you in the hotel alongside the poor souls desperate to be free. Are you ready to check in?

Video above is property of The Imaginarium

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

The set design of this room is phenomenal. There are exquisite details that truly immerse you in the hotel coupled with special effects that move the journey along. The story and premise felt cohesive and well connected to the room.
The puzzles range from observation, logic, and pattern recognition. I enjoyed how much they utilise the space and encourage players to move around. No corner was forgotten and a careful eye is richly rewarded.
Puzzles are a mix of traditional locks and well situated game mechanics that blended well into the story.
The reveals were well timed and gave many an “aha” moments as solutions to puzzles provided vital clues leading back to other rooms.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

The ending felt a little anticlimactic after all the build up.
Not necessarily a missed the mark but this game is on the easier side. Experience players will be able to complete this game in half the time allotted.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

"The Grand Wilshire Hotel" is a beautiful and immersive experience that puts you right in the mood to solve spooky puzzles. The premise sets a good tone and the room itself challenges you to fully explore the space. Groups that divide and conquer are rewarded with moments of “aha” as you make connections between puzzles and my group was constantly running around in excitement. I would recommend this for players who love easy, clean puzzle cluing, beautiful set design, and a fun atmosphere. This experience has made me eager to try out their next game, “The Steampunk Express.”

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Parking is available in the back. There are currently 3 rooms in this facility with another in the works (summer 2023 with Microsoft!). Private room is available for events with snacks and drinks ($100 per hour).
Ages 13+ must be accompanied by 18+