Clue Escape Room Board Game the Midnight Hotel – Review

We love clue and the Clue Escape Room series so we of course got another, this one’s called Clue Escape: The Midnight Hotel, and here’s my review for it.

Why the Midnight Hotel?

Clue Escape: The Midnight Hotel is a cooperative escape room–style board game that reimagines the classic Clue franchise in a more immersive and story-driven format. Rather than competing against one another to solve a mystery first, players work together to uncover secrets, solve puzzles, and unravel a narrative set within the mysterious Midnight Hotel. The game blends deduction, logic, and exploration into a single experience designed to feel like a tabletop escape room, making it a strong choice for fans of mysteries and cooperative games.

One of the most notable differences between The Midnight Hotel and traditional Clue is its emphasis on teamwork. All players share information, discuss theories, and solve puzzles collectively. This cooperative structure creates a more relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, especially for families or groups where competitive play might cause tension. Everyone is invested in the same goal, which encourages communication and collaboration throughout the entire game.

The game unfolds gradually as players progress through the story. Instead of starting with a fully revealed board, the environment builds over time, giving a strong sense of discovery. New areas, clues, and components are introduced as puzzles are solved, which helps maintain excitement and curiosity. This unfolding structure makes the Midnight Hotel feel like a living setting rather than a static board, drawing players deeper into the experience without requiring complex rules.

Puzzle variety is another strength of the game. Challenges involve logic, observation, pattern recognition, and careful reading, rather than relying on a single type of thinking. This variety allows different players to shine at different moments, which is especially rewarding in a group setting. The puzzles are generally approachable, making the game suitable for players who are new to escape room games, while still providing enough challenge to feel satisfying when solutions are found.

Thematically, The Midnight Hotel does an excellent job of maintaining a mysterious tone without becoming frightening or inappropriate for younger players. The atmosphere is suspenseful but family-friendly, making it a good option for teens and adults alike. Fans of Clue will appreciate the familiar characters and mystery elements, while newcomers can enjoy the story without needing prior knowledge of the franchise.

That said, the game is designed as a one-time experience. Once the puzzles are solved and the story is complete, there is little replay value, as the solutions and surprises will already be known. This is a common trait among escape room board games, but it is still an important consideration for buyers who prefer games they can replay multiple times.

Pros and Cons

This game is a lot of fun, here’s some pros and cons:

Pros:

• Cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork and shared problem-solving
• Strong sense of immersion through gradual board and story reveals
• Approachable puzzles suitable for beginners and families
• Varied challenge types that appeal to different thinking styles
• Engaging mystery atmosphere without being scary or intense
• Works well for solo or group play

Cons:

• One-time play experience with very limited replay value
• May feel too easy for experienced escape room enthusiasts

Summary

Overall, Clue Escape: The Midnight Hotel offers an engaging and accessible mystery experience that successfully merges classic Clue themes with modern escape room mechanics. It shines as a shared storytelling adventure and works best when approached as an interactive event rather than a traditional board game. For players looking for a cooperative mystery night with clever puzzles and immersive presentation, it delivers a memorable and enjoyable experience.

If you enjoyed this game, check out some of the others in this series!

• Treachery at Tudor Mansion
• Sabotage on The High Seas
• The World’s Fair