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House of Games

House of Games

Reviews Summary

This Airbnb is overwhelmingly praised for its fantastic arcade and game offerings, appealing to all ages with vintage and modern games, air hockey, ping pong, and more. Guests love the clean, well-thought-out space, responsive hosts, and fun extras like free soda and ice cream. Many highlight it as perfect for parties, family gatherings, or team events. A few negative reviews mention confusion with a similar listing or ethical concerns, but most guests rave about the experience, calling it a must-visit for game lovers. Comfortable beds, a stocked kitchen, and a welcoming atmosphere add to the appeal. Repeat visits are common.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Fighting Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Consoles
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Rhythm Games
Has Pool Tables
Has Prizes

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

What to Expect from Retro Games in Arcades

Step into the glow of retro arcade games and expect a nostalgic rush! Classics like Galaga, Donkey Kong, or Mortal Kombat await, housed in vibrant cabinets with joysticks, buttons, or trackballs. You’ll dodge enemies, chase high scores, or battle opponents in fast-paced, pixel-perfect gameplay. Modern restorations include sharp CRT or LED screens and authentic controls, preserving the 80s/90s vibe. Games are easy to learn but tough to master, offering quick sessions or deep challenges. With leaderboards and arcade crowds cheering, retro games deliver timeless fun in 2025.

What to Expect from Pool Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pool table and dive into a classic, hands-on game! Expect sturdy tables with smooth felt surfaces, cue sticks, and a set of numbered balls for games like 8-ball or 9-ball. You’ll chalk up, aim, and strike the cue ball to pocket balls with precision, mastering angles and spin. Tables are well-lit, often with vibrant designs, creating a lively atmosphere. Whether playing casually with friends or joining arcade tournaments, pool offers strategic, social fun that’s easy to pick up and endlessly engaging in 2025.

Addendum: What to Expect from Rhythm Games in Arcades

Get ready to groove with rhythm games! Expect vibrant machines like Dance Dance Revolution or Pump It Up, featuring touchpads, dance platforms, or instrument controllers. You’ll tap, step, or hit notes in sync with catchy songs, guided by colorful on-screen prompts. Modern setups include LED screens, powerful speakers, and eclectic playlists, from pop to techno. Games range from beginner-friendly to expert-level challenges, rewarding precision and flair. With arcade crowds cheering and online leaderboards, rhythm games offer an electrifying, music-driven experience in 2025.

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Fighting Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Consoles
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Rhythm Games
Has Pool Tables
Has Prizes

Contact Information

Address

1206 6 Points Rd Unit A

Bloomington, Illinois 61701

Visit Website Get Directions

Customer Reviews

My 9-year-old called House of Games "a mansion of my life's desires." And yes, those were his actual words. We stayed at House of Games to celebrate the end of the school year, and we couldn't have had more fun. We felt comfortable and there were fun activities for all of the members of our family. We will definitely go again and would recommend this spot when staying in Bloomington-Normal or looking for a special fun spot to host an overnight event.

We had a blast! Spent the night for New Year?s and hosted some friends until Midnight. Never a dull moment! Great for both kids and adults who are young at heart! The house had everything we needed and was laid out nicely to let people enjoy different things without bothering each other. Most of the noisy games were in one room, while the arcade games were in another. Upstairs, several people decided to watch a movie. Still others sat around and talked by the food. Finally, there was a lounge for console ga

My team and I used this location as a place to stay as well as a place to hang out after an all-day work meeting. So many great game options for team building and fun, and everyone in our group had a great time and was impressed with the set up. The house is well thought out and the game house theme is intentional all throughout......top to bottom.......to keep the fun going. Most important for me was the host was highly responsive. I had trouble getting into the door (user error) and the host answered

We found this place randomly on Airbnb, and it exceeded every expectation! Hosts were very responsive, beds were comfy, directions were easy, kitchen (including snacks) was stocked and nicely labeled. And the games were AMAZING!! I had 4 teens and 2 kids, and they spent 2 days doing challenges with each other. I'm pretty sure they could have spent 2 weeks exploring all of the options. There were also house puzzle-type games to win prizes. Fantastic place!

We had the best time!!!! None of the kids wanted to leave. The place is very clean, cozy, and has alot of things you would need in the kitchen. Plenty of extra blankets and pillows, beds were sooo comfortable, and most of all the game selection was awesome. We were already planning on when we could stay again before we even left. Thanks for having us. The soda fridge and ice cream was definitely and added bonus!!

Wow - this was one favorite places to stay! Pics don't do this place justice. So many games and fun things to play - it kept our family occupied on a rainy visit to Bloomington. My 4 year old says he's having his birthday party here. ??

What a great place to stay if you love games ! We brought our five year old kiddos and we played all night long ! The house is located right off business 55, which makes it a quick trip to a grocery store or restaurants. Due to its location though, this is not a walkable location just FYI. The renter was extremely responsive and the house was very clean. We would love to stay here again !

This was amazing!! With 5 kids they all had something to do and keep them occupied where as the arcade does not give how amazing the atmosphere outside and inside actually are!! Definitely worth every dime we spent here. Would love to do this a lot more often!! ???? Thanks

Great venue for family party! We had a fabulous time with family coming in to celebrate. Lots of games for all ages! Loved the backyard to spread out and relax. Best party ever!

This was definitely an experience for the whole family!! My family had an amazing time. The place was as described?? This place offered a lot of detail and cool art around the place!! Also the host are very hospitable. Would definitely recommend. ????????????

We hosted my son's 7th birthday party at the House of Arcade and he kept saying "This was the best birthday EVER!" It was incredibly hard to tear the kids away from the games for cake and pizza, they didn't want to stop!!

Great time had by all. Loved the space and games for our sons birthday party.

My sister rented this house for her kids. My wife and I stopped by to make a few memories for the night. Absolutely a blast. Very well thought out home that offers so much to do! Between all the games and the old timey stocked soda machine we had plenty to do. It was kind of funny because we were several hours in when we noticed we hadnt even found the ping pong table room! Great home great host!

I booked this Airbnb for my son's birthday. It was an awesome experience for him and his friends. Lots of great games and the free soda and ice cream was a nice touch. The host was in contact with me promptly and was very nice. He offered to pay for pizza the second evening as we could not play the gaming consoles due to a malfunctioning converter that he had to order. Check it out! You won't be sorry!

Great place! We held our family holiday here. There was something for everyone, as we had a wide age range. Even adults loved the vintage games & held a fierce Galaga tournament. Nice backyard to have a fire for hot dogs & S'Mores. The electronic board game table was the biggest hit! Ryan was quick to answer any questions or assist us. We loved it all!

Where do I begin? We had such an amazing time! My kids (5 and 7) had such a great time with all the games. The air hockey and ping pong tables were so much fun! Love the retro consoles!! Those and the original TMNT Street Fighter 2 and other arcade games took me back to my childhood. The pictures do not do these rooms justice. Especially the Pac-Man room! I HIGHLY recommend House of Arcade for families! Ryan was super helpful. Quick to respond when I had any questions. Will be coming back again!

Fun time for my Adult children and grandchildren. So clean! A different kind of experience especially for the winter months.

We had my daughters 13th birthday party here! Tons of fun for all ages; ping pong, air hickey, basketball, any game console and many arcade games I grew up with. The ice cream and the soda machine were a great surprise!

My friend booked this house for a birthday and we were all super excited until we found out we booked the WRONG arcade house. Sure enough, we booked the replica one, not the original one with the hot tub and the huge game room in town. Just be aware that this one is the ?House of Arcade? and the original owners are the ?Arcade House.? They got us, hopefully they don't get you too.

Such a fun AirBnb! Great amenities, super cute decor, and an awesome variety of video and arcade games. Looking forward to many stays here with my friends and family! The hosts are fantastic!

Great airbnb. Honestly we just really loved the mini basketball. I'll say they do need to step up the game selection for the videogames but the arcade games were great. We loved the complimentary ice cream in the living room, nice touch

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend a business that copies content, wording, design ideas, and practices and calls it their own. Unethical and wrong. Andy and I had so much time, energy, and love that went into our listing, our wording, and themes. Ryan used our listing as his study guide to try to replicate everything possible. Everything from the selection of arcade games, to the selection of a Coke corner, decor, to the same rugs he replicated. When we confronted Ryan, he said he's never seen our listin

Great time! A lot of gaming options and endless amounts of fun. The property as a whole is very clean and an awesome place to unwind and relax. Will recommend to anyone and cannot wait to go back!

House of games, a lovely place to stay, relax and chill with friends and family. The ambience is excellent.

Super well done, awesome games all around super fun to play, clean and nice, professional host, 10/10 would recommend

So much fun. Had a bachelor party and it's amazing super chill and everyone had fun. Only bad was the outside lights didn't work so we didn't have access to the backyard.

An awesome alternative to impersonal hotel rooms! The hosts have thought of everything and there is something for everyone. It was a great place to celebrate graduation

Nice clean and very affordable!!!

Great place to spend quality time with friends and family. So much to do the kids never got bored!

Our family had a great time at the House of Arcade. The hosts were extremely accommodating and helpful.

Plenty of video games to play. A little short on the parking spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are pinball tables still good in this modern age?

Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.

Are retro games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Absolutely, retro games in arcades remain a thrilling draw in 2025! Classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter II offer simple yet addictive gameplay, blending nostalgia with timeless challenge. Modern arcade cabinets often feature crisp displays and restored controls, enhancing the experience. These games thrive on quick reflexes and strategy, with vibrant pixel art and iconic soundtracks that spark joy. Arcades host tournaments and leaderboards, fostering a lively community. While modern games dominate, retro titles provide a unique, accessible thrill that keeps arcades buzzing.

Are pool tables in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, pool tables in arcades remain a fantastic draw in 2025! Games like 8-ball or 9-ball offer tactile, skill-based fun that blends strategy and precision. Modern tables feature smooth felt, responsive cues, and vibrant designs, enhancing the classic experience. Arcades foster a social vibe with casual matches or competitive tournaments, appealing to all skill levels. Unlike digital games, pool’s physicality—lining up shots, feeling the cue’s weight—keeps it timeless.

Are rhythm games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, rhythm games in arcades are a vibrant hit in 2025! Titles like Dance Dance Revolution and Beatmania deliver high-energy fun, blending music, movement, and precision. Modern machines boast vivid displays, booming sound systems, and diverse song libraries, from J-pop to EDM. They challenge reflexes and rhythm, with competitive leaderboards and tournaments fostering a lively community. Arcade dance floors are regularly packed, proving rhythm games’ immersive, physical thrill keeps them a standout in today’s gaming scene.

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.