Many UK hotels — particularly country inns, coaching inns and larger leisure properties — have games rooms and entertainment facilities. These range from a single snooker table in a back room to a full arcade, bingo hall or even a casino floor. If you are planning a stay and want a games room available, knowing where to look and what questions to ask helps you choose the right place.
Types of games facilities in UK hotels
Snooker and pool tables: The most common facility. A snooker table requires a large, dedicated space (snooker is 12 feet by 6 feet; pool tables are smaller). Hotels that have these tend to be larger establishments or country properties with space. Some are pub-hotels where the table is in the bar; others have a dedicated games room. Cue hire is usually free; some places charge for balls and chalk.
Darts boards and other pub games: Many pub-hotels have dartboards, some have dominoes sets, cribbage boards or card game tables. These are low-cost to provide and are often in public areas. Some hotels host weekly darts leagues or local competitions, particularly in sports-focused or traditional pub settings.
Arcade and video games: Larger hotels, particularly those marketing to families or built near holiday destinations, may have arcade cabinets (racing games, shooting games, classic games), pinball machines or gaming consoles. Some are on-site; others are in nearby amusement arcades the hotel can direct you to.
Bingo nights: Some hotels and pub-hotels run weekly or weekend bingo sessions, particularly in seaside locations and holiday regions. These are community events open to residents and non-residents. Participation usually costs a small amount per card. Bingo is most common in large, entertainment-focused venues.
Gaming and casino facilities: Larger hotels in major cities (London, Manchester, Glasgow) and some coastal resorts have licensed gaming rooms or are adjacent to casinos. These range from small private gaming rooms to full casino floors. Gaming facilities are members-only or restricted-entry; see the section on this below.
How to check what a hotel offers
On the hotel’s own website: Search for “games” or “facilities”. Many hotels list snooker, pool and arcade availability explicitly.
On the booking platform: Most sites (Booking.com, Expedia, Tripadvisor) have a facilities section where snooker, pool, darts and games are often listed. This is more reliable than secondary sources because the hotel controls the information.
Call the hotel directly: If you are booking a smaller inn or a place that does not have a detailed website, a phone call is quickest. “Do you have a snooker table?” or “Are there games in the bar?” gets a direct answer. If you are planning a group stay, staff can also tell you about available space, times when the table is free, and any related costs.
Read recent reviews: Tripadvisor and Google Reviews sometimes mention games facilities, particularly if they are a highlight or if they are broken. A review saying “the snooker table was great” or “the pool table was worn but usable” tells you real information.
Snooker and pool: how to plan
If you want to play snooker, ask:
Is the table available for guests? Some hotels keep snooker tables for events or members only. Most allow guests to book it, but confirmation helps.
Do I need to book in advance? A busy hotel may have the table reserved on weekends or evenings. If you have a specific time in mind, book ahead.
What is the cost? Most pub-hotels include snooker or pool for guests at no charge or a modest fee (£3–10 per hour). Some luxury or leisure properties may charge more.
Are cues and balls provided? Almost always yes. Some places ask for a small deposit for the balls, refunded when you return them.
What condition is the table in? A casual question about this — “Is the table in good condition?” or “When was it last serviced?” — tells you what to expect. A recently re-felted, well-maintained table plays quite differently from a worn one.
Arcades and video games
If you are staying somewhere with an arcade or gaming area:
Where is it located? On-site, or do you need to go to a nearby venue?
What age are the machines? Modern arcade cabinets are common in larger entertainment venues; smaller hotels may have older machines, which some people prefer.
What types of games? Racing games, shooting games, classic games like Pac-Man or Street Fighter, pinball — the mix varies. If you have a preference, ask.
Are tokens, coins or cards used? Most modern venues use cards you load with cash, but some still use coins or tokens. Knowing this avoids fumbling at the machine.
What is the charge? Arcade games are typically 20p to 50p per play, depending on the game and venue.
Bingo nights
If a hotel runs regular bingo:
When does it happen? Weekly on a specific night, or several times a week? Some places run bingo seasonally (summer evenings, winter weekends).
Do I need to be a resident to play? Most bingo nights are open to residents and non-residents alike. Some are hotel-only.
What is the cost of a card? Usually £1–5 per card, with potential prize winnings several times that. The small cost of entry is part of the appeal.
How long does a session last? Typically 60–90 minutes. Check this if you have other plans.
Can I book ahead or is it walk-up? Popular bingo sessions fill up, particularly in seaside or holiday venues. Booking ahead is polite and guarantees a seat.
Gaming and casino facilities
Hotels with licensed gaming rooms or adjacent casinos are restricted. These are members-only or have strict entry procedures.
What to expect:
- Gaming rooms in hotels typically offer table games (roulette, blackjack, poker) and sometimes slot machines.
- Membership may be required, either day membership or longer.
- Dress codes vary: some gaming rooms require smart dress, others are more casual.
- You must be over 18 to enter.
- The house sets the stakes and rules.
How to find out if a hotel has gaming:
- Call the hotel directly and ask if they have gaming facilities or have a list of nearby casinos.
- Ask your hotel at check-in if you are interested; staff can direct you or book entry if required.
- Major cities (London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh) have published directories of licensed casinos and gaming clubs.
Important: Do not assume all hotels in a city have gaming. Many do not. Gaming facilities are a specialist provision, most common in leisure properties and city-centre hotels.
Choosing a hotel based on games availability
If games are a main part of your stay:
Be specific about what you want. “We want a place with snooker” is clearer than “we want a hotel with entertainment.”
Assume you will need to pay a small amount. Even if games are “free” in a pub-hotel, you are likely to buy drinks while you play.
For group bookings, ask about space. Can a group of eight people use the snooker table comfortably, with spectators? The layout matters.
Book far enough ahead if games are a key draw. Popular hotels with good facilities fill up, particularly for weekends.
Read recent reviews specifically about games facilities. A review from three months ago is more useful than marketing copy.
Games facilities are a genuine draw for many visitors — a reason to choose one hotel over another. Knowing how to find them and what to expect makes the stay more enjoyable.