Grand Austria Hotel
- Designer Virginio Gigli , Simone Luciani
- Publisher Lookout Games , Cranio Creations , CrowD Games , Engames , Funforge
- Illustration Klemens Franz
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You run a café that you expand into the Grand Austria Hotel by hiring staff, fulfilling guest requests and managing resources. The start player rolls dice and places them on action spaces; the dice values and placement affect action strength. Over seven rounds you must prioritize actions since you cannot do everything. The description highlights many different cards, producing strong replayability and shifting tactics each game.
Who Is This Game For?
A game for experienced players (ages 12+). It is a multi-hour strategy experience that rewards planning and experience with engine-building and resource-management mechanics. Casual groups seeking short family games may find it too deep.
How It Works
Grand Austria Hotel mixes Action Drafting, Dice Rolling and Hand Management: dice are rolled and allocated to actions; players take actions using the dice present, gaining drinks, dishes, room preparation or staff. Guests and staff interactions generate bonus actions and End Game Bonuses. Set Collection and contract-like objectives steer long-term scoring and strategy.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Virginio Gigli and Simone Luciani, illustrated by Klemens Franz and published by Lookout Games in 2015. The game received nominations such as Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game (2015) and International Gamers Award (2016). Its blend of dice-driven action choice and economic theme in a Vienna setting is a distinguishing feature.
Awards
2016
2015
- 2016 Jogo do Ano — Nominated
- 2016 JUG Adult Game of the Year — Finalist
- 2015 Jocul Anului în România Advanced — Finalist
- 2015 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Integrates Dice Rolling with Action Drafting and economic decisions
- Design by Virginio Gigli & Simone Luciani
- High replayability via many different cards
- Strong thematic tie to Vienna and guest interactions
Contra
- Long playtime (120 minutes) per session
- Higher complexity and setup/explanation time
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in modern-age Vienna, cafés, artists, politicians and tourists create demand for hotel rooms; thematically you manage and expand a hospitality business to serve guests optimally.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on a few complementary actions early and build your engine stepwise to avoid analysis paralysis during the seven rounds.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No — the game is listed for 2–4 players (no solo mode provided).
How long does a game really take?
Duration is given as 120 minutes; include setup and explanation when planning an evening.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with medium-weight strategy games and mechanics like dice drafting and hand management is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
Grand Austria Hotel pairs dice-driven action selection with economic engine-building, emphasizing guest service in a city theme.
Is this suitable for families?
While ages 12+ are listed, the game's complexity and length make it better suited to experienced players than family game nights.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Dice Rolling/ Dice Drafting with Action Drafting and End Game Bonuses defines the game's identity.
Fazit
Recommended for strategy players who can commit ~120 minutes and enjoy engine-building under dice constraints. Not ideal for those wanting light, quick sessions.
