Ready to transform your island into a tropical getaway? Animal Crossing: New Horizons' 3.0 Update introduces the highly anticipated Kapp'n's Family Hotel, a.k.a. the Resort Hotel, and we're here to guide you through every step of unlocking and managing this exciting new feature. But here's where it gets controversial: is this update a game-changer or just a fancy addition? Let's dive in and find out!
Unlocking the Resort Hotel
Most players with advanced islands will find the Resort Hotel already unlocked, likely after upgrading Resident Services to a building with a plaza. Isabelle will announce its arrival on your island broadcast, marking the beginning of your hotelier journey. But this is the part most people miss: the hotel's location is always across the river from Resident Services, but the exact corner varies depending on your island layout.
Day 1: Laying the Foundations
On your first day, you'll meet Tom Nook, Kapp'n, and his wife Leilani in the lobby. Leilani will explain that the guest rooms need your creative touch. Here’s where the fun begins: you’ll design Room 1, the Seaside Room, using the Recommended tab in the items menu, which includes items you don’t own yet. This feature is a lifesaver, as it eliminates the need to purchase everything upfront. Use Decorating Mode (accessed via the D-Pad) to customize items and arrange furniture. Once done, take a photo of the room using the NookPhone’s Camera App, and Leilani will reward you with 200 Hotel Tickets. You’ll also unlock Room 2 and Grams’ Souvenir Shop, earning Nook Miles and Passport titles along the way.
Grams’ Souvenir Shop: A Daily Delight
Grams’ shop operates similarly to Nook’s Cranny, offering exclusive items that change daily. Here’s the catch: buying directly from the storefront is cheaper than ordering from the catalogue. The more guests you attract, the more items Grams can stock, so it’s in your best interest to keep those rooms filled!
Room 2 and Beyond: Theme Choices
Room 2 introduces theme choices, starting with Japanese and Modern. But what if you change your mind? Simply abandon the room by quitting, and you can select a new theme when you restart. Each completed room earns you 200 Hotel Tickets, and you’ll soon discover that Tom Nook has DIY Requests for you, which also reward Hotel Tickets. Pro tip: place a DIY Bench and Storage Shed on the pier for convenience.
Days 2-4: Expanding Your Horizons
Each day brings new rooms and themes, from Simple/Ranch to Luxurious/Antique. Here’s a thought-provoking question: does the variety of themes enhance the gameplay, or does it become overwhelming? Share your thoughts in the comments! By Day 3, Grams’ shop will expand, offering even more items to purchase with your hard-earned tickets.
Day 5: The VIP Room
On Day 5, Leilani introduces the VIP Room, a unique feature that allows you to design a room for a specific villager. This is where it gets interesting: the VIP Room must be redesigned each time a new guest is invited, and it offers 45 themes, including the 15 from the Standard Rooms. You can even use amiibo to invite specific characters! Completing the VIP Room unlocks the ability to redecorate Standard Rooms and earns you additional rewards.
Final Thoughts
Kapp'n's Family Hotel adds depth and creativity to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but is it a must-have feature? We’d love to hear your opinion: does the Resort Hotel enhance your island experience, or is it just another task to manage? Let us know in the comments below!