Animal Crossing New Horizons resort hotel guide – if you’re searching for one today, you’re in the right place! With the version 3.0 update freshly landed (and yes, it dropped a day early for most of us on January 14, 2026), the brand-new Resort Hotel has everyone buzzing. Run by Kapp’n’s adorable family on your island’s pier, this feature turns your quiet beach into a thriving tourist destination. Imagine villagers snapping photos, guests lounging in custom suites, and you raking in exclusive souvenirs. Sound dreamy? It is!
If you haven’t updated yet, dive into the excitement – this is one of the biggest additions since 2.0. For a full overview of everything new, check out our detailed article on the Animal Crossing New Horizons update today. But right here, we’re focusing on your complete Animal Crossing New Horizons resort hotel guide: from unlocking it to mastering decorations and unlocking those coveted retro Nintendo items. Let’s sail in!
How to Unlock the Resort Hotel in Your Animal Crossing New Horizons Resort Hotel Guide
First things first – you can’t just wish for a hotel and have it appear. The Resort Hotel arrives automatically after meeting a few requirements post-update.
What do you need?
- Update to version 3.0 (obviously!).
- Have unlocked Kapp’n’s boat tours (that means a 3-star island rating and having donated enough to the museum).
- Upgraded your museum with the art gallery wing (talk to Blathers after finding your first art piece from Redd).
Once those are checked off, boot up your game, and you’ll get a announcement from Isabelle or Tom Nook about construction starting on the pier. It takes a day to build – classic Nook Inc. efficiency! The next day, head to the pier, and there it is: a gorgeous multi-story hotel run by Kapp’n, Leilani, Leila, and even Grams.
Pro tip: If Kapp’n isn’t unlocked yet, prioritize getting that 3-star rating. Plant flowers, add fences, and invite more villagers. Your Animal Crossing New Horizons resort hotel guide starts with preparation – don’t rush and miss the buildup!
Meeting Kapp’n’s Family: The Heart of Your Animal Crossing New Horizons Resort Hotel Guide
What makes the Resort Hotel so charming? The family running it, hands down.
Step inside, and Leilani greets you at the front desk. She’s your main contact for daily room designs and checking guest satisfaction. Kapp’n hangs out nearby, strumming his guitar and sharing sea shanties. Little Leila pops up with cute commentary, and Grams runs the Souvenir Shop in the lobby.
These NPCs aren’t just decoration – they give quests, react to your designs, and make the hotel feel alive. Talk to them daily for bonuses, like extra materials or hints on what tourists love. It’s like having extended family on your island, but with fewer awkward dinners.
Decorating Rooms: The Core Fun in This Animal Crossing New Horizons Resort Hotel Guide
Here’s where the magic happens – decorating guest rooms!
Every day, Leilani offers you a new “Daily Room” to design. Choose a theme (seaside retreat, luxurious suite, cozy cabin, Japanese ryokan, and more – there are dozens!). You’ll get a blank room and access to your full catalog, plus special hotel furniture sets.
Key mechanics:
- Place furniture, wallpaper, flooring, and accents.
- Use mannequins to dress guests in themed outfits (they’ll wear them while exploring your island!).
- Aim for high scores: Match the theme perfectly, use required items if specified, and add personal flair.
Higher scores mean happier guests, more tourists visiting your island, and – most importantly – more Hotel Tickets.
If you own the Happy Home Paradise DLC, it integrates beautifully. Design vacation homes for hotel clients, and they’ll reference your work. Some DLC furniture becomes available in hotel rooms too.
Ever wondered how to make a room feel luxurious? Layer rugs, add lighting, and don’t forget music from a stereo. Guests will gush about it!
Attracting Tourists and Earning Hotel Tickets: Essential Tips from Your Animal Crossing New Horizons Resort Hotel Guide
Once rooms are decorated, tourists start arriving! They’ll check in, wander your island (visiting the museum, shopping, beachcombing), take photos, and even interact with villagers.
How to attract more?
- Consistently high decoration scores.
- Variety in themes – don’t repeat the same style.
- Use amiibo at the front desk to invite specific characters (perfect for crossovers like Tulin or Splatoon inklings).
Tourists drop Hotel Tickets based on their happiness. Collect them by talking to Leilani or checking the request box outside.
Bonus: Tom Nook occasionally requests crafted items for hotel upgrades. Fulfill these for big ticket boosts and island fame increases.
Watch tourists explore – it’s hilarious seeing them in your custom outfits posing at your best spots. Your island feels truly alive!
The Souvenir Shop and Exclusive Items in the Animal Crossing New Horizons Resort Hotel Guide
This is the reward loop that keeps you coming back.
Grams runs the Souvenir Shop in the lobby. Spend Hotel Tickets on exclusive items you can’t get anywhere else:
- Retro Nintendo consoles (NES, SNES models as furniture).
- Classic toys and arcade machines.
- Special clothing and accessories.
- Unique wallpapers and rugs.
The shop expands as your hotel’s fame grows – more tickets spent, more items unlocked. Some are rotating daily, so check often.
Analogy time: It’s like a loyalty program, but instead of coffee stamps, you’re earning pixelated nostalgia. Who wouldn’t grind for a playable in-game Game Boy?
Advanced Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Animal Crossing New Horizons Resort Hotel Guide
Ready to go pro? Here are insider strategies:
- Theme Mastery: Study required items for each theme (Leilani hints). Use the customization workshop for perfect colors.
- Mannequin Magic: Outfits influence guest behavior – beachwear for more beach time, formal for museum visits.
- Amiibo Power: Scan daily for guaranteed high-profile guests and bonus tickets.
- Multiplayer Fun: Friends can visit your hotel and rate rooms (Switch 2 supports up to 12 players exploring together!).
- Efficiency Hacks: Stockpile materials before daily designs. Use storage access improvements from 3.0.
- Photo Ops: Place photo spots around the island – tourists flock there, boosting satisfaction.
Common mistake? Over-decorating without theme cohesion. Less is more sometimes – focus on harmony.
If you’re on Switch 2, enjoy mouse controls for precise placement. It’s a game-changer.
How the Resort Hotel Ties Into Broader Animal Crossing New Horizons Update Today Features
The hotel isn’t isolated – it synergizes with other 3.0 goodies like Dream Worlds (test designs there without risk) and new villagers (invite them as guests!).
For the full picture, revisit the Animal Crossing New Horizons update today – it explains how everything connects.
Conclusion: Make Your Island a Destination with This Animal Crossing New Horizons Resort Hotel Guide
The Resort Hotel is more than a feature – it’s a reason to fall in love with Animal Crossing again. From unlocking Kapp’n’s family haven to decorating dream rooms, attracting tourists, and collecting exclusive souvenirs, it adds endless cozy gameplay loops. Whether you’re a casual player enjoying the vibes or a dedicated designer chasing perfect scores, there’s joy here for everyone.
Update if you haven’t, head to the pier, and start building your resort empire. Your island deserves to be the hottest destination in the Animal Crossing world. What’s your first room theme going to be? Dive in today – the turtles are waiting!
FAQs About Animal Crossing New Horizons Resort Hotel Guide
1. How do I unlock the Resort Hotel in Animal Crossing New Horizons?
You need version 3.0, Kapp’n unlocked, and the museum art wing. Construction starts automatically, finishing the next day.
2. How do I earn Hotel Tickets in the Animal Crossing New Horizons resort hotel guide?
Decorate daily rooms for high scores, fulfill craft requests, and keep guests happy. Talk to Leilani to collect.
3. What items can I buy in the Souvenir Shop from this Animal Crossing New Horizons resort hotel guide?
Exclusive retro Nintendo consoles, toys, clothing, and decor. The catalog expands with hotel fame.
4. Can I invite specific characters to the Resort Hotel?
Yes! Use amiibo cards/figures at the front desk for targeted guests, including new crossover villagers.
5. Does the Happy Home Paradise DLC affect the Resort Hotel in Animal Crossing New Horizons?
Absolutely – extra furniture options and linked vacation home designs for seamless integration.
