The Locked Inn Escape Room — Attraction in Grover Beach

We had an absolutely fantastic time playing Room 1985! From the start, Heather (the owner) was amazing—she accommodated our same-day booking over email and was easy to reach by phone for any questions. That level of customer service already had us feeling great before we even walked in.

Cody, our gamemaster, was equally awesome. He not only got us hyped up before the game but also did a fantastic job explaining the rules in a clear and friendly way. He struck that perfect balance of being thorough but not overwhelming, which made everyone—from escape room veterans like us to complete first-timers—feel at ease and ready to jump in. He also made great conversation with us before and after the game, including chatting with our 4-year-old daughter and making her feel like a real part of the team. It’s not easy to engage little kids in these settings, but Cody pulled it off with genuine warmth and excitement.

Our group was a fun mix: I’ve done 177 escape rooms, my wife’s done 44, and we brought my dad and our daughter, both of whom were brand new to the escape room world. Room 1985 blew us away. The intro was super cool and really set the mood for what ended up being a game full of incredible surprises.

What made this experience truly special was how much our daughter enjoyed it. The game flowed so smoothly, and she was able to participate in meaningful ways—searching, organizing, and just soaking in the super high-quality production and immersive set design. It was the perfect first escape room for her, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience as a family.

We escaped in about 52 minutes, but I’d highly recommend going with a group of 6–8 players. There’s a lot to do, and it’s all designed in a way where everyone can stay engaged the whole time. There’s always something for someone to work on, which makes it ideal for bigger groups.

There are sooo many things I want to say about this room, but I just can’t without spoiling the magic. Trust me—if you’re a fan of ’80s nostalgia or a gamer at heart, you are going to love this game. It hits all the right notes in the most unexpected and delightful ways. And yes… there are even some fun references tucked in there that fans will definitely appreciate—just a little extra nod and a wink for those who know.

Highly recommend this room and this venue to anyone, especially families looking for something exciting, welcoming,...

Title: A Totally Tubular Time Travel Adventure!

I recently had an absolutely rad experience at the Escape from the 80s room in The Locked Inn, Grover Beach, California! As a huge fan of the 80s era, I was beyond stoked to embark on this time-traveling adventure.

From the moment we stepped into the room, we were transported back in time. The attention to detail was mind-blowing! The decor, the music, and the authentic props created an immersive atmosphere that truly captured the essence of the 80s. I couldn't help but feel like I had stepped into a time machine!

The puzzles were wickedly clever and ingeniously crafted to match the theme. Each challenge required a blend of brainpower, teamwork, and a keen eye for detail. The puzzles seamlessly integrated elements from popular 80s movies, music, and pop culture, making it a nostalgic delight for anyone who grew up in that era.

The game master was an absolute legend! They provided just the right amount of hints and guidance to keep us on track without spoiling the fun. Their enthusiasm and passion for the game were contagious, adding an extra layer of excitement to our adventure.

The Escape from the 80s room offered a perfect balance of difficulty, ensuring that everyone in our group felt engaged and challenged. The adrenaline rush we experienced when we finally unlocked the final door was indescribable! It was an epic triumph that left us buzzing with exhilaration.

I must also commend the staff at The Locked Inn for their exceptional customer service. They were friendly, accommodating, and genuinely interested in making sure we had an unforgettable experience. The attention to detail extended beyond the game itself, and it was evident that they put a lot of effort into creating a seamless and enjoyable visit.

Escape from the 80s at The Locked Inn is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking an immersive, nostalgia-filled adventure. Whether you're an 80s fanatic or simply love escape rooms, this experience will blow your mind! I can't wait to return and conquer their other mind-bending challenges. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Gnarly job, Locked Inn! Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you for a tubular journey back in...

UPDATE 10/22/22

This is an updated review of Alice in wonderland. This room will turn your world upside down with its beautifully designed spaces and immersive play. The games are clever and tricky. The key is to consider all possibilities. The Locked Inn keeper has once again created a dynamic experience that is both entertaining and awe inspiring. If I wasn’t on a clock I’d sit and enjoy each artifact. The elevator is still a bit wonky, but I’m quite impressed with the customer service so I won’t harp on about the small things. This remains one of my top escape room stops throughout the many I’ve done on the central coast and in Southern California.

(1985 Room)

Highly recommend stopping INN for a brief stay. Our family of 4 has completed both 1985 and The Study. Both were challenging, fun, and spoke to each of our strengths to work collaboratively to escape. After visiting multiple rooms throughout California, 1985 remains my favorite. The storyline, props, and effects can’t be beat!

I must also highlight that Heather’s (owner) customer service is superb. My family received a gift certificate in Dec. 2019 and when covid hit we assumed the worst. Either the inn would be closed, or some expiration would apply. Our gift was honored without hesitation in 2021. Locked Inn also offers a military discount which is quite nice. With regards to covid protocols my anxiety is kept at Bay with the Inn’s precautions. Fogging is used to disinfect, sanitizer is in the room upon entry, air flow is pretty adequate through most areas, and a bathroom is available post game to wash up if you’d like.

The Locked Inn is a great stop over while visiting the area and I highly recommend it, even if the elevator seemed to have a...