Play, Putt, Repeat: A Night of Friendly Competition at Hijinx Hotel and Holey Moley Irvine

Orange County is not exactly known for embracing the absurd. Most nights out tend to revolve around dinner reservations, rooftop cocktails, or the occasional concert. That is why walking into Hijinx Hotel at Irvine Spectrum feels so delightfully unexpected. From the moment we stepped through the doors, it became clear that this was not going to be a typical night out.

The experience begins at a concierge desk where bellhops dressed in bright red uniforms greet guests as though they’ve arrived at a grand hotel. Behind them, rows of crimson shelves and playful details create an atmosphere that feels equal parts Wes Anderson film set and interactive theater. The entire space leans unapologetically into fantasy, encouraging visitors to suspend reality for a few hours and simply play.

Before heading upstairs, we stopped at the bar for a welcome drink. My choice was an espresso martini, which arrived smooth, strong, and exactly what I needed before diving into an evening of competition. The lobby lounge serves as the social hub of the property, with guests gathering over cocktails while others wander toward karaoke rooms, outdoor patio seating, or tuck themselves away in a cozy reading room that feels more like a private club than an entertainment venue.

The beauty of Hijinx Hotel is that it never takes itself too seriously. After checking in, our group was escorted to the challenge rooms. Instead of traditional escape rooms, the experience revolves around a series of fast-paced games where teams have only a few minutes to complete each challenge before moving on.

We tackled five rooms during our visit, and no two were remotely alike. One room plunged us into a giant ball pit surrounded by walls dripping with rainbow colors. Another felt like stepping inside a surreal nightclub where glowing floors pulsed beneath our feet while oversized cats stared down from giant murals. Everywhere we turned there were bright colors, unexpected props, flashing lights, and plenty of opportunities to laugh at ourselves. What surprised me most was how quickly everyone became competitive.

The timer counts down relentlessly, and suddenly grown adults are diving into ball pits, sprinting across illuminated floors, and arguing over strategy like Olympic medals are on the line. The rooms are designed to test everything from teamwork to reflexes, but the real challenge is keeping a straight face. Just when we thought the evening had reached its peak, we were introduced to one of the property’s hidden surprises.

Behind an unassuming photo booth sits Suite 404, a concealed speakeasy that feels worlds away from the colorful chaos upstairs. The lighting softens, the energy slows, and guests settle into a more intimate setting with cocktails in hand.

It is the kind of discovery that makes the entire experience feel more immersive, as though the hotel still has secrets left to reveal. After a brief reset, we crossed over to the neighboring Holey Moley Golf Club.

While miniature golf has long been associated with family outings and birthday parties, Holey Moley transforms the concept into something far more entertaining. The venue combines a full restaurant and cocktail bar with a collection of themed putting courses that are as much about the visuals as the golf itself.

Before grabbing our putters, we took a stroll through the restaurant. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as groups gathered around cocktails and shared plates while golfers celebrated unlikely victories and spectacular misses.

For dinner, we ordered the Wingin’ It wings alongside the Caddy Classic Burger. The wings arrived crisp and packed with flavor, while the burger delivered everything you want from a classic comfort-food favorite. The surprise hit of the meal, however, was the side of waffle fries, served inside a miniature shopping cart that immediately became one of the most photographed items at the table.

Fueled up and ready to compete, we headed for the course. Our nine-hole adventure led us through a collection of wildly imaginative environments where every turn brought a new surprise. One hole felt like an arcade come to life, while another leaned into larger-than-life sports themes. Bright murals covered nearly every wall, and the playful design encouraged us to stop just as often for photos as we did for putting.

Unlike traditional miniature golf, where the course itself is often secondary, the environments here are part of the attraction. Every hole tells its own story, creating an experience that feels immersive rather than repetitive.

By the end of the evening, scorecards had been abandoned, competitive rivalries had formed, and everyone was laughing far more than they had expected when they first arrived. What makes the pairing of Hijinx Hotel and Holey Moley work so well is that both experiences tap into something adults rarely make time for anymore: play. Not the kind of play reserved for children, but the simple joy of being fully present, laughing with friends, embracing a little friendly competition, and allowing yourself to be completely ridiculous for an evening. At Irvine Spectrum, that might just be the most memorable attraction of all.

Photos Courtesy of Hijinx Hotel