Elsewhere at the Madcap Motel Review

Context matters when experiencing the world around you. It’s the reason nostalgia is so powerful–because you think of more than just the event itself. In the case of Madcap Motel, the context is a doozy–it’s the first in-person immersive experience I’ve been to since COVID happened. It was originally scheduled to open in March 2020, literally the weekend that everything shut down. That Madcap Motel is still around and didn’t become another casualty of the pandemic speaks volumes about its creators’ dedication.

Take a break from 2021

Approaching the 1960’s-era facade of the titular Motel (located in the Downtown LA Arts District) was already exciting! To be out, doing something like this in person, felt like a rare treat. The production quality on the building’s exterior aided my (very willing) immersion. Opening the door to a lobby, I was pleased to see the time period décor was even more thorough inside. At the front desk, the motel staff greeted me as I “checked in” and was offered a welcome drink. A bellhop asked if I needed to check a coat or bags. I didn’t, but this would be useful in colder weather or for anyone with a purse/backpack.

Waiting in the motel lounge while my room was prepared, I was impressed by the size of the space. A 1960’s-looking furniture selection dominated the area. I didn’t sit, but I assume during public sessions, this lounge will be full of people hanging out with their drinks before entering. This is the best time to finish your drink, to keep your hands free in the Motel for taking photos and interacting with the surprises within. This is also the area with restrooms available; as a bonus, they are retro as well!

In retrospect, dressing for the time period would be a fun way to enhance the atmosphere and especially the pictures. If you’ve got some 60’s clothes, wear them! Once the housekeeping staff was ready, they led me into a large motel room and shut the door. Without knowing the structure of the Madcap Motel, I immediately wanted to start exploring and examining. Perhaps I had to discover what to do next?

You’ll take a trip, but what kind is a mystery

I won’t go into the step-by-step of Madcap Motel. Suffice to say, this is not an escape room, so I didn’t have to figure anything out. The experience kicked off with a welcome surprise once in the motel room and I looked forward to every revelation I might find around each corner of the experience. And there are many corners.

In general, Madcap Motel is part walkthrough art installation, part immersive theater, and part photo opportunity. Tie all of this together with a light sci-fi plot that is fairly straightforward and it’s easy to pay as much (or as little) attention to the story as you wish. It’s up to you how involved you’ll get as you walk through the variety of motel rooms and meet the seemingly-permanent residents. You can be an observer and enjoy exploring the funky scenery. You can step up your game with photographs and interactive opportunities. Or you can dig deep into the story and have full discussions with characters you find.

It’s a great way to ease back into live immersive entertainment (or introduce yourself to it if this is new to you). There is no time pressure; you are free to peruse at your leisure. It’s better than any “selfie palace” you may have been to before. The immersive theater portion is there if you want it, but nobody is going to force it if you don’t. I liked the character interactions a lot after I got warmed up. A day later, I wish I had tried even harder to discover any secrets they might have revealed. Also, an unexpected highlight: learning about the Hedge People!

Evolution or Revolution

Based on a chat with the founder, Paige Solomon, the intention for the Motel isn’t to be the ultimate version of anything. Rather, Madcap creates a fun environment that guests can make their own and let THEM decide what it will be. She seems open to further ideas and development of the experience and concept. As she hears from guests, I’m sure it will be updated and evolve. She’s even looking ahead to Halloween and how it could offer a different experience. Which is, frankly, a genius way to get repeat customers. Old motels are a great setting for spooky shenanigans!

Despite its free-form nature, Madcap Motel knows better than to leave things open-ended. When you choose to return to reality, you will enter the final motel room. Here, the story (whether you investigate it or not) is wrapped up with a delightful twist I didn’t see coming. The opening and closing show scenes were probably my favorite moments of the whole Motel. I would estimate I spent 75 minutes wandering through its rooms. With a bigger crowd, or a desire to savor being Elsewhere, it might take 90-120 minutes. You could get through in 60 minutes, but I think that would be a disservice.

What’s stranger, COVID or a motel untethered in time?

Attending wasn’t completely like the before-times. There was a reserved time slot with nobody else in attendance. Masks were required throughout (for guests AND staff), and there was a no-contact temperature check at the gate. Considering how normal masks have become in daily life, though, they didn’t adversely affect my mindset at all. Early on, there was even a clever “in-world” explanation given for them!

Further health features include hand sanitizer throughout the Motel and reduced capacity. Fewer people inside has the side benefit of making the experience more enjoyable, as the feeling of getting lost in time and space is enhanced if you’re not crowded with other people. Most of the installation also has no ceiling, allowing an open view of the warehouse ducts and rigging above. While this is likely to increase air circulation, it’s also kind of neat to see a tiny bit behind the scenes and it adds to the surreal vibe.

Madcap Motel is now open to the public, Thursdays through Sundays. You must choose a reservation time when you buy your tickets online in advance. They are located at 940 E. 4th Street, Los Angeles CA, 90013 and there is street parking nearby. All of this information, along with tickets, is available on their website, www.madcapmotel.com.