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How to Unlock the Resort Hotel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Several years after the last major update to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the 3.0 update to the game introduces new content in the form of the Resort Hotel, though it’s not immediately accessible for all players.

The Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update landed on January 14, a day before the Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade for the game, and introduced a host of free additional content for players.

Whether you’re a new player in New Horizons, or are returning from a period of absence, Insider Gaming has the details on how to unlock the Resort Hotel.

How to Unlock the Resort Hotel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

A player stood at an entrance to the Resort Hotel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
New content. Image via Nintendo

Before the Resort Hotel is unlocked in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players must reach a significant point in the story and have set up their island and homes.

New players, therefore, won’t be able to dive into the Resort Hotel and accompanying content immediately, but players with more playtime in New Horizons should be able to enjoy the new content immediately, or at least won’t be far off from unlocking the feature.

In general, playing through the story and progressing with the development of your island and town will push you towards unlocking the Resort Hotel, but there are a few crucial steps, detailed below.

  1. Unlock Resident Services and gain access to the town rating system.
  2. Increase your town rating to 3 stars.
  3. Have K.K. Slider perform in your town.
  4. The following day, Isabelle will make an announcement informing players that the Resort Hotel is accessible.
  5. Head to the pier on the eastern side of the island to find the Resort Hotel and head inside.

What is The Resort Hotel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The Resort Hotel in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a new feature introduced in the 3.0 update, providing new content to enjoy and quests to complete.

In the hotel, players are tasked with decorating rooms for visiting guests and are provided with a theme to follow, either using recommended items highlighted in storage, or exploring all of the unlocked items that can be used for decorating and furnishing.

Additionally, players are tasked with crafting an array of items and submitting them on the pier for Kapp’n to spread the word about your island.

Completing the hotel decoration tasks and the crafting quest provides tickets that can be spent in the Hotel Resort shop, which offers a rotating array of items.


Have you continued your progression in Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the 3.0 update, or have you started again? Share your journey in the Insider Gaming Discord.

For your next read, check out the first impressions of Hytale and take a look at the biggest games coming to Nintendo Switch in 2026.

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