Went for a team building exercise with coworkers. We did the Mezzanine experience, and everyone had a nice time! No spoilers but I was impressed with the production and effects throughout. Alex, our guide, was friendly and professional. The experience was well run and there were hints in the room itself to help us gravitate towards what our smaller group should pay most attention to. Good mix of puzzles that encouraged splitting up as well as teamwork. Would come back to try the other options! read more

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Our group usually loves escape rooms, but honestly Trouble in Paradise didn't do it for us. The Good: Our host was very sweet, and there were a LOT of things to accomplish which means that everyone was busy the whole time and not just watching other people solve something. I do feel like I didn't get to see about half of the tasks though because of it. The room was well-decorated as well. The Meh: There were no fun surprises, no additional rooms, and actually no escaping...just 12 puzzles that you either finish or don't. They don't give you a clue option either which we thought was odd if you're really stuck on a puzzle. (They had a very time-intensive Alphabet puzzle we spent way too much time on.) Not sure I'd be back for the price honestly. read more

This is such a great place!! I had my birthday here as a surprise from my boyfriend and it was so much fun and intriguing. The lady at the front desk is the absolute best and so sweet. She's very helpful too and makes you feel fully immersed into the experience. Would recommend for anyone looking to do something for fun or a birthday!! read more

We had a blast! My husband and I took our three teenagers and their girlfriends. We enjoyed the multiple room experience for a change as we have done multiple escape rooms all over the country. It was very well run and we had a great time! read more

Decode Ann Arbor - Escape Games Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Best escape room we have done, and we have done well over 500 of them. Great puzzles, and our game master was amazing!

This game was so much fun! We had done the Trouble in Paradise before and loved it and when we saw the Mezzanine was open, we had to stop by. It was the first day the puzzle was open and everything ran perfectly. We loved the logic puzzles, the word play and especially the ones in the elevator (no spoilers!) it really forced four very different personalities to work together and think (not our strong suit...) It's a new Christmas tradition for us and we will be back! read more

Decode Ann Arbor - Decide Escape Room(ers) - Escape Games Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Rather than have a traditional birthday party at a bar or restaurant my friend decided to invite friends to an escape room. What a blast. We had a baker's dozen of people (from 18 to 75) for the Around the World in 80 Days trip. We found that the group broke up in different ways to solve different puzzles in different rooms. I can see why some organizations use it for team building. The puzzles on this trip were all search and logic puzzles, nothing physical, no jumping over lava pits. Some of the people were initially wary because of the name "escape" room. One suggestion was to call it a "challenge" room. Working with the owners to set up the party went very smoothly, they were very accommodating and easy to work with. An added benefit is that there is easy free parking and there are restaurants and coffee shops in the same strip. Bon voyage. read more

We had a fabulous time. Pat was a great host and the room experience was challenging in a totally fun way. The escape room was classy, well-lit, and well-thought out. A heads and shoulders above experience verses other escape room experiences we have had. Highly recommend! read more

Host was very very kind, we played "Around the World in 80 Days". It is a very unique style of game that has its pros and cons; if you like logic puzzles there are lots of them but if you do not then this is not for you. The game is split into multiple rooms but you do not know how much time u have in each room, and are forced to advance to a new room when the time expires so you may have to leave puzzles behind. A great game for a big amount of people, we overall had a great time and I would reccomend going. read more

It's been a minute since I've done an escape room and Decode was a nice way to ease back in. I liked the AI theme & the puzzles were just the right amount of challenge without seeming completely impossible or silly. I also liked that there was a bit of a Michigan theme as well. We only had four people so we were really scrambling for time. Decode can accommodate up to 15 so grab your crew! Decode is in a very unassuming plaza in an unassuming location, but don't underestimate it! read more

TLDR: Around the World in 80 days is a logic puzzle, after logic puzzle, after logic puzzle game. Wouldn't recommend this game to anyone that enjoys escape rooms unless you really like logic puzzles and logic puzzle only. Would be hesitant to go back to do any of the other rooms. I've completed over 200 rooms and I am an avid enthusiast. The Around the World in 80 days is less of an escape room and more like a room littered logic puzzles and instances where you have to use math (even though it's addition and subtraction) . Each section of the room has a specific amount of time (that you can't see) so if you're finishing up a puzzle, you may be forced to move on. The game master gave the instructions but could have been better about making sure you work on certain puzzle before other because it's not a very gratifying ending. If you are a group of people that like to do logic puzzle after logic puzzle for an hour. This is your game. If you're looking for something that is more like an actual escape room, steer clear. Also I find it very unusual you have to pay for 6 people for a booking. That seems super excessive. I've given three stars based on that there was no warning when booking that this room is not like a typical escape room. I'll give it to them that the cool part of the room is the theming and the electronics in the room. read more

This was my first experience at an escape room, so I have nothing to compare it with, but it was super thought out and very challenging. If you go here in the wintertime you'll want keep your coat on and wear the warmest clothes you own. The lobby is warm, but the rooms feel like the outside temp (which was about 25 degrees). As for the puzzles, get ready to do some serious thinking! read more

This was the 21st escape room our family has done. We had a fantastic time. The puzzles were logic based and just the right type for our engineering and puzzle family. They were a nice mix of math, word, and spacial logic puzzles that also required memory, attention, visual, movement, and audio skills. The puzzles also integrated well with the rooms which captured the city and country themes beautifully. The puzzles were fun but also challenging to finish in the time we had for the 5 of us. Any smaller group would have been challenging. The host of this family owned business was friendly and her enthusiasm was infectious. read more

My team and I have done dozens of escape rooms all over Michigan, and we even won a local seven-room contest. One big problem we run into now is that most rooms just aren't challenging anymore because we've solved so many common puzzle types so many times. A lot of times, we also run into puzzles that are only challenging because parts are hidden without any clues or because they weren't designed well. Decode Detroit didn't have either of those problems. All of the puzzles were clever and really unique, and when we found a snag (which only happened once) the staff was quick to step in and point it out. There were plenty of tasks to keep everyone in our experience busy the entire time, which is like [choir of angels singing] such a rare treat for us. We never bottlenecked or got bored. Another cool thing about Decode Detroit is how INTO IT the staff are. A lot of times, escape room staff seem kind of embarrassed by the room backstories and mumble through their speeches. This is uncomfortable at best, but the person who took us into our room at Decode Detroit was confident and animated. We just loved her. Oh, and speaking of the room's story elements, they make sense! A lot of times, even in the best rooms, the story is either nonsensical ("There's been a nuclear holocaust and now you need to escape from your bunker and ....... die outside, or whatever.") or incomplete ("Escape from this injustice without doing anything to confront the bad guy or solve the problem."), but not here! You have the option to influence the outcome! I am SO HAPPY. If I had to make one complaint, it would be that there are a limited number of rooms available, but I wouldn't want them to rush opening a new one without the time and care they so obviously put into their first two/three. read more

The two decode locations (Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti) have been far and away the best rooms I've ever done. Coming from doing 20+ rooms in various states, I cannot recommend these highly enough. The production value is so much higher quality than traditional escape rooms, and every puzzle is excellent. Absolutely give any 'decode' room a shot, and you won't be disappointed! read more

I have been to two other escape rooms in LA and Novi and I had no idea what this one was about except it was AI related. It definitely wowed us, and we had a great time! The premise and room are well thought out, and I loved the enthusiasm of the staff! A group of 5 of us beat this with plenty of time to spare. It also comes with a part 2 FOUR scavenger hunts to do in downtown A2. We can't wait for a warm day to do them! And then come back for Minerva 3! :D read more

This was an amazing escape room! Well run, organized, and planned. The game was challenging yet fun and kept our focus for the entire time. The staff were friendly and it was very clean! Definitely recommend checking this place out! Also - you can check out their new location in Ypsilanti! read more

Visiting Ann Arbor I took it upon myself to entertain 2 teen age boys and husband on a rainy weekend and thankfully found Decode Ann Arbor. What a fantastic experience! My son's have done many Escape the Rooms and they said The Minerva Project is the most intellectually challenging one they had ever done. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did as well. Highly recommend Decode Ann Arbor!! read more

The other reviews say it so well, so I'll say after 6 escape rooms in 3 states Decode Ann Arbor is the best yet. Well thought out. I liked that the game host was in character, and sometimes there was more than one way to get the solution. We will be back. read more

This was my third escape room, and I have to say that it was definitely the most well-thought out! Not only was the technological story line modern and relateable, but it was very complete, with great character acting! The puzzles were also pretty tricky! We came with a group of 7, and had about 2 people on each puzzle, which felt like just the right amount! There were quite a few surprises, and the feeling you get after finishing a puzzle is great. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just leave it at that! :) The owners were so personable and welcoming! We got to chat with them about the design process, and I am just so impressed by their creativity and technical ability! Definitely make the reservation If you can! Not only do you get a great time, but you also get access to the extra city-wide scavenger hunt! Can't wait for the big finale! read more

This was my first Escape Room ever and I had a blast! I came with a group of 7 and we had a lot of fun working together to solve each puzzle. They had enough puzzles so that we could separate into smaller groups and distribute the work as well. We did The Minerva Project, which was a clever theme and great use of technology, and we finished in 47 minutes out of the 1 hour we were given. Like other reviews have mentioned, you can definitely see and appreciate the investment and passion from the owners. Decode Detroit has it all: creative puzzles, engaging staff, and free Hershey Kisses in the lounge! I would highly recommend checking this place out (especially if it's your first Escape Room experience), and I look forward to the next installment they have to offer! read more

This was only my second escape room, but it was really awesome! The puzzles were challenging but solvable and the hosts were solid actors. There was a Detroit theme to a few puzzles that made it extra fun. Can't wait to go back and do the second part! read more

Very clean, well-run, and interesting escape room. They can adjust the level of difficulty- easy, medium, hard, and hardest. Super nice staff was accommodating with our large group. Will go to again! read more

This was my first escape room and wow I was blown away by how much fun it was and how well it was set up! The games were engaging and had just the right amount of difficulty. The whole experience was well thought out and it is evident the folks at Decode Ann Arbor have meticulously planned out the rooms. I went with a group of my friends all in our 20's and we cannot wait to go back! read more

Was a nice family fun experience. Not too long to get through and is a good bonding experience.

So much fun!!! This place had challenging and interesting puzzles that make this place unique. It's not just the lock and riddle boring escape room but good use of technology to make it more interesting. read more

First timer, didn't know what to expect. But we were greeted by the most animated and friendly staffs. We had a great experience, one of us had done this type of things in the part, he had said this one was much nicer, and with interesting puzzles. read more

I was a first-time escape room participant last night. Went with a group of 14 year old girls and adults, including my nearly 80 year old Mom. I was skeptical that I would enjoy it because I enjoy playing loud, mindless games (e.g. Catch Phrase). I was nicely surprised, though. The puzzles are well thought out, creative, and have varying degrees of challenge. All of us were able to contribute in different ways. My favorite part was the interaction with the staff and with "Minerva"--the A.I. character who was both diabolical and hilarious. Hats off to the staff! read more

I experienced Minerva part 1 today with my wife, 2 year old daughter, brother, and mother. I was worried that my daughter would cry and scream at some point during the experience, but she was *mostly* well behaved as there was plenty of entertainment for her in the room. The puzzles were fun, challenging, and can be done in parallel, so Minerva part 1 scales well with any group size. Our host was extremely friendly and enthusiastic about ensuring my group had the most fun possible. His acting skills were even on par with those of Al Pacino in the movie "Scent of A Woman." OK, that part isn't true, but we all enjoyed his acting. Overall, our experience was truly excellent. read more

Was here today with my group of four and had four others join us. The staff was super friendly and available for questions. The game itself was fantastic. Very modern and extremely well thought out. Clues were provided discretely and it made it feel like you were never stuck. This was our first escape room and we had a blast. I'll have to try the free version of the game to see what that is like. But overall awesome experience! read more

Ok, so first off this place is AMAZING, and I'm about to give you all of the details on why (go down to the 2nd paragraph to skip straight to the game review)- but 1st I'll give you the background story of what led me to Decode Detroit. My stepdaughter is currently attending debate camp this month at the University of Michigan, so my family decided to do a road trip and visit her over the weekend. I was looking for something for our family to do which is made up of my husband, 2 teenage stepdaughters (ages 16 & 15), 2 young boys (ages 5 & 4), and me. As you can see, with that range of ages, finding an activity to do that suits everyone is sometimes a challenge. While looking for "Things to Do" on TripAdvisor, I found Decode Detroit. I called the business so that I could get more information and make sure that it was ok for our 4 & 5 year olds to participate. I spoke with a gentleman who was very polite & he patiently explained the information that I needed. He made me feel as if my (young) kids were totally welcome there. After some back & forth phone calls between my stepdaughter and this business, we got a time booked. When we showed up for the game, we weren't really sure what to expect, but upon meeting "Dr. Clark", we were all put at ease and ready to have fun with the game. I loved the role-playing aspect put on by the staff--it was an added element of novelty. I don't want to give away any of the puzzles/game, but I can tell you that my 4 & 5 year olds were not bored during this activity. There were plenty of things to keep them entertained, and they were even able to help us do some things, too. It was challenging, exciting, and just plain FUN!!! Let me just say, there's a reason these people are @ the top on TripAdvisor under "Fun & Games". I hope they continue growing in their success because these people are nothing short of awesome--on customer service, uniqueness of product, & fun factor. If you're on the fence about this experience, don't be! Just dive straight in, and I promise you won't regret it!!! Thank you Decode Detroit for a fun night with my family!!! read more

The best puzzle room that I have seen thus far! I was visiting from Philadelphia when I joined my sister and her friends for a nice afternoon of being locked in a room together. While I already enjoy the idea of being challenged, Decode Detroit takes it to another level through the use of technology and character acting. There was an obvious investment in this business that I have not seen at other chain puzzle rooms. Great job! I look forward to continuing the puzzle across the city and hope you open up other rooms soon! read more

A great experience for a group of college students looking for a weekend activity! Price is a little steep but the creativity put into the puzzles was definitely worth it. We liked the futuristic vibe of the room, a lot more organized than the previous escape rooms some of us have attended! Would go again. read more

The puzzles were challenging, but fun, and the Doctors were funny, and overall it was an awesome experience! I highly recommend this escape room! I read more

This was totally awesome. I went with a group of six friends. The guy really sold the experience, the story was fun, and everyone had a great time. We solved it with ten minutes to spare. We were all a little reticent over the price, but everyone had such a good time it was totally worth it. I don't want to ruin the puzzles so I won't mention those. read more

Had a great time with a group of four. Very friendly staff. The puzzles were challenging so you won't get bored, but not too challenging that you'll want to give up. Would recommend for team-building or a family friendly outing to appeal to a wide group. read more

Just got out with 4 minutes to spare! Very well thought out and thorough puzzles with fun story line! You can tell a lot of thought and effort went into it (great acting by employees!) Absolutely love the idea of part 2 and can't wait to go play!! Great job Decode Detroit! read more

Great escape room. The puzzles are challenging and well put-together. Very unique concepts and history about Detroit woven into both the puzzles and the overall storyline. Also Minerva looks and sounds awesome! She's the coolest main character of the story. read more

More challenging then our last locked room adventure. Nicely done, too bad we didn't succeed. We'll definitely be back.

Had a blast. Very well thought out by very passionate owners. This was my first escape room. I suspect I'll be back to try Part 3.