This study reviews and evaluates the use of a business simulation, specifically the hotel operational training simulation (HOTS) as it applies to tourism and hospitality education. An extensive self‐report survey was used to examine the participant’s experience. The questions were categorized into three dimensions: learning experience, alternative method of instruction; and critical and analytical thinking ability. In addition, there were questions relating to the participant’s overall satisfaction with the learning experience, and a further evaluation based on the participant’s level of involvement in the simulation. The simulation as an alternative form of instruction, the learning experience outcomes and critical and analytical thinking were found to be significant predictors of participant’s satisfaction. Further, the results suggested that there was a significant difference between the responses of those who felt they were highly involved and those who felt they were less involved in the simulation.

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