It doesn't look cheap? It looks like a Ren Faire! You're not being transported to a foreign land or time, you've entered a festival turned sinister. It's a really unique and fun twist on the theming of the best zones that have gone into the area - public gathering turning horrific.
If it was straight up stone, instead of painted stone walls, it would look medieval. While I would love a medieval/fantasy zone, making it a Ren Faire also allows for better theming in contrast to its surrounding environment. The suspension of belief is much easier to maintain. I hope the people in the torture devices look like guests.