Jan 2022 - Holiday Hill has now closed for the Winter

Holiday Hill @ Little Salem,  is one of the number of Festive themed sims that have sprung up over the past few weeks, and it featured in my recent Christmas round-up.

Because this is a temporary holiday experience (it is open in Dec and is scheduled to close in the New Year), I’ve not reviewed it quite the same as I would ‘standard’ hotels, but hopefully this post will still give you a picture of what to expect.

In summary, it’s a pleasing, well designed sim that might not be as activity packed as some other options (and you might not even want this), but it is a good place to spend a few days over the holidays., especially as a couple.

Huge thanks goes to the incredibly talented Sophia Reynolds, who came with me and helped me with photography.  I’ve indicated which pictures are hers.

Overall look and feel

Holiday Hill is centred around a lodge, which includes a bar and lounge. The lodge also has the rental boards for both the chalets and igloos.

Outside the lodge, you’ll find the outdoor winter area which includes a sleigh area (with a post where you can rez one) with a hill to race down, and some fairly extensive hot springs. There is also a cafe and a restaurant.

The rooms

There are two types of rooms, there are chalets at 1200L a week and igloos at 1500.

Both are really well decorated, but my recommendation would be to spend a bit more and go for the igloos.

These include a Strawberry Cozy (Adult) bed.  If you’ve read my other reviews you’ll know that I personally am not a fan of Ruckus, so full marks to sim owner Agnes Whittle for not going for what’s often the default option at hotels I visit.

There is also a Zerakolo Toulouse freestanding bathtub, which is a good choice.  Outside the igloo itself, you’ve then got a Trompe Loiel Taleo Hot Springs Pool - this is PG.

Agnes has put illuminated Christmas decorations around the igloo, which contrast nicely with the chosen sim environment (which has a kind of Northern Lights feel about it).

One downside for me was the lack of a full bathroom (e.g. sink and WC in addition to a bath). I personally like high levels of realism, and prefer places I stay to have one.  However, I’m also aware that for many SL residents, this is a non issue.

The facilities

As mentioned, there is the main lodge, hot springs, and the sleigh riding area.

I’m also told that Holiday Hill will be hosting periodic events / parties over the Christmas holidays.  These I assume will take place in the cafe and restaurant, which you can find further on down from the hot springs. 

This is an open sim, meaning you can actually visit all of it, even if you are not saying here.

The animations

This is an adult sim, so probably not an option for families.  As mentioned, the rooms contain adult furniture and the springs also have a mix of PG and adult anims.

Other considerations

Prices - 1200+ a week

Lag - I didn’t find it too bad, I got 21fps on a 2019 Macbook Pro running graphics on very high

Privacy - Chalets and igloos are in skyboxes

Summary

Overall I really liked it here, and I think creator Agnes Whittle has done an excellent job.  I highly recommend it - however, I would say it is a couple’s retreat as opposed to a family or group getaway place.

Holiday Hill @ Little Salem SLURL

My thanks again goes to Sophia for her help, if you don’t already follow her, click here.