Maya and I recently explored Hotel X in Second Life. This isn't your typical virtual getaway – it's a cyberpunk-inspired adventure that pushes the boundaries of what you might expect in a Second Life hotel. Here are our impressions:

First Impressions: A Striking Entrance

As you approach Hotel X, you're greeted by a shiny, dark red entrance that immediately sets the tone. It's clear from the start that this place is different, making a strong first impression.

In the notecard, you can get at reception, where you are told that this "isn't your usual high-end SL hotel." That's putting it mildly.

Owner and creator, Mystique (angela8686) further says in her profile that she saw a lot of people talking about “boring nude beaches or other adult places with no security or old places that look like crap and don't even have the right adult furniture.” And so, she “made this hotel to help with all these issues I've seen in SL and with innovative features you tend not to see either very much or anywhere.”

Mystique ends by saying “I wanted to make a cool virtual world for a long time. It took a lot of work.” That really comes through; this is obviously a real passion project. As Mystique subsequently told us, the whole place is also inspired by a computer game hotel called the Konpeki Paza.

The good, the bad and the neon.

Hotel X's design is ambitious, blending various futuristic themes. Here's what we found:

1 - Theming: It's a mix of cyber, sakura, and northern lights influences. Some areas nail the aesthetic, but others feel very disconnected with a lack of consistency

2 - Layout: Four floors of futuristic design, all conveniently connected by an elevator.

3 - Unique Features: Expect some pleasant surprises that set Hotel X apart from other Second Life hotels.

Maya, who runs a venue herself, had some suggestions about what could be done to iron out some of the design glitches

• "A matte black floor would really let the neon elements pop."

• "Organizing the themes by area could create a more cohesive visual experience."

Rooms: From Budget-Friendly to High-End

Room prices range from an affordable 200L to a luxurious 1400L. We preferred some of the more modestly priced options.

For example, for 400L, you can enjoy a cyber room that feels like it's straight out of Blade Runner 2049. The pricier suites, while spacious, sometimes suffer from the theming inconsistencies mentioned earlier, and we didn't feel the extra space was really worth it. More really isn't always more.

Note that it’s possible to rent out the rooms by the hour. So the cheapest 200L room, comes out at only 9L an hour, if that’s something you are after.

A standout feature:

• Furniture Rezzers: Choose from popular brands like Cumming Soon, Good Moaning, and Ruckus for beds with some newer designers featured like Le Louve and isil. While some SL resorts have bed rezzers, Hotel X goes one stage further and provides sofa rezzers and even showers. It's a level of customisation we haven't seen elsewhere.

Amenities: A Futuristic Playground

With the free group membership, you'll gain access to a variety of amenities:

• Nightclub: Currently a work in progress, the downstairs shows a mish-mash of styles, but the upstairs games room is more consistent.

• Pool and VIP Bar: This area features a striking black obsidian pool. Like in other areas, a few design changes could make this area exceptional.

• Photo Studio: Perfect for capturing your cyberpunk fantasies.

• Porn Cinema: This features the sofa and bed rezzers you find in the rooms, and you can actually hire this out for 200L a day for complete privacy. Couples looking for an adult adventure might want to consider this.

• Cyber Race Track: An exhilarating go-kart experience with gravity-defying loops. It was like something out of Tron.

Additional Notes

• Lag: We experienced minimal lag during our visit. You do however need a PBR viewer

• Room Rental: You get a 120-second preview before committing, and then rent at the door

• Adult Themes: This is strictly an adult-oriented venue, not suitable for family roleplay. All tastes and lifestyles are welcome, but not child play

• Group membership: To enjoy some of the areas on the 4th floor, you need to join the group which is free

The Verdict: A Unique Adult playground with Room to Grow

Hotel X is like an ambitious art project – it's daring, occasionally puzzling, but ultimately fascinating. It has some areas that could use refinement but also offers a unique experience.

For adults seeking a cyberpunk adventure that goes beyond the usual Second Life offerings, Hotel X delivers an intriguing and memorable stay.

While not everything lands perfectly, the overall experience is definitely worth checking out, and we very much enjoyed our visits.

If you're in the mood for something different that blends futuristic aesthetics with adult-oriented amenities, head to Hotel X. Recommended.

SLURL