Hotel Shepheard: Where 1940s Cairo Springs to Life
Two resort creators I rate highly, Magnolia Masquerade and Beric, have returned with a new venture. Unlike their previous excellent destinations, including the (now shut) Kidaka Resort and Montenegro, this project takes a different direction. In fact, it’s not really a resort at all, ‘Kairo 1940’ is a detailed roleplay environment featuring a historically inspired hotel.
As the name suggests, their latest creation recreates 1940s Cairo, centred around the iconic Hotel Shepheard. Upon arrival, visitors receive guidance in German, establishing the tone for a structured roleplay experience set during this pivotal period in Egyptian history. Period-appropriate dress is encouraged, particularly during active roleplay sessions.
Access to the city comes via a camel teleport system. While the sim offers various areas to explore, my main interest, and the subject of this post, was obviously the hotel.
The Hotel: A Colonial Era Icon Reborn
The exterior immediately establishes the historical context, with period automobiles positioned beneath towering palm trees and classic colonial architecture featuring grand arched windows and crimson awnings. Carefully positioned lighting illuminates the entrance, leading to a lobby that sets the tone for the entire establishment.
The interior demonstrates meticulous attention to architectural accuracy. The famous Long Bar (named not for its size but for the time it took to get served) serves as a centrepiece.
This atmospheric space features table lamps casting pools of light across its surfaces. The public areas showcase geometric marble flooring, ornate ceiling details, and period-appropriate furnishings. A well-appointed lounge offers leather armchairs and oriental carpets arranged before carved marble fireplaces.
Guest rooms, available for 50L per night, maintain the historical aesthetic. Featuring Pitaya Boho Chic beds (a bed creator that was new to me), marble flooring, and classical wall panelling, these spaces balance period accuracy with comfort. While historically authentic in most aspects, I noted the absence of bathrooms.
The rooftop provides additional social spaces, including gazebos offering views across the simulated Cairo skyline. Mosque domes and minarets create a nice backdrop, particularly striking after dark. While the environment automatically switches to night settings on Sundays and Wednesdays for roleplay purposes, evening environments generally offer the most atmospheric experience and I would recommend switching to it while you are there.
The surrounding district includes several notable locations, particularly the Dunesborough Club, which complements the hotel's atmosphere with its own blend of luxury and intrigue. One thing I didn’t like so much was the large number of mesh people (NPCs), but these can be derendered .
Practical Information for Visitors
Kairo 1940 offers an interesting destination for both casual visitors and roleplay enthusiasts. During my visit, an active roleplay session was in progress, with participants remaining focused on their narrative (in German) while ignoring my tourist presence. However, visitors should remember this is primarily a roleplay environment.
Practical Considerations:
Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/DA%20Estate/18/236/23
Room Rate: 50L per night
Access: Open to visitors; roleplayers require character registration
Notable Features: Period-accurate architecture, rooftop social areas, library
Best Viewing: Recommended during night settings
Special Notes: Roleplay occurs on Sundays and Wednesdays
Hotel Shepheard's succeeds in capturing both historical authenticity and functional design. The attention to architectural detail, reasonable accommodation rates, and atmospheric public spaces make it a noteworthy destination for anyone interested in experiencing this slice of 1940s Cairo.
