Review - Le Martinez
Note - this hotel now seems to be shut
La Croisette is a famous beach front promenade in Cannes, France, which includes a number of hotels - most notably the Hyatt owned Le Martinez. A version of both the promenade and the Martinez hotel have now been recreated in Second Life.
I went to stay on the day after it opened. My conclusion is that the destination as a whole is well worth a visit, but I'm less convinced about the hotel.
Overall look and feel
The hotel is on the promenade, opposite the beach, housed in a modern 'box' type building. There is a reception (and bot receptionist), and a pool /bar at the side of the hotel. I did see an advert and notecard for a masseuse, but I couldn’t see an actual spa, perhaps that is still being built (or perhaps she provides in room service).
On the wall by reception there's a list of rooms to rent. The TP to the rooms didn't work, but hopefully this is something that will be ironed out. In the meantime you can reach them via the elevator in the lobby.
La Croisette meanwhile is a long boulevard, with steps leading down to the beach. On one side you'll find a cafe, a few shops, and an apartment block with long term rentals. The beach has a restaurant, a marina, as well as a sunbathing / lounging area.
La Croisette is on the mainland, meaning you can rez a car here (there's a car rez point, that gives you either a Range Rover or a Lamborghini) and explore other areas. It's also right next to the Abyss Observatory, a kind of underwater world and museum, which is worth a visit in its own right.
Overall the actual destination looks great, and the impression you get is that this is where 95% of the effort went. When you go to the (e.g.) Plaza or Rizzi, the hotel really is the centre piece of everything. Not here. You can easily enjoy everything La Croisette has to offer, without setting foot in Le Martinez.
Rating - The hotel 2.5 / 5, The destination 4 / 5
The rooms
The rooms all have different themes. For example, there's a white room, a pink room, a room ‘noir’ and a neon room.
In terms of the decor, the rooms didn't wow me. Despite the theming of the different rooms, it seemed kind of sterile. I almost felt as if bedroom furniture had been placed in an office block.
My room did have a bath, shower and sink - but no WC. Half the rooms have this, and half don't. Why? Was it an oversight? The room also had a bar and coffee area
Rating - 2 / 5
Facilities and amenities
Next to the main building there's one of the better hotel pools you'll find in SL, along with a bar. But again, it’s possible to go to the bar and pool without staying here.
Along La Croisette and the beach itself, there is a nice waterfront restaurant where someone is usually around European evenings to serve you (otherwise there are self service menus).
The beach has areas to sit, and there's a rezzer, where you can get a small inflatable boat. As mentioned, there is also a car rezzer, if you want to explore the mainland.
Rating - 4.5 / 5
Animations
The anims in the public areas all have sitting / reading / drinking (wine / coffee) options, which is a plus. The bed in the room was a Loft & Aria Gianna (adult) bed.
Rating - 4 / 5
Other things
Is the sim adult? Mature, but much of the public furniture had adult settings
Lag - Very little
Privacy - The rooms have security panels
Prices - 100L a night
Overall
If you are going to create a hotel in Second Life that's in an 'open' sim, which anyone can visit, you have to give people a reason to pay to stay. Or make it free, so it becomes just a hangout and photo spot.
Unfortunately neither is the case here. I liked the destination, La Croisette, a lot and I recommend giving it a visit. But actually staying in the Martinez won’t add much to your overall experience.
If you do want to stay in a city / resort hotel check out the Rizzi, Essencia or Plaza.
