Stylish Stays Without the Luxury Price Tag - 6 Top Picks
I’ve been to over 200 hotels in Second Life since 2020, with a wide variety of price brackets. I’ve always been happy to pay for an immersive and well-designed resort, and there's certainly an audience for that kind of experience.
But not everyone has the Lindens (or the desire) to spend thousands on a virtual vacation. That's why I often get asked to check out free or super-affordable places. So, here are six top picks that are either free or almost free.
The Cortez (opens 20 Dec), Decopunk Metropolis.
One thing to keep in mind with most free hotels and motels is that privacy can be a bit of an issue. Anyone can usually wander into your room, and it's first-come, first-served. Many of these places are pretty quiet, so the chances of someone barging in on you are relatively slim.
Here are my recommendations in alphabetical order:
Bear Lake Mountain Resort
Bear Lake Mountain Resort is nestled in the Tanglewood National Park, which recreates the rugged beauty of Montana. The park itself is worth exploring, but the resort offers a self-service restaurant, a pool, a games area, and a corridor of surprisingly nice rooms. While the public areas look a bit dated, the rooms are quite good, with a spacious bedroom, a coffee machine, a minibar, and even a bathroom—a rarity in free accommodations in SL. Plus, you can enjoy views of the snowy mountains.
The furniture is pretty high-quality. For example, you'll find a Loft & Aria Kendall shower (adult) and a bed from the highly-rated Good Moaning.
SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BearClawMountain/113/97/46
Bonus: If you head down to the village, you'll stumble upon the Sunrise Motel, another free option with simpler rooms but those same Good Moaning beds. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tanglewood/163/28/25
The Continental
The Continental holds a special place in my heart. It's where I am often to be found—in fact, my office is there. This unique hotel and club blend various styles, from cyberpunk to Victorian, creating a truly eclectic atmosphere.
The main building has several levels to explore, including a spa, conservatory, rooftop bar, library, and a floor filled with themed rooms.
While The Continental is free to visit, using the furniture in most (but not all) rooms requires a one-time fee of 500L.
Don't miss the chance to wander through the city beyond the hotel, with its Red Dragon lounge, sushi bar, fairground, and pub. Created by Thecla, it is one of my favourite spots in Second Life, and I highly recommend taking the time to discover its hidden corners.
SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Continental/174/212/35
The Cortez (from December 20th)
The Cortez is part of Hera's incredible Decopunk Metropolis project. Hera's builds tend to be temporary, so catch this one while you can. It'll be open from December 20th (Noon SLT) throughout the holiday season.
Located within the city, The Cortez, like the rest of the metropolis, seamlessly blends Art Deco with dieselpunk and retrofuturistic influences. I'm a big fan of this aesthetic—it's like stepping into a 1930s vision of the future.
The Cortez features a bar with an AI bartender, a reception area, and several upstairs rooms decorated in a glamorous Art Deco style. Think palm tree lamps, geometric patterns, and an overall vibe that's both opulent and mysterious, like a classic Hollywood film set.
The entire Decopunk Metropolis project is a must-see.
SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Themyscira/124/102/2342
(Thanks to creator Hera for the sneak peek before the official opening)
Ikisou Love Hotel
Second Life has a few Japanese-style love hotels, but I believe I've found the best one in the futuristic, neon-lit Ikisou City.
The rooms are beautifully decorated, each with its own distinct theme, and the furniture is excellent. You'll find the USDesigns Lerna bed (one of my favourites in SL) and more options from Good Moaning.
The wider sim is quite adult-oriented and offers plenty to see and do, including a fantastic onsen (hot spring), neon-drenched city streets perfect for photos, and a variety of shops and cafes.
SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Angel%20Bliss/150/196/2676
The Lost Oasis
The Lost Oasis is an expansive adult retreat that started as a small spa and blossomed into a full-fledged destination. Owner Eve Heartsong has transformed the original Oasis spa into a larger complex that now includes a hotel, theatre, gym, and various entertainment venues.
The main complex boasts a hotel with a courtyard, reception area, and multiple bedrooms. Three free rooms are available (though not private), furnished with high-quality items, including a CS Castle Romero bed. The architecture has a tropical/hacienda feel, with meticulous attention to detail.
Whether you're looking for relaxation, entertainment, or adult activities, The Lost Oasis offers a visually appealing environment for a virtual tropical escape. The hammam (Turkish bath) is a particular highlight.
SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Keranio/85/159/1290
Hotel Balkan / Yugopolis
Step back in time to pre-1990s Southeastern Europe in Yugopolis, a small but detailed region dedicated to the former Yugoslavia. You'll find nostalgic touches like graffiti, a public cinema playing classic films, and the Hotel Balkan.
The rooms have a slightly faded aura, with shag pile carpets, heavy drapes, and old-fashioned sofas. While the exterior of the hotel is fairly basic, the interior is much more impressive. The furniture and the entire area are adult-oriented.
The hotel also includes a small rooftop pool and a self-service cafe and restaurant is downstairs.
