Introduction

Note - because a lot has been added to The Continental, I’ve published an update here. This second review focuses as much on the wider city as the Hotel.

There are times in Second Life when you stumble upon a creation so extraordinary, it begs the question: Where is everyone?

This was my reaction upon my first encounter with The Continental, created by Thecla.

In a single word, The Continental is astonishing.

To truly grasp the essence of The Continental, you really need to experience it first-hand ( the SLURL is here).  In the meantime, I’ll do my best to do it justice in this post so you know what to expect.

Overview

The Continental is nestled in a wider sim that is worthy of exploration. However, the hotel itself has seven levels currently open to the public, each with its own distinct appeal. 

These include a subterranean spa, a swanky lounge/bar, a nightclub, a sophisticated office, and an elevated rooftop pool. It also has two beautifully designed rooms, with more on the way.

How to describe it stylistically?  The pictures give a hint, but to me it was as if the Bat Cave was meeting the enigmatic world of the Illuminati. Luxurious, dark tones pervade the atmosphere, encapsulating the ambiance of a clandestine society.

In fact, the initial inspiration stemmed from the John Wick TV mini-series, where the Continental exists as a chain of secret hotels for assassins.

Thecla though has really taken this a step further describing the end result to me as "a mashup - cyber, steampunk, Victorian, modern, etc. everything." These different influences seamlessly blend, maintaining a consistent aesthetic throughout.

Furnishings, predominantly adult in nature, hail from high end SL brands, such as Lalou bar stools and sofas in the lounge and Trompe L'Oeil loungers in the library.

The rooms

Thecla has just opened the doors to the first two hotel rooms.  One has a Victorian dark-luxury theme, and the other has Asian decor, both in line with other areas of the building

Quite honestly the rooms blew me away.  They are easily the size of suites you find in SL Hotels that will cost you 500-1000L plus.  

That makes it more incredible that they are free to use.  Thecla says that she will review this in the New Year, and may restrict the rooms to group members, and possibly also charge for the group.  That’s a very good reason to join the Continental Group now.

Both rooms have a large open plan layout with a sitting area on one end, and a bath on the other, with the bed in the middle.

The bed in the Victorian themed room is from Cumming Soon, while the Asian one has a Nutmeg Bohemian Loft bed, which has FF as well as MF options.

There are more rooms in the works, including one that apparently has a Persian / Indian mix, and another that will be reminiscent of Versailles.

Distinctive Areas

1. The rooms.  See above. There are two for now, with more on the way.

2. The Spa: Situated in the basement, this Roman-themed spa has erotic Pompeii vibes with a contemporary twist. Historical wall murals add an intriguing dimension to the experience.

3. The Lounge: Featuring a reception desk with room keys behind it, the main lounge/bar area embodies opulence and sophistication.

4. The Spirit Night Club: Imbued with a Shanghai or Hong Kong nightclub theme, this venue boasts dark red hues and a dragon statue at the entrance.

5. The Library: Currently adorned with festive Xmas decorations, the library conceals numerous nooks and private areas, providing an intimate escape.

6. The Office: Resembling the lair of a gangland boss, the office adds an intriguing layer to the overall experience.

7. The Sky Terrace: This elevated space encompasses a bar, a pool, and a dance area.

Finally, look out for the different hidden areas, as well as a growing number of Easter Eggs planted around the building.

The Continental does host occasional events, details of which can be found by joining the group.

Other things to know

• The Continental is adult

• I encountered very little lag, being able to run very high graphics on a macbook with no issues

• The rooms are free for now, that may change in future

• However that does mean that they are not private

In Conclusion

This website has given me the chance to see a lot of places in Second Life, and The Continental undeniably stands out as one of my favourites. 

Thecla's creation demands and deserves exploration.  Also, though it’s outside the fairly specialised scope of what I do, I encourage any destination blogger reading this to cover the wider sim, which has a great deal to offer in its own right.

Highly recommended

The Continental's SLURL