The Rosewilde Hotel: A Journey Through Time
Summary:
The Rosewilde Palace Hotel is a sprawling, castle-like structure with parts dating back to 2008.
It offers something of a journey through the evolution of SL graphics, with more modern additions tacked onto a pre-mesh build. While the hotel boasts extensive facilities and free rooms, the eclectic blend of styles and lack of cohesion didn't quite fit together for me.
However, it's still worth a visit for those who appreciate older SL structures or want a cost-free stay in a castle setting. SLURL
Overall look and feel
The Rosewilde Hotel is a hotel nestled within a castle, which appears to have originated in 2010, though I spotted a few items that were a little older. I have been reviewing SL Hotels for over three years, and this place never crossed my radar until recently, so I assume it was taken away and returned earlier this year.
The Rosewilde spans several levels, with a maze-like structure of corridors flanked by rooms on either side.
There are also extensive grounds and a pool, some of which are more recent additions. It must have been a magnificent sight and undertaking when it was built. Indeed, in terms of size and space, it’s vast.
The mix of ages creates a jarring experience, where you walk into an area like the opulent gold ballroom and drawing room that might be seen in a more recent SL build, only to venture down a corridor and find yourself transported back in time for 15 years. It's a disconcerting journey that showcases the evolution of SL graphics.
Whether you're a fan of pre-mesh or not, what didn't quite work for me was the mish-mash of furniture styles, designs, and artworks that ranged from Japanese influences to colourful fantasy-fairy imagery.
The rooms
These come in all shapes and sizes, from cosy bedrooms to spacious suites. They all appear free, and you can 'rent' simply by clicking the sign on the door. However, the beds and sofas are PG, so this is not a place for adult activities.
Most don’t appear to be en-suite, but I spotted some bathrooms in some corridors.
Facilities
The Rosewilde has a lot to offer. There's a pool and gardens outside, with the pool featuring a swim rezzer for added convenience.
You'll find a sauna and spa, various drawing rooms, and a library inside the hotel. A train station out front provides easy access (the train doesn’t go anywhere).
Other things to note
The hotel is moderate
I experienced no lag issues during my visit
Rooms are free
Overall
SL retro doesn’t appeal to me very much; I don’t think older structures stand the test of time very well, given how things have evolved.
Given that a lot of investment had obviously been made in more recent furniture, I wondered if putting this in a more modern off-the-shelf castle or chateau build wouldn't make more sense.
This is especially true as it failed to create a cohesive experience for me, given the mix of different items' styles, designs and ages.
Having said that, I know plenty of people like older SL buildings, seeing it as a bit of SL history. If so, and if you want to stay in a castle while preserving your Ls, the Rosewilde Palace Hotel might be what you're looking for.
