Bed Bug Hotel

By Grey Lupindo

     I like to travel in RL almost as much as I like traveling in SL.  So the thought of visiting a site that focuses on the RL epidemic of bed bugs gave me the willies.   But since knowledge is the key to solving a problem, I put on my stoic outfit and went to the Bed Bug Hotel located at Morrill3 (63, 44, 24).     

     The official name of this establishment is The LittleTown Inn.   A notecard at the entrance gives out valuable information on how to use the site and is worth reading.    Inside are a desk clerk and your suitcase.   You’ll need to pick up your suitcase and go to the elevators located to the right of the clerk.   A quick click will teleport you to your room.      

        In the hallway are a few informational signs that you can quickly scan.  The real information is inside Room 101.  When you go in, you will see a lot of little numbered cards.   I clicked on them in order, but you don’t have to be too precise.   Each one gives you a bit more information as well as a clue to solving a riddle.   I recommend jotting down the clues since you’ll need to be able to see them later.  This will save you re-opening a lot of notecards.

       The information was helpful and somewhat reassuring.  I’m not sure that I will follow the advice in RL, but it’s good information to have.   The important things to remember are that bed bugs can be anywhere, even in “nice” hotels, they don’t carry any diseases, and they can be easily killed.   That said, they are still creepy and the site might be too much for anyone with a serious bug phobia.  If you fall into this category, skip the video presentation.   They show slides of real bed bugs.  The notecards give you lots of tips and things to do to protect yourself.  If you want to learn even more, check out http://citybugs.tamu.edu/2011/04/12/bed-bugs-in-your-hotel.

        It only takes a few minutes to zip through the hotel room if you don’t hunt for the hidden bed bug.   There is only one, and you get a prize if you find it.   I love hunts, but the idea of finding even a pixel bed bug grossed me out.   I skipped the hunt.   

         The second contest is a word game that seemed simple to me.  I was sure I had it right, but I never got a prize.  Good luck and let me know if you solve it.

          Littletown is an educational sim created by Cooperative Extension.   Some of the residents involved with the project are Thynka Little and DFox Spitteler.   Cooperative Extension is involved with interactive learning and is supported by over 70 land-grant universities in the U.S.    In RL there are over 3000 county Extension offices throughout the country.

            Since visiting the hotel won’t take long, I suggest you take a quick peek at the rest of Littletown.  It is a typical American small town.  If you grew up in one, it may bring back memories.    A good place to start is Littletown, Morrill3 (75, 67, 24).   

          I found a cute sewing shop, something that is fairly unusual in SL.  You can sit for a few minutes and check out some web pages that link to information on fabric, yarns, and sewing machines.    A sewing machine near the back wall lets you practice your skills.   You can even change the color and type of fabric.  

              Many of the builds are store fronts only.   However, there’s a fire station, a church, a pizza parlor, and a coffee shop that are open.   A few places, like the hardware store and the flower shop appear to be under construction.  They were open and somewhat decorated, but none of the items were for sale or gave out information.  There was another building that was clearly marked with yellow tape and construction signs.  

               There appears to be a carnival at the edge of town and another large section involves agriculture.   I didn’t have time to check them out, but I plan to go back soon.  It looks like Littletown and the Morrill sim are growing and evolving, which is good news. 

Grey Lupindo

Casablanca Hotel

Recently I visited The Casablanca Suites & Hotel Beach Resort, located at Casablanca Hotel (207, 51, 32). The Hotel was built by Patch Thibaud, and Frolic Mills is CEO. In addition to the Hotel, the Resort includes a residential community, convention center, country club, chapel, shopping, theatres, and more.

The Hotel Manager, BlackBarbie Bravin, has been the manager for 6 months, and she has one of the most glamorous work sites in SL. She gave me a VIP tour of the hotel, including a luxury suite and penthouse. We met in the lobby, which is a bold mix of red, leopard, and black. A subtropical floral centerpiece, created by Lilith Heart of Heart Nursery, accentuates the exotic luxury of the Casablanca Hotel. The red and black couches are perfect for meeting friends before an evening out.

Two small shops are located on the left side of the lobby. Casablanca Boulevard has unique sandals, and KPD (Kathrin Pearl Designs) has upscale ladies fashions. My favorite KPD is the Autumn Winds ensemble. It’s an entire outfit in a box: mini skirt, sweater, belt, bangles, brown leather boots, and a sculpted fur jacket (fake fur, I hope). In addition to the lobby stores, Bravin told me there are over 80 shops located here.

Rich, gold paneling carries the exotic theme from the lobby into an area that serves as a meeting room or a space for small parties. Deep red carpet gives this room a quiet, plush feel. Five small couches, each with a table big enough to hold a pair of wine glasses and a cheese tray, are located along one curved wall. A hallway gleaming with polished black marble leads to the formal ballroom. Bravin said the ballrooms are available for guests at no additional charge, and non-guests can rent the space for special events. They have had weddings and dinners in the formal ballroom. Glass doors open out to the lake side of the Hotel. There are water fountains, a nearby mall, and even a white sandy beach where you can catch some rays.

On the opposite side of the Hotel hallway is a spectacular infinity pool. You can sit at one of the umbrella tables, sip a tropical drink, and gaze at a stunning view of the ocean. For a more romantic evening, there are four private dining tents on the far side of the pool.

The most fantastic part of the Hotel—the suites and penthouses—are not public. There are eight regular suites and two penthouse suites. Bravin explained that for privacy and security reasons the rooms are accessed by landmark only. The rooms are available, however, for residential or limited rental. Approximately 4 to 6 SL residents live here full time. Contact her for rates and details.

First Bravin showed me the suite, and I was amazed at how spacious and beautiful it was. The living room had a fireplace and lots of room to entertain. Beautiful art and floral arrangements are found in every room, too. Bravin explained that Frolic Mills, along with Editorial Clarity, did the interior decorating. There was also a large bedroom with an adjacent bath.

On our way to the penthouse, Bravin told me that the Casablanca Hotel is home to a SL celebrity. Miss Virtual World 2011, Serene Faith, has a Master suite here. It was part of the prize package she won in the pageant.

The Penthouse was also lavishly decorated. The first floor was spacious, and it also had a fireplace and romantic balconies. A small staircase led to a hot tub that was tucked discretely in one corner. Another staircase led to a second floor and additional rooms. Bravin explained that any of the furnishings could be changed or removed at the guest’s request. “The goal,” Ms. Bravin said, “is to make you never want to leave.”

The Casablanca Hotel reached its goal with me. I would have loved to stay longer. When I mentioned to Bravin that the Hotel would make a lovely Valentine get-away, she smiled and said they already have a Valentine’s Hunt planned. The dates for the Hunt are February 14 – 28. I’ve already marked my calendar.

Grey Lupindo