The Roundabout Hotel, Sansontiana

Personal entry:

The Roundabout Hotel is a remarkable place. It's situated in an alley, in the old center of Sansontiana. The entrance is an impressive mahogany door, old and a little battered through the centuries. It's roughly 10 foot wide and 15 foot high, and gives away the Hotel's long history.

Passed the entrance door the visitor enters an immense lobby. The floors are covered with marble from old Earth quarries. Tall standing plants - all from the local fauna - in immense wooden pots and floating chandeliers made from local volcanic glass, give it an impressive atmosphere.

The hotel reception is situated in the middle - also made of mahogany and equally massive and prominent as the door. The lobby is circular shaped with zero-G elevation shafts on both sides. The lobby extends upwards all the way to the roof of the Hotel, leaving the guest rooms, dining rooms and meeting rooms in a circular layout.

Working the zero-G shafts is an experience. You select the room you wish to visit on your hotel key chain and just step into the shaft. The zero-G device lifts you - or lets you descend for that matter - to the level where the room of your choice is located. When you've arrived at the right level, the shaft gently pushes you out to the floor.

The rooms are of equal decorum with large, comfortable beds and a butler to attend to guest's wishes. Clean underwear and clothes are included in price, however guests should be prepared to accept the classic style of the supplied garments. Skin dye is also available upon request, as is a selection of ointments and medicinal herbs for which also no additional charges are made.

The hotel restaurant, called "Rommen's Feast" (referring to a local historic figure), serves only local dishes and is famous for its cuisine. The chef creates a daily menu for luncheon and dinner. His dishes are considered exquisite and attract guests from all over the Oikumene. Non-residents should always make table reservations to avoid disappointment.

- Finn Komatsen