World's first Beatles-themed hotel ready to open

Jan 30 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

The new Hard Day's Night hotel in Liverpool

THE final preparations are under way for the opening of the Hard Day’s Night Hotel – the world’s first Beatles-themed venue of its kind.

The new Liverpool hotel opens on Friday morning, and it is currently a round the clock job for staff to ensure the imposing North John Street destination is in top shape for its scheduled influx of international visitors.

In recent days, manager Michael Dewey has spoken with journalists from France, Brazil, Germany and America, with CNN amongst the television channels interested in the hotel.

The Daily Post had a behind-the-scenes look at the last-minute touches as the final artworks and sculptures were put into place.

Although most of the 110 rooms are now finished, each with their own individual Beatles’ artwork by American artist Shannon, the two £650-per-night Lennon and McCartney suites are still being completed.

Yesterday granite slabs etched with portraits of the band were fixed to the exterior of the building.

Mr Dewey said: “Even though we were aware it would attract a lot of attention, I don’t think any of us have been prepared for the degree of media interest.

“The most important thing to us is that as soon as people hear the hotel is themed, people think it is going to be ‘cheap and tacky’. So we have to get it across that it isn’t – first and foremost it is a four star hotel, with a twist.

“We have had bookings from all over the world, mostly around the time of major events at the area, the tall ships, the Open, and we could be full for the Mathew Street Festival now.

“There is a level of anxiety and nervousness, but I think all of us just want to get on with it and just get those doors open and do our job.”

The hotel boasts a restaurant, brasserie, two bars, and even its own chapel room for civil wedding ceremonies, of which six have already been booked.

As plans developed since work began in 2004, organisers kept Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr abreast of progress, and stress that although The Beatles do not endorse the hotel, they appear to have a “quiet acquiescence” with the project.

John Lennon’s sister Julia Baird has visited the site on a number of occasions, the head of Apple Corp has taken a look, and Paul McCartney’s brother Mike has photographed work on the hotel as it has gone on.

Bill Heckle and David Jones of Cavern City Tours first had the idea of setting up a Beatles hotel.

Mr Heckle, who is now a consultant on the project, said: “It is very satisfying to get to this stage.

“It is something that started out as a germ of an idea 15 years ago, and has been the worst – and best – idea we ever had.

“To actually see it completed is absolutely magnificent.

“It is going to shock people who are expecting something naff – it is as good if not better as any of the leading hotels in the city.”

vickyanderson