The concept of a Beatles themed hotel in Liverpool had been prevalent amongst Beatles enthusiasts in the city since the late 1980's. The choice of a suitable location and the finance to make the vision a reality only came together in 2004 when plans were finalised to convert one of Liverpool's classic city centre buildings into a luxurious 4 star hotel.

From an early stage the objective was to create a unique environment that offered high quality hotel facilities with an exciting and interesting 'twist' in the clever presentation of a theme that would be both subtle yet challenging in the way the incredible story of the Beatles was told. Located in the 'Beatles Quarter' of the city adjacent to the world famous Cavern Club, the Hard Days Night Hotel will feature visually stunning specially commissioned artwork covering key events in the lives of four lads from Liverpool whose fame knows no boundaries.

http://www.harddaysnighthotel.com

Chocolate is one of life's pleasures. That's fine for the chocoholics, who defend chocolate from all kind of accusations coming from all the diet fanatic. Calories, irritation, inflammation? That's all lies. Chocolate has got thousands of merits and unending possible ways to be used.

Chocolate cheers up: flops, betrayals, unfairness of life, sadness for lost love and never had relationships, chocolate works out everything. In the greedy hearts clear comes again. Chocolate is exciting: it's like caffeine, but knowbody knows...

http://www.chocohotel.it/eng/index.htm

  The new design of Angelini is distinctly more casual, hip, warm and sophisticated, with a modern décor suitable for a bustling lifestyle. Lifestyle menus and a progressive wine list, a chill-out terrace lounge and live entertainment complement the new and vibrant Angelini.

Designed by California interior designer Baldauf Catton Von Eckartsberg (BCV) Architects, the new Angelini is trendy while retaining its emphasis on authenticity in a casual and informal ambience. The restaurant’s design, lighting, tabletops and staff uniforms are modern and chic.

  The decoration and design offer a contemporary and vibrant cream-coloured interior, with two different zones on three levels, which are accessed by staircases. The monochromatic framework sets the stage for a distinct modern interior with light materials against darks, translucent against opaque, polished against honed and slick against organic.

  The restaurant features a variety of dining sections with  flexible  seating arrangements, booth seating and semi-private areas are available at the first level. The semi-private room, with views of the poolside and the Chao Phraya river, creates a more intimate dining and lifestyle experience. The main dining area on the second level features an enlarged open kitchen area and has distinctive characteristics and finishes, creating an ideal setting for all dining occasions.

The lounge on the lower level, with two new stylish bar areas, has a seating capacity of 100 guests. Angelini bars are one of Bangkok’s chic hang-outs for locals, expatriates and hotel guests to enjoy great meals and a selection of 200 world-class wines and exciting cocktails, and to chill-out in the bar while listening to nightly live entertainment and the resident DJ’s sounds. The lower level also features an outdoor terrace, one of the hot spot seating areas, which opens from noon to closure of the restaurant. Alfresco dining is an additional option to enhance the ambience of the new Angelini.

The multi-purpose oven for roasting, grilling, pizza and bread give elements of activity to the interactive dining atmosphere. The new Angelini provides lifestyle Mediterranean cuisine with a modern presentation in an energetic and friendly setting, complemented by one of Asia’s largest wine selections and displays. The food is innovative, simple, healthy and light using authentic ingredients with a natural look and taste, while retaining the appeal of gourmet cooking.

Opened in 1995, Angelini is regarded as one of the top Italian restaurants in the city, home to some 250 Italian restaurants, and has received many prestigious accolades, including the “Best Italian Restaurant” by readers of Bangkok Dining and Entertainment Guidebook and being named as one of the “Top Ten Great Hotel Restaurants in the World” by US-based Hotels magazine.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 55 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000.  Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.  Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 48 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. 

www.shangri-la.com

Propeller island - this means aesthetic sensation for the eye and the ear. Propeller island is a pseudonym used by the German artist Lars Stroschen to publish his audio-visual creations. Unlimited diversity, repeating nothing and copying nothing are the guiding principles here. The most popular result: the CITY LODGE, a habitable work of art in the heart of Berlin, whose wealth of ideas never fails to attract everyone into its gravitational field and to continue inspiring guests long afterwards. 

  A magnet for creative individuals, those weary of consumption, those who see things differently, philosophers and seekers of perspective and vision. Frequented by personalities from around the globe, this vision machine is a much-desired shooting site for photo sessions and video clips. Is that perhaps the reason these rooms seem so familiar to you...?

http://www.propeller-island.com/english/2/6/

During the award winning presentation on Monday 25th February, the Resort Chefs were awarded 3 Gold Medals, 3 Silver Medals, 7 Bronze Medlas and 2 Merits.

Commenting about this achievement for the resort, acting general manager Adrian Attard said, “Once again our Chefs have excelled both in individual competitions and team events. We have a great food and beverage team and the result achieved last weekend continues to show how committed and well prepared our brigade is in maintaining and improving culinary standards locally. The competition is also a good vehicle for people to experiment and be innovative in their creations. Such competitions are also very good to help raise local standards and to enable individuals to forward their own self development.”

http://www.goldensands.com.mt/page.asp?n=home

The UK posted a rise of 17% in room prices year-on-year and is now the most expensive destination in Europe, according to the latest Hotel Price Index survey. Hotels.com found a stay at a UK hotel now costs on average £110 per night.

This is 8% more than Switzerland the second most expensive nation in Europe and 10% more than Italy in third place. London also saw one of the largest price rises for a city with the average room 19% more expensive year-on-year at £119 per night.

The report’s authors suggested this was a result of a lack of cheaper hotel beds in the city, which meant travellers to the capital were being forced to shell-out. Despite this Bath held onto its onerous position as the most expensive city in the UK to book a hotel stay in with an average price of £120 per night. Poland and Hungary (£71 per room, per night) were Europe’s cheapest destinations.

  The innovative design of the 400-bed resort hotel stands two levels higher than the rock face of the 100 metre deep quarry and includes underwater public areas and guestrooms. It will incorporate conference facilities for up to 1,000 people, a banqueting centre, restaurants, cafés and sports facilities. Sustainability is integral to the design ranging from using green roofing for the structures above the ground level to geothermal energy extraction.

An aquatic theme runs through the design both visually and functionally. Curved wings of the main body of the guestrooms enclose a naturally lit internal atrium, which uses the existing rock face with its waterfalls and green vegetation. This will be overlooked by guestroom balconies and contain restaurants and cafés at the base. Two underwater levels will house a restaurant and guestrooms facing a ten-metre deep aquarium. The lowest level of the hotel will contain a leisure complex with a swimming pool and water-based sports. An extreme sports centre for activities such as rock climbing and bungee jumping will be cantilevered over the quarry and accessed by special lifts from the water level of the hotel.

  The Songjiang district is a natural beauty spot close to Shanghai and an increasingly popular weekend and holiday destination for Shanghai residents and other visitors. The new resort hotel will help to meet growing demand and offer an additional attraction for this unique district.

The project is Atkins' eighth design competition win in China this year. It also reinforces the company's international reputation for exceptional hotel design. The design was the result of collaboration between Atkins' teams in Bristol and Shanghai. It was led by Martin Jochman in Bristol and involved Paul Rice, Hu Yali, Ding Fang, Zhang Jian and Vivian Chen from Shanghai.

source > eArchitect > images © Atkins Architects