Staff have been working eight days a week to make sure the Hard Day's Night Hotel welcomes its first guests next month.
 The only Beatles-themed hotel in the world is due to open its doors for business on February 1. And the ECHO was given an exclusive advance view of the 110-bedroom, four-star hotel housed in a five-storey Grade II listed building in North John Street. General manager Mike Dewey, who lives in West Kirby, has worked in the hotel industry for the last seven years and says the Hard Days Night Hotel has caused considerable global interest. He said: “There is nothing quite like it. It is a Beatles-themed hotel in their home town, so everything has to be authentic.” The 118 staff, full and part-time, have been recruited from Merseyside and started work on Monday. There are four classic bars, a brasserie and a restaurant called Blake’s, named after the artist who created the legendary Sgt Pepper album cover. Hari’s Bar will feature memorabilia from India in glass display cases, in recognition of The Beatles’ love of Indian culture.
Artworks of all four Beatles were commissioned from New York-based artist Shannon and each bedroom will have an exclusive painting on the wall. There are other imaginative Fab Four attractions throughout the building, which used to house De Coubertin’s Sports Bar. Work started on the Hard Days Night Hotel in 2004. Mr Dewey, originally from Guildford, has been in charge since May last year. He says that already one couple have booked the hotel chapel for their wedding. Mr Dewey said: “The chapel is called The Two Of Us, named after a Beatles track. “The only other star with enough global appeal to have a chapel is Elvis Presley.”
There are other original ideas throughout the hotel, such as a sweeping ornate staircase leading to the reception, which has Beatles sheet music hanging from the ceiling. There are two extra-special rooms – the Lennon suite, all in white with a baby grand piano, and the Paul McCartney suite, which features a suit of armour signifying Sir Paul’s real-life knight status. Those two luxurious rooms will each cost £650 per night. Another key attraction is a Wall of Fame, featuring world-famous stars such as Elton John, Bryan Ferry and Tom Jones holding covers of their favourite Beatles albums. Mr Dewey added: “This is a hotel with total respect for The Beatles and the people who will stay with us.
“It is unique – and it’s in Liverpool.” petergrant@liverpoolecho.co.uk | 
