Photos and story by Olivia Rodriguez
Landing at the Liverpool John Lennon Airport was simply thrilling. I decided to take a bus into Liverpool so that I could see the lush green landscape and come along side the ocean.
The bus left me off near the Albert Dock, how perfect is that? I made my way up the four short blocks to John Street where the new Hard Days Night Hotel (which opened in 2008) is located.
As I rounded the corner to my left, the hotel is prominent with the Union Jack flying high and proud, and the four majestic statues of the four wonderful men that created such magnificent music.
Hearing the doorman say in that fabulous British accent, “Hello Luv” made me feel as if I was home. Strange, how something so simple can evoke such warm feelings. As tired as I was from my 12 hours plus travel from the States, I felt suddenly energized as I entered the lobby hearing Beatles music!
The Hard Days Night Hotel truly does a fantastic job of displaying photographs, art work and bronze statues throughout the hotel. In the lobby, a huge black and white metal banner depicting scenes from the movie “A Hard Day’s Night” hangs across the ceiling. The lads smiling faces look down as if to greet their guests. Above the reception desk hang sheet music of Beatles songs. Every where you look there is Beatles memorabilia or current art pieces, such as the bronze bust of Lennon or Beatles beach chairs (pictured below).
The Beatles music plays ’round the clock in the lobby and restaurant. And the first song that plays in your room is …What else? A Hard Day’s Night!
My room had an incredible painting of John, wearing his signature glasses and cap, and a rose to honor him.
I got to peek into the luxurious McCartney suite which had a huge knight in armor and a huge painting of Sir Paul on one wall; the Lennon suite has a white piano.
One day while writing my postcards, sitting in the lobby on a very
groovy orange-colored club chair, I looked up and saw a fantastic painting of John and “In My Life” came on. How poignant those words are and so painfully descriptive, we no longer have him or George…”though some have changed”. I was so overwhelmed with emotions, tears rolled down my cheeks. My thoughts drifted to 1964 when I saw The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl, and now here I was in their homeland writing to my friends about my experience.
The different bars and lounges, and entertainment rooms have incredible memorabilia and giant photos of John, Paul, George & Ringo. The bars have Beatles song names, like “The Two of Us”.
Even the stairwell going up five floors is lined with giant photos of the lads from back in the early days to the present, as well as photos of Julian, Sean, Yoko, Linda and Maureen.
During the Mathew Street Music Festival, the hotel had various performers in the lounges downstairs. We got to see Gavin Pring; he performed his George Harrison repertoire at Harry’s Bar downstairs. He was fantastic, so much like George, witty and charming.
And a trip to Liverpool wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Cavern Club…
…and the Casbah Coffee Club.
I did not get too much sleep during my stay due to all the activities including the Liverpool Beatles convention (pictured below) at the Adelphi, but my memories of the Hard Days Night Hotel are still fresh in my mind.
I don’t know if I will ever return to Liverpool, but the stay at the Hard Days Night Hotel was memorable. Walking into the lobby and seeing John’s face is a vivid image I will keep close to my heart.
Find out more about the Hard Day’s Night Hotel at www.harddaysnighthotel.com
This picture of Beatles artist, Shannon, is from the opening of the Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool in 2008.
For more info on Shannon’s art, visit http://www.theshannongallery.com
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