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The up-market area of St John’s Wood in north-west London has been a magnet for many tourists because of its association with The Beatles.

The band recorded many of their songs at the Abbey Road studios there and the cover of the 1969 album Abbey Road features them walking across a zebra crossing close to the studios (although many tourists have photographs of themselves at the wrong one!)

There’s been speculation over the past week that the studios – a former 19 century townhouse – might be put up for sale by their struggling owners, EMI.

One of the two surviving Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney, said he had so many memories of the place and he’d heard of plans to try to rescue the building. “There are a few people who have been associated with the studio for a long time who were talking about mounting some bid to save it,” said Sir Paul. “I sympathise with them. I hope they can do something, it would be great.”

EMI clarified its position this week by saying that it wasn’t intending to sell the loss-making studios, but was looking for investors to help it finance what it called a ‘revitalisation’.

One of those who might put his hand in his pocket is the composer and theatrical impresario Lord (Andrew) Lloyd Webber, who has used the studios on a regular basis.

by Andy Moreton

If you’re visiting the UK in 2010, be sure to take a look at Luxique’s selection of 52 luxury hotels in London and our Top Destination guide to getting around.

Fans of the Beatles can now book into the first hotel entirely dedicated to the Fab Four.
The Hard Day’s Night Hotel has 110 rooms and is situated in what might be called the ‘Beatles Quarter’ in their home city, Liverpool in north-west England. It’s a short distance from the Cavern Club where their phenomenal success story began.

The four-star boutique hotel has two luxury suites. The Lennon room is all in white, featuring a baby grand piano and giant pictures of John. The McCartney suite contains no leather in recognition of Sir Paul’s celebrity vegetarian status and has a suit of armour on display, a nod to his knighthood.
And if you want to ask your partner to ‘Love Me Do,’ you can even get married in the hotel’s wedding chapel.
“The phones haven’t stopped ringing,” said hotel spokesman, Johnny Lockwood. “Interest has come from the States, obviously, but also from Russia, Japan and even Brazil.”
Day-trippers are not excluded from the Beatles experience, as Blakes restaurant will be open to non-residents. But you’d better be a real fan, as it will play nothing but Beatles hits every evening.

by Andy Moreton

Having a hard time finding accommodations at this hotel. Luxique offers other unique Liverpool hotels on its website.