It’s time to think outside the box, i.e. cookie-cutter hotel rooms. These hotels hit all the right notes, thanks to their rock-star pedigree. Familiar faces from the music work, ranging from Bono to The B-52’s Kate Pierson, are doing double duty as hoteliers and providing travellers with harmonious accommodations. Groupies not included.
Kate Pierson of The B-52’s – Lazy Meadow Motel (Mt. Tremper, N.Y.) and Lazy Desert Airstream Motel (Landers, California)
Book a love shack here! Lazy Meadow features suites that are super funky, reflecting Pierson’s love of all things kitsch, dating back to the 1950s and ‘60s. Think bright orange sofas and forest green chairs accented with teak wood. Meanwhile, at her newest location in California, Airstream trailers are funked up to the max. Each one is unique with décor accents like B-52s posters and pink kitchenettes. A bit girly perhaps for your average guy, but your woman will love it.
Black Eyed Peas – Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (California)
The Peas don’t own the hotel or the suite, but they did put their style skills to work on a signature Rock Star Suite for the Hard Rock. It’s a sexy mix of animal print, cream, chocolate brown and black. Smatterings of memorabilia from the group give it added rock star flair.
Bono and the Edge (U2) – The Clarence (Dublin, Ireland)
This designy boutique hotel makes a great hub for pub crawls and sightseeing. If you’ve got a rock-star calibre budget, blow your wad on the penthouse suite, complete with river views, balconies and outdoor hot tub.
Benny Andersson (ABBA) – Hotel Rival, Stockholm, Sweden
Take a chance on this hip, centrally located hotel, owned by the zillionaire Benny Andersson of ABBA fame. Guests rave about the comfy beds and the pillow menu (Soft? Hard? Down? Buckwheat filled?) There’s a movie theatre on site so you can watched reruns of Mamma Mia to your heart’s content.
Jim Kerr (Simple Minds) – Hotel Villa Angela, Taormina, Sicily
Back in 1982, Kerr stumbled upon Taormina and was smitten at first sight. With views of Mt. Etna and the Ionian sea, it’s a romantic place known for great wine and food. Kerr’s four-star mini resort provides great inspiration for would-be lyricists penning love songs or power ballads that could rock any venue.
