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0:00:20 > 0:00:26- In this programme, we visit XVA, - a hotel and art gallery in Dubai.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31- Baby Grand in Greece - is a whimsical, unique hotel.
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- First, the Malmaison in Oxford, - a luxury hotel which was a prison.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- Welcome to 04Wal Gwestai'r Byd.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- Welcome to Malmaison Hotel, Oxford.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07- My limited French - tells me Malmaison means evil house.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- This was a prison until 1996.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12- Prior to that, - it was a Norman castle...
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- ..built by William the Conqueror - in the 11th century.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- It's not as foreboding - as it was back then.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- This isn't my idea - of doing porridge!
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- You must have - an extremely vivid imagination...
0:01:37 > 0:01:42- ..to create a luxury hotel - within what was a prison.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- When you enter the building, - you get a feeling of space.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- The ceiling is high - and the welcome is warm.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- The high-backed comfortable chairs - somehow add to the headroom.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- People once plotted - to escape from this building...
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- ..but it is now a place - where people come to escape!
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- This is the image we have - of the traditional prison.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- This is what my parents threatened - me with when I was five years old!
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- It's the last place - you'd want to be.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- It's amazing what a difference a - coat of paint, striking lighting...
0:02:49 > 0:02:53- ..some additional windows - and carpet on the floor make.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- It now feels like a comfortable, - contemporary, luxurious design.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19- It's a really clever design.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- It feels slightly ecclesiastical.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- That's probably intentional - to help prisoners save their souls.
0:03:28 > 0:03:34- It's also practical because you can - reach any cell on any floor quickly.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- That practical uniformity also makes - this a perfect building for a hotel.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- Even though you know - you're staying in a prison...
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- ..you don't really expect - to stay in a cell!
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- They must have - knocked two cells into one here.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- Yes, the old cell divide - is clearly visible.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- This was actually three cells.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- This is one cell, that's the second - and the bathroom is the third.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- Nine people shared this space.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- Good grief!
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- What's the idea behind - the split colours in the headboard?
0:04:37 > 0:04:38- I'm not sure...
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- ..but the colours on the headboard - are also on the RSJs.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- That's your side and this is my side!
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- There's a touch - of the coral on the headboard...
0:04:52 > 0:04:57- ..in the check on the wardrobe - and in the fabric on the chair seat.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- There are things which - unify the design all over the room.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- Iron studs are used on the mirror - and on the side of the chair.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- It's simple but very effective.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- I love the fact they've kept - some original prison features...
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- ..such as this door.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- Yes, if only this door could talk!
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- They've turned the spy hole - from the outside to the inside!
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- Yes, they're playing on the irony - of then and now.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34- There are gimmicks everywhere, - like this I Want To Be Alone sign!
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- You see touches like this - all over the hotel...
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- .these little messages.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- What is this room, Leah?
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- This is the Visitor Room.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- This is where people - visited the prisoners.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- It is now a relaxation room.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- It's really luxurious, isn't it?
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- It's really luxurious, isn't it?- - It's certainly very dramatic.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- The colours and the furniture - draw you into the room.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- The walls are very dark.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- There's a Black Watch tartan carpet - on the floor.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- There's an intimate feel to it, and - light is an important part of that.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33- The lights are quite low.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- The original windows blend perfectly - with the modern furniture.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- These velvet chairs are great - and they're brilliantly lit.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- I love the fact - they're so over the top.
0:06:56 > 0:06:57- You have an urge to sit in them.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- You have an urge to sit in them.- - Yes, I want to park my bottom there!
0:07:24 > 0:07:29- The suites in this part of the jail - are named after former governors.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- These suites - are bigger than the cells.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- We're in Thomas Lowton Robins suite, - at the moment...
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- ..and the first thing you see when - you walk in is this copper bath.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- It may seem strange to walk - straight into the bathroom...
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- ..but it would grace any space - in any room.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- There's a cinema at that end.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- A private cinema.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- You then step downstairs - into the bedroom.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- As you come downstairs, you see - a magnificent four-poster bed.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- It wasn't like this - in Thomas Lowton Robins's day!
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- This space gives us - not only additional light...
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- ..but also a chance to hang - striking artwork on the wall.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- As we come down here, - there's another huge television.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- How much more pleasure - can you squeeze into a suite?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- Well, there's another bathroom here!
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- In it, there's a - sunflower shower head...
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- ..and toiletries - to make you shine like a new penny.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56- Stephanie Briggs was the chief - Malmaison interior designer.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- The adventurous conversion - of the cells continues...
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- ..in the bar and the restaurant.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- You couldn't have sold this concept - to people 30 years ago.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- The age in which we're living - has allowed it to happen.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- Yes, people - want to experience everything.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- This is like a modern-day museum.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- Years ago, people visiting Oxford - found this hotel.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- It's changed because people now come - to stay here, first and foremost.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- They're not here to see Oxford.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Yes, and it's all been done - in a witty manner.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- The concept is quite alien - and a bit chilling...
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- ..but this modern design - has created a comfortable hotel.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- Yes, and it makes you smile.
0:10:07 > 0:10:07- .
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0:10:16 > 0:10:20- We're on the first floor - of Baby Grand Hotel, Athens.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- No, it isn't the car park. - It's the reception area!
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Our journey begins in the garden.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34- In the shadow of the Acropolis and - the ancient traditions of Athens...
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- ..the Baby Grand wasn't created - by one architect or one designer.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- An army of graffiti artists - injected fun into an old building.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05- In a city where land is scarce, - they created a garden in the lobby.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06- This does two things.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- First, it softens - the structure of the room.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- You're never sure where you are.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- Secondly, it makes you smile.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- It's a taste of things to come - in this fun hotel.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- As we walk past - this plastic curtain...
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- ..we catch glimpses - of the dining area behind it.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- This perspex - is a reflective surface.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- Light bounces off it - in all directions.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- The coloured glass panes sparkle - against this long, green panel.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- In essence, they've raised tat - to a higher level.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- It's great fun, I must admit...
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- ..but above all else, this is a - great space in which to hang out!
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- The first thing you see - in the reception area...
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- ..is two parked cars!
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- Yes, it's amazing to see - two Minis in front of you.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- The colour on the walls - is amazing, too.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- This is an almost cheap - psychedelic, 1960s design...
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- ..with its pinks and turquoises.
0:12:42 > 0:12:43- It's a 1960s throwback.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Yes, which ties in with - the use of the vintage Minis.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- It's really whimsical - and it's full of energy.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- You can easily - get this sort of thing wrong.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- Yes, when the whimsical - becomes meaningless.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- The Minis aren't meaningless - - they have a function.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- They're desks.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- A British company adapted - these cars and it works well.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- You can instantly see - that this hotel is unusual.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- It's unique, - and we're going to have fun here.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- If you've stayed - in the Baby Grand here, in Athens...
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- ..you know you must share your room - with a graffiti creation.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- I don't think everyone - would appreciate the irony...
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- ..of trying to sleep in a room - whose walls are covered in Smurfs!
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- You have to be of a certain age - and have treasured Smurf memories!
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- If not, then like me, it will - remind you of a nursery school!
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- There's something comical - about the public areas...
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- ..here, upstairs - - and downstairs, in the lobby.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- It ties in perfectly - with the bedrooms.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53- Here, in the bar...
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- ..there's a collection - of different-sized chairs.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- It's as though - they're expecting Goldilocks!
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- A big chair, a smaller chair - and a small chair.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- They may look tiny, but even I - can sit on them comfortably!
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Add to that - the colourful, bright elements.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- Things like the cushions, - the blue rugs and the tiger lamps.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- The ostrich tables - and these round mirrors...
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- ..all add to that sense of fun.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- We find ourselves - in another cartoon!
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Yes, each room - is very different pictorially...
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- ..and each room - has a different theme.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- Ten local artists - from The Breeder Gallery...
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- ..came up with the room designs.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- A lot of people - would come in here and say...
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- "Someone's been scribbling - on the wall!"
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- We're not supposed to like graffiti, - after all.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- Well, it has become fashionable - to appreciate graffiti.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- It is now considered to be art.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- You can see different techniques - on display here.
0:16:22 > 0:16:28- They sprayed the wall but they also - painted pictures and used crayons.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- There's a bedroom at the far end.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- It's a bit more plain in here.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- Yes, this room - feels completely different.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- There's an element of the artwork - you saw in the other room.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- You were surrounded by it - in the other room.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- It's like a film set.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- When people design bedrooms, - they try to create a mood...
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- ..but here, they've created a world.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- Yes, and it isn't over-designed.
0:17:01 > 0:17:07- Other than the walls, there are only - light design touches in the room.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- It makes me smile - and I think it works.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- There are 76 rooms in this hotel, - and each one is unique.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- That makes you keen to come back - to see another design.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- One down, seventy-five to go!
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- See you in the next hotel.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- The XVA in Dubai is a hotel - and an art gallery in one.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- That's an unusual combination.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- I came in through the gallery - at the rear.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- You entered through the front door.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- Yes, and I saw a statement made - by an artist and no reception area.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- I looked up to see a woman's feet - dangling out of a petticoat!
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- It was unusual - but I appreciated the work of art.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05- This reminds me of a riad in Morocco - with rooms off the central garden.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- Yes, the owner used the rooms which - are off the central courtyard...
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- ..to create an art gallery.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- There's a lot of art - on display here.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20- We're in an urban area.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- They've taken a traditional house - and created something unique.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- This is a creative experience.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- This narrow, low corridor - links one courtyard to the other.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- You can immediately see - this was created to display art.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- The other side - feels like a restaurant...
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- ..and the art is on the periphery.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- Here, the art takes centre stage.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- This was created to display - more structural pieces of art.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- I really like - the flat artwork on the wall.
0:20:39 > 0:20:40- This isn't a big room...
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- ..and when you step in here, it's - like drowning in a sea of colour.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51- Yes, in contrast to what you see - in the other courtyard.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- Here, you can - dive into the artist's world.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59- There's a lot of colour and pattern - on the walls.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- They clash and they scream at you, - which is fantastic.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- This work has been influenced - by Andy Warhol and Pop Art.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- This fleece is a bit old-fashioned.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- You wouldn't expect to see a fleece - in a luxury hotel!
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- There are also some Indian patterns - and a crocheted cushion cover here.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- It's very kitsch.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- It's amazing to think there's - something like this in Dubai.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- There are over-designed - five-star hotels wherever you look.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- It's nice to see old things - put together in such a natural way.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- Yes, it feels as though - you're in someone's home.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44- I like that.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- During the renovation process to - turn it into a hotel and gallery...
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- ..this room in XVA - was turned into a lounge.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- That's why there are sofas - around the edge of the room.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- What is this remarkable structure - above my head?
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- In the old days, this tower carried - hot air out of the building...
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- ..leaving it totally cool.
0:22:26 > 0:22:27- Cool - just like me!
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- This is the most colourful - of the six bedrooms in the XVA.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- There's a touch of India about it.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- The lemon colour in the bedding - is also in the curtains...
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- ..in the Indian picture - and in the bed canopy.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- Over there is a curtain you'd expect - to see in your granny's house!
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- Strong colours ping - in every corner of the room.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- Its campness - is the secret of its success.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- The golden bonsai on top of - the wardrobe adds to the camp feel.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- The fan is reflected in the leaves, - making it look as though it moves.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30- This room is a very colourful corner - of what is a very Arabic design.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36- The windows above the doors - are an integral part of that design.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49- I didn't expect to find - something like this in Dubai.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- We managed to find a real gem - in what is such an urban area.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02- The owner transformed this old house - into a very chic boutique hotel.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones