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0:00:19 > 0:00:24- In this series of 04Wal, Leah Hughes - and I will visit more unique hotels.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- We'll see a Cardiff hotel which is - handy for train passengers...
0:00:29 > 0:00:32- ..and a hotel in Venice.
0:00:32 > 0:00:38- First, we enjoy a gem designed by - world-famous architect, Frank Gehry.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- We've travelled two hours south - of Bilbao, in Spain...
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- ..to a village called Elciego.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- Here you'll find - the Marques de Riscal vineyard...
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- ..and, in the middle of that - vineyard is this shiny Buddha.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- Who created this whacky masterpiece?
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- None other than American architect, - Frank Gehry...
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- ..who designed Bilbao's Guggenheim.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- It's located here to let guests - experience being in a vineyard.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- This building may look like - it was demolished...
0:01:57 > 0:01:59- ..and rebuilt by a monkey...
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- ..but it's a fun design, isn't it?
0:02:03 > 0:02:05- Being in this building is fun.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- Standing near this amazing building - frees the mind.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- You no longer have to - see buildings as boxes.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- Buildings can look like this!
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- The red and gold - represent Marques de Riscal wines.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- The silver represents the foil - around the bottle tops.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- The formations - in front of the building...
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- ..represent wine - flowing from a bottle.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47- That and the sandstone - ties the building to this area.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- Local people - still don't know what to make of it.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- It's known here as - "The thing on the hill"!
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- When you reach the front door, you - realise what a solid building it is.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- On the hill, - when you first glimpse it...
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- ..it looks like a piece of foil - blowing in the wind.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- It definitely doesn't flap!
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- Girders were bent - to reinforce the outer shell.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- It's hugely artistic - and it would be a shame to hide it.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31- When you study the building, you see - the structure has a dual purpose.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- Yes, it supports the building.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- It also has an aesthetic role...
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- ..as reflected in the window frames - and in the reception area.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- What are your first impressions?
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- What are your first impressions?- - Gehry's stamp can be seen here.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04- He's very confident and playful - with the materials he uses.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- I was already familiar - with his cardboard chairs.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- He used titanium and steel here.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- We're familiar with him as - the architect of public buildings.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- This is his first hotel.
0:04:17 > 0:04:18- This is his first hotel.- - Yes, that's true.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- Apparently, he was apprehensive - about this project.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- He received a bottle of wine - from the year of his birth, 1929.
0:04:27 > 0:04:28- Did that help persuade him?
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- The pieces of furniture within - this hotel are all design classics.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- Yes, Gehry appreciates - his contemporaries' designs.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- The table and chairs - come from the 1950s and the 1960s.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- Gehry approved the interior design.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- The Frank Gehry Suite - is the largest bedroom in the hotel.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- It is, of course, - dedicated to Frank Gehry.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- Gehry adores wood, - as you can see from this island.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- This encases the services.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- The bath and the toilet - are within this island.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- It's a veneered wonder.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- Opposite the bathroom door, you see - why this hotel was built here.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- Yes, that's the vineyard.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- I'd almost say this hotel has - no corners and no straight lines.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- There are some, of course, - but everything seems to be curved.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- Walk down the passage and the room - opens out into the sleeping area.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- The front of this wonderful island - forms the headboard for the bed.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- It's covered in brown leather.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- The sofa and chair - are covered in the same leather.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- The crowning glory of this room - is the stunning view.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- You can admire both the structure of - the hotel and the church from here.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- Originally, the hotel was to be - taller than the church.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14- Rather than undermine the church's - architectural importance...
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- ..Frank Gehry - lowered the level of the hotel.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- I'm not sure he succeeded.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- Elciego will be remembered more - for its hotel...
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- ..than for its striking church.
0:06:56 > 0:07:02- At first glance, the design of the - restaurant seems very conventional.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- Yes, you're not as awestruck - in here...
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- ..as you are when you see - the external structure.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- The interest comes from - the structure, as no room is square.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- The angular features of this room - creates the magic in here...
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- ..rather than the way - the room is dressed.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- I can't remember - being in another building...
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- ..where I can see some of the - external shell through the window.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36- The structure dominates everything - but the materials bring continuity.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41- The shades echo the flowing metal - on the exterior of the building.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- The ceiling height in this room - is awe-inspiring.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- It almost feels - as if we're in a castle.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- The concept is that Frank Gehry - has created a 21st-century chateau.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- This deep, baronial red - certainly adds to that feeling.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- In the bar, as in the lobby...
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- ..the stonework and the chunky - window frames gives it a solid feel.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- The rhythm and the flow of - the exterior is echoed in here.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- The bench curves around the wall, - the bar is also curved...
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- ..and the chairs are scooped.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- A room like this - has large, white walls to fill.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- I've seen similar things - in wine bars around the world...
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- ..but never - all the way to the ceiling!
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- It's simple but it's effective.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- Where does this design succeed?
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- In Gehry converting his - flowing, two-dimensional sketches...
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- ..to a three-dimensional building.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- Should a building like this - please us?
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- Gehry battles with the concept - that humans always strive to please.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- He doesn't aim to please here.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Gehry has the confidence to create.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- It's a defiant statement.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- It does exactly what it says on - the tin or, in this case, titanium!
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0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Sleeperz is one of - Cardiff's newest hotels.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- It's built on an awkward site, - next to the railway station...
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- ..but that was part of the brief.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- They filled unused land - as close to the station as possible.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- This is an affordable hotel.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- They didn't skimp on materials, as - you see from its tiles and windows.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- The jutting floor above me creates - additional space on higher floors.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- It's an extraordinary design...
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- ..where most people - would have settled for the ordinary.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- What's the concept behind Sleeperz?
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- The idea is the hotel is built - as close to the station as possible.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- The Sleeperz chain - works with local councils...
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- ..to form a great design.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- The exterior of Sleeperz Hotel is - in harmony with the train station.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- The same Portland limestone - was used...
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- ..so the tonal flow is very smooth.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- The dynamic interior design - is very different.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Its vibrancy reminds you - of its city location.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- The hotel lobby - is divided into different areas...
0:11:48 > 0:11:53- ..through the flooring - and the colours used here.
0:11:54 > 0:11:55- It works really well.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01- Yes, it's one open space but - the flooring and the furniture...
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- ..divides the room into zones.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08- They use symbols rather than signs, - created by blocks of colour.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- The red slab tells you - this is the reception area.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- There are red tabs - on the curtains too.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22- These colour accents - replace signs very effectively.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- There's a wonderful simplicity - to the design.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- The interior - was created by Jamie Buchanan.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36- He worked with Creactive Design, - which specialises in product design.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- This is a very detailed design.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- The Z in Sleeperz is echoed - throughout the building.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- Even the sofa arms carry - the angular, Z-shape of the logo.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- This is an intricate design.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- I'm extremely fond of this hotel.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- Even boring bits, - like the corridors in every hotel...
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- ..are filled with interest.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- This carpet, the way the light - is set to one side...
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- ..and the oversized room numbers.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- Through here, this red column - is wrapped around the lift shaft.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- There's plenty here - to spark the imagination.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- This is a standard double, which is - the larger of the Sleeperz rooms.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Yes, and it's by no means - a large room.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- Sleeperz is aimed at - the compact lifestyle market.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- That's just what you get - in this very practical room.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- The hanging space - becomes a decorative feature.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- It's very open and you use it - in a very playful way.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58- You store your bag here.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Humour has been injected - into this design.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- The graphics are reflected in the - mirror and you see it from the bed.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- We're next to the station - but we can't hear the trains.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- The glass has been designed - to minimise external sounds.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- The panels of glass - seem small from the outside...
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- ..but, as you see, - they go from floor to ceiling.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- Natural light floods in here.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- This is the dining room.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- It's a plain, simple, clean design.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- This corner of the building - is a wall of glass...
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- ..making it perfect - for a dining area.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- You can eat your breakfast here - and watch the world go by.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- It's an urban experience.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- There's little colour here, - other than that yellow stripe.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- There are spots and stripes - on the cups...
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- ..and the red undersides of - the tables create pink reflections.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- The red is also reflected - in the table bases.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- As you view the city scene...
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- ..you get that urban experience - before you head out of the door.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57- I've been in countless hotels where - some aspects have disappointed me...
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- ..but, hand on heart, - this is almost perfect.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- They've resurrected the concept...
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- ..of hotels next to - mainline railway terminals.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- It's dynamic and vibrant.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- Yes, and it's cemented - in the 21st century.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- This is Palazzo Barbarigo hotel - on Grand Canal, Venice.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- This building has been part - of the waterscape since 1569...
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- ..the Tudor period in Britain.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- This building was erected - for the Barbarigo family.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- A family of some standing.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- Mr Barbarigo had been elected - Doge of Venice.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- That means he was - part of that higher echelon...
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- ..which doesn't so much pay taxes - as collect them.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- You could almost say - the Barbarigos were royalty...
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- ..as confirmed by this location.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- The design is quite dark.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- It's a combination of the classical - and this mock Deco.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- What fires the design - is this striking use of light...
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- ..and the way it bounces off - the reflective surfaces.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- The ceiling, the floor - and the wonderful desk.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- Light picks out books on the shelves - to create a patchwork of colour.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- There's a real warmth here.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- Italy is very hot - on a summer's day, like today.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- This use of colour - offers us an escape from the heat.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- And yet, - it must offer a warm welcome.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- How do you view this design, Leah?
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- How do you view this design, Leah?- - It's different from the exterior.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01- There's nothing Venetian - about this design.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- Everything in this lobby - is brand new.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- The designer, Alvin Grassi, has - designed a boudoir, if you like...
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- ..in a Neoclassical, Art Deco style.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Is it more feminine than masculine?
0:19:16 > 0:19:17- Is it more feminine than masculine?- - It's a very hard design.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- You see marble floors and mirrors - which reflect the natural light.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29- It's hard but the shape of - the details is curved and feminine.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34- There's even something sexy and - seductive about the reception desk.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- The design is certainly alluring.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- This is one of a few rooms - in the hotel which faces two canals.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- Grand Canal, along the front, - and Rio di San Polo, down the side.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- I'd expect the bed to be - against this wall...
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- ..to capitalise on the view.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- There is no central window, - unfortunately.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- This opens up possibilities to - change the structure of the room.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- The bed is set at an angle and the - wardrobes are concealed behind it.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- This wall is covered in fabric, - by the way.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- Every wall in this room is soft.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- There are pools of red - around the room.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- They're perfectly lit.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- The feathered shades - are sumptuous.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- Very saucy and very feminine.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- The velvet-covered wallet - sparkles in this light.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- The roses - and even the no-smoking sign...
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- ..add to these pools of red - in the room.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- The bed itself looks like - an upturned table.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- The table legs and the poles - are the same shape.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- Someone thought long and hard - about the design of this hotel.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- We're in the bar, - on the first floor.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- It's similar to the lobby.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- Yes, the style created - within this space...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- ..is similar to the one we saw - in the lobby.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- The mirrored ceiling - and the same Art Deco panels.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- Then, we see a Venetian element.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- The twist on the Damask pattern...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- ..is echoed in the mirror - and the fireplace.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- The furniture was commissioned - especially for this space.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- The style of furniture is repeated - here, making it a pure design.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- There's nothing playful about it.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- This is a sleek, strong design.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- The dining area - and the bar are one, in essence...
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- ..divided by these glass cabinets.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- The advantage of shelves - is you can place items on them.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- The colours - in these Venetian glass pieces...
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- ..shimmer in the natural light - which floods into this room.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- The large window behind me - lets in plenty of light.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23- If you came here expecting to find a - bit of Venice inside the building...
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- ..you're in for a shock.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- Yes, this hotel could be anywhere...
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- ..but once you're out here, - you can look at the Grand Canal.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- You see the most splendid, - decorative architecture...
0:23:40 > 0:23:45- ..which is in stark contrast to the - sleek design of the hotel interior.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- This is very stylish - and it's breathtaking.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:24:26 > 0:24:27- .