Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 27 culture as insiders rather than as a contribution to the country's tourism statistics, where the hotel is nothing more than a recharging station between guided tours and being herded around the pyramids, heading to downtown Bangkok, shopping sprees in Oxford Street, binging at the Temple Bar and other excursions. The Simpsons were having none of that in their hotel. By maintaining the same traditional style and workmanship used to restore the house as initially projected, Perit Muscat applied for new permits and guided the works which included the construction of a vaulted outdoor breakfast bar coupled with a cocktail bar and wood oven, typical Maltese stone balconies overlooking the back garden, and the installation of a heated pool at roof level, besides the already intended one at ground level in the garden. The Simpsons also increased the original number of bedrooms from Five to Eight and equipped them with a small lounge / kitchenette area and installed a jacuzzi in each bedroom (including an underground one in the Kantina). The hotel was also made accessible to all, according to universal design. 'Lulu', as the hotel was named, was originally created with the intention of providing a 'home away from home'. The name was originally chosen as it is a shortened version of the name Liudmila, but it also means 'exceptional' or 'pearl'. The analogy of these meanings to the present-day use of the hotel is evident as it is an attractive establishment where one can find oneself in a beautiful, luxurious, safe and comfortable environment, hidden away in the old area of Żebbuġ, which may be, to some, even better than home. Lulu, is indeed a pearl. Although the internal decoration is a mixture of purely Maltese soft and hard furnishings, there are a few additions which make Lulu uniquely Maltese in character. These include the eight-pointed cross or the design portraying the Loggerhead Turtle, which feature on all the metal work integrated into the furnishings and the brass door knobs, similar to the ones found in the noble houses in Mdina, which are placed on each internal and external door. Besides these, the 'sleeping arch' and balconies overlooking the pool / garden area, exhibit the same stone structural designs which have been cut by local stone masons for centuries. These features, together with a myriad of indoor and outdoor plants gracing absolutely every possible corner of the common areas as well as each of the rooms, the well-equipped breakfast and bar area, the welcoming splendour of natural light illuminating the internal areas of the hotel, the charming rooms all featuring a living area, kitchenette, lounge area, jacuzzi, bathroom and internet TV and, last, but not least, the warm hospitality of Luda and Clive, all make customers reluctant to leave the hotel, which pretty much resembles a cosy home. 'Lulu' has been open for a couple of years now. However, the Simpsons still modify the decoration every now and again, introducing little additions to the already exquisite homely interior. Indeed, the hotel is thus kept alive. Unfortunately, Perit Tony Muscat did not live to see the hotel start to operate and come to life, and like many architectural icons before him, this creator passed on to another life before his creation was completed. However, it is safe to say that his contribution to the development of the now finished hotel was essential. We, at the office at Perit Muscat, hope that you remember my dear late father Perit Tony Muscat whilst you enjoy staying in your home away from home at Lulu Boutique Hotel. Clive and Liudmila are sure to mention him to you one way or another during one of their homely chats by the bar at Lulu.

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