The History of the War Hotel was certainly
an interesting lecture. Kenneth Morrison talked about the uses of war hotels in
times of conflict, and the impact they had on people. A hotel could be a place for strategic/military assets, a place where the
press/media could set up base, and a sanctuary for people in general.
It was particularly shocking to find out
that the Hotel Europa in Belfast, had the misfortune of being bombed 33
times during 1971-1993. However, this almost caused the place to
become a symbol of survival, and the hotel itself employed both
Catholics and Protestants.
Grand Hotel, Brighton, was also targeted on
one occasion, when Margaret
Thatcher was among the guests, in attempt to cripple the government. Five people were killed and thirty-one injured but Mrs Thatcher escaped unhurt.
The Holiday Inn, Sarajevo, known for being painted
yellow, was said to have been built on land deemed as “cursed”.
It too had its fair share of hell.
Dominique Slatter
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