The year was 1969, and the world was pretty much as chaotic as it is today. There were political issues, the Vietnam War was happening, and some people were advocating the world to start making love, not war. Of course, John Lennon of the Beatles, and his wife, Yoko Ono, were more than happy to step in and join the protests. But instead of a sit-in, they had a bed-in at one of the most iconic hotels ever, and now you can stay in the same suite where the bed-in occurred. It’s a piece of history, and you actually get to occupy the same space that this power couple were in. How cool is that?This may very well have been the most unusual honeymoon ever. That’s right! Lennon and Yoko Ono got married on March 20, 1969, and spent their honeymoon from March 25, to the 31st in room 702, aka the presidential suite at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel.
During their one week stay, they occupied rooms 1738, 1740, 1742, and 1744. They also recorded the song, “Give Peace A Chance,” which became an anthem for the peace movement.
Those familiar with the hotel will definitely admit that the suite is completely different from the rest of the hotel’s architecture and design, but it’s meant to pay tribute to the “Give Peace A Chance” movement, and honor rock-and-roll at the same time.
You can thank Sid Lee Architecture for renovating the room with the 1969 motif, while blending some of the modern amenities that travelers tend to expect and require when they stay at the Fairmont.
Even the walls, which are inscribed with the lyrics, “Give peace a chance,” a tribute to the song that was recorded in this room, cry out for a peaceful solution to today’s world problems.
Among them are the industrial looking lockers that you can open to reveal memorabilia packed in each cubby. Just one look and they’ll take you back to the time of the initial protest.
All you have to do is look at the walls and study the photos that commemorate the bed-in from 1969. But other features, like the lamp above the dining table and the old-style TV will make you feel like you’re actually there.
These are seemingly perfect reproductions of Lennon and Ono’s actual handwriting on the window, which symbolized humor as well as a strong message.
You can actually see what the room looked like when Lennon and Ono stayed here decades ago. It’s the ultimate experience for any Lennon fan who has ever wanted to experience the protest through his eyes.
There’ a definite 60s vibe to everything in this room from the wavy colored pillows on the couch to the curved lamp and tiny round tables.
You can have a groovy 60s time relaxing on the chair or couch, while “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” on the huge flat screen HD television in the living room.
They were hip, fun, and were willing to stand up for what was right. They also didn’t mind an audience in their bedroom, as they invited journalists to observe and record their protest against the Vietnam War.
Years later, we’re still feeling the effects of their peaceful, yet powerful message demonstration throughout the world. So, it seems only fitting that the room would be renovated in honor of the International Day of Peace.
->**You don’t need VR lenses or a time machine to relive the bed-in protest. Just click on the video below to experience John and Yoko’s protest in the name of peace.**<-