The Dubai-based Aquiva Group plans to moor a 170 metre superyacht at Thames Quay on the River Thames to act as a 158-room floating hotel during the London Olympic games.
Its owners hope it will then become one of London’s premier luxury hotels for the 50 years that follow the games.
When completed, the superyacht will have seven decks, sleep more than 300 people and will contain a private members’ club, luxury spa and several restaurants.
The vessel will dwarf the 147m £200m super-yacht Eclipse owned by Chelsea Footbal Club owner Roman Abramovich. It will be 15 metre longer than the Barclays HQ Tower in Canary Wharf is tall and that is the equivalent of one and a half football pitches.
In place of the bridge the engineless Aquiva will feature a presidential suite, although the customary will be present in all their luxurious glory.
Exterior styling will showcase sun decks and spa pools spread across teak decks with stainless steel railings and caprails, while the interior will feature finishes using exotic hardwoods, leather, marble, polished metals and original artwork all in classic superyacht style.
Guests will arrive at the hotel using tenders operating from the West India dockside and will be transported to and from selected Olympic locations in a fleet of Venetian-style water taxis.
Steve Tight of the Aquiva Group said: “We hope to bring a unique experience so visitors to London can enjoy the superyacht lifestyle. Obviously in the current economic climate there are technical and financial issues to iron out but the plan is to get the Aquiva in place for 2012.”
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