Room with a roar: Singapore landmark transformed into hotel

For just 32 nights, the Merlion – the eight-metre-tall lion sculpture designed to welcome visitors to Singapore – will be transformed into a luxurious hotel suite (pictured above).

As part of the Singapore Biennale 2011, from 4 April to 5 May The Merlion Hotel – to be created by renowned Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi – will be open by day for public viewing. By night, the suite – wrapped around the statue at its centre – will host guests keen to venture right into the lion's den.

The hotel will feature a double bed, bathroom, personalised room check-in, dedicated butler and welcome basket. And breakfast presents no problem - guests can pop to the nearby Fullerton Hotel to refuel.

Tan Boon Hui, director of the Singapore Art Museum, which is organising the Biennale, said: 'The Singapore Art Museum has tried to make available The Merlion Hotel to as many members of the public as possible so they can enjoy an overnight stay.'

Rates for a night will be SIN$150 for two people and booking opens on Monday 28 February at 10am local time (00 65 6332 9870).

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