The Hilton Queen of Sheba is the first Hilton chain 'theme' hotel. Built at a cost of $100 million, the hotel's interior brings the of Solomon and Sheba to its fullest expression. Interior designer Buki Zuker traveled to such far-flung corners of the globe as the legendary Lost City in the former Bophuthatswana, in southern Africa, to Las Vegas and to India for inspiration and materials. To create the theme down to the most minute details a total of $5 million was invested. 
Guests arriving at the hotel are greeted by the 'queen's maids-in-waiting' in full regalia. The reception area, is adorned with a 14-meter-high cupola, painstakingly painted in the subdued shades known in the biblical period (by new immigrant artists). It operates on a satellite basis to provide guests with greater privacy. Looking down you will see an impressive mosaic floor, which depicts the various biblical animals which Solomon could reputedly talk to (made in Ravenna, Italy). The domed walls are decorated by reliefs of scenes from biblical times. By contrast, very modern glass-fronted elevators carry guests to the hotel's 12 floors.
The animal motif is to be found everywhere - in gold, on the backs of luxurious lobby couches; above the numbers of the rooms; on the bedspreads and curtains; and even on the handles of the giant pots that are yet to be filled with plants.
The sand color scheme provides a general ambience of cool elegance and is used throughout the hotel. Here and there it is highlighted by gold (so beloved by the two monarchs) and royal blue - from the specially designed 40,000 meters of carpets ordered from the US, through the beach umbrellas at the pool to the outdoor paving stones hand-carved in India, and the furnishings in the many public rooms and suites.
The bedrooms are truly regal with royal-size beds, giant, gold-framed mirrors, and heavy wood furnishings. For the bedrooms and suites, (including three two-bedroom suites with outdoor Jacuzzis).
For further pampering, you can go down to the spa with its saunas and steam rooms, jacuzzi, mud baths and various massage facilities.
A mall with 6,500 square meters of shops, eateries, entertainment and attractions will soon open adjacent to the hotel, and it includes an adventure hall - Amazing World, billed as 'a journey through the wonders of the world: hurricanes, earthquakes, and even outer space.
Location:
North Beach
