Shannon was once hired by Sylvester Stallone

Steve McGriskin, the hotel's marketing director, said: "There has already been massive interest in 'The Hard Day's Night'."

The hotel, which is due to open in 2003, is in a listed building and will be linked to Mathew Street's Cavern nightclub, where John, Paul, George and Ringo began their career.

Artist Shannon, who has painted murals for MGM, Disney and Sylvester Stallone, is being hired to give each �60-a-night room a tasteful Beatles theme.

Biggest festival

Among the possibilities are rooms dedicated to albums such as Rubber Soul or events like the Fab Four's famous performance at Shea Stadium.

Meanwhile Liverpool was gearing up to host the Mathew Street Festival - believed to be the biggest free city centre music event in the UK.

Mr McGriskin, who is also the festival director, said: "We are now in the ninth year of the event and it continues to go from strength to strength, proving the appeal of the Fab Four is as strong as ever.

"We have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have expressed an interest in performing at the festival and it promises to be a great weekend."

Culture bid

It is expected that 62 bands from 16 different countries will take part - including six Beatles tribute bands from Brazil.

Thousands of music fans are also expected in the city for the annual Creamfields event on August 25.

The festival, run by the nightclub Cream, will include Fatboy Slim, Gorillaz, Orbital, Chemical Brothers and Stereo MCs.

Civic leaders in Liverpool hope organising the festivals will help their bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.