Russia’s Ministry of War, now a Four Seasons
July 09, 2013 Known as the House with Lions, the palace, which boasts a colorful history since ground was broke in 1817, has been renovated to evoke the spirit of Imperial Russia. After being delayed several times, the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace opened its doors yesterday to reveal the laborious restoration efforts made to resurrect the palace’s European-influenced style and esthetic. Materials used include neo-classic mahogany, hazelnut and cherry furnishings, black lacquer and chinoiserie motifs from Europe. Ceilings, granite columns and plaster details of the grand lobby have been carefully preserved and restored, while the showpiece of the palace — the sweeping staircase to the second floor — is […]
Build your ‘Aviation Empire’ virtually
Along with phone bills, traffic and the weather, airlines likewise rank high on the ‘favorite things to complain about’ list. Now Dutch carrier KLM is handing over the reins to consumers who think they can do a better job of managing an airline in a new 3D video game for mobile devices. After a beta test earlier this year, KLM will launch tomorrow Aviation Empire, a simulation game in which the mission is to run a successful and profitable airline. Players can add strategic destinations, build a fleet, invest in airplanes and upgrade airports according to the technologies available at the time. The game starts in 1919 — the year […]