The Tata Group-promoted The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) will finally throw open the iconic Palace Wing of Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, in about two weeks.
The property was severely damaged in the attack by terrorists in November 2008.
The hotel will feature one of Asia’s most up-to-date luxury suites christened the Tata Suite among a host of other impressive facilities.
Raymond N Bickson, managing director, IHCL, said the Tata Suite would be the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the IHCL hotels portfolio. However, he did not reveal the charges for booking it for a day.
“Occupying the entire one wing on the sixth floor of the heritage property it would be spread across 5,000-odd square feet. The Palace Wing will also feature a couple of new accommodation offerings in the form of duplex suites,” Bickson said.
Given the magnitude and complexity of renovation and reconstruction work, the hotel’s management had availed of the services of four different interior design companies.
While the restaurants viz Wasabi, Harbour Bar and Golden Dragon have already started receiving guests, the ultra luxury rooms and suites will be officially launched on August 15.
The 287-room flagship hotel has been undergoing extensive renovation post the terror attacks in September 2008 and was earlier scheduled to be operational by July 2010. On the overall cost of renovation and reconstruction, the company management maintained that amount in excess of Rs180 crore has been spent.
“A significant sum from our own kitty has been used in addition to the on account payment of Rs180 crore received from the insurance companies. Final details of expenses incurred will be put together post the official launch of the hotel. We should be in a position to arrive at a final figure and expect to complete this process by September this year,” said Anil P Goel, executive director, finance, for IHCL.
The company also declared first quarter results for the 2010-11 fiscal during with it registered revenues of Rs328.7 crore showing an improvement of 25% vis-à-vis the corresponding quarter last year, IHCL management said in an official statement. The analyst community is of the opinion that improvement in the business was very much expected and is very clear indication of a gradual revival in the Indian hospitality business.
Hospitality sector analyst Himani Singh at Elara Capital said the business sentiment has improved from what it was last year.
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