Taj Mahal Palace – A celebration
For all those who sat horrified and heavy-hearted as the terrorist drama unfolded on television, watching firsthand the destruction of the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, there is good news: you just can’t keep a good hotel down. The Taj is resilient – no doubt about it. This Independence Day, the 100 year old hotel is back in business with a beautifully restored wing.
“When we open the heritage wing and do whatever it takes to get back its old glory; we will send a stronger message – a message that strongly resonates among all of us that we can be hurt, but we cannot be knocked down,” Ratan Tata, Chairman of Indian Hotels Company, had said in 2008 after the terror attacks when the hotel lay in ruins.
It now features 285 newly restored luxury guestrooms and suites and newly restored signature restaurants and bars, ballrooms and public spaces. Structwel Designers & Consultants whose restoration portfolio includes the Gateway of India, served as conservation consultants to restore the hotel’s significant architectural heritage.
The hotel also owned an extensive art collection which was on display but fortunately was covered with heavy glass, and thus escaped critical damage. These artworks have been refurbished by Art Life Restoration Trust and are now displayed in the Taj Mahal Palace corridors and interiors.
For the citizens of Mumbai as well as for travelers from all over the world, the Taj has been a much loved landmark, so it is a relief to see the beautifully restored interiors. In celebration of the opening of this historic wing, the Taj is offering special perks which include
- Daily access to a new ground floor Palace Lounge adjacent to the Grand Staircase with complimentary beverage and food services for all guests, and cocktails and wine for Taj Club and Suite guests, as well as Internet work stations and dedicated concierge service
- 24-hour butler service, complimentary breakfast and high tea in the Sea Lounge (ah – remember the Sea Lounge?)
Here are some interesting details about the restored rooms: Guestrooms and luxury suites were redesigned by teams of acclaimed designers, including BAMO Spain, Lissoni Associati Milano, LTW Designworks of Kuala Lumpur and James Parks Associates Singapore.
Among the 15 themed Grand Luxury Suites is the Maratha Suite by LTW Designworks, Kuala Lumpur. Here is an apt description of the rooms: “Named after the Great Maratha Empire, it conveys an image of brave men who stand strong in the face of adversity and serves as a poignant tribute to the brave staff and guests at the hotel. Styled in the warm colors of the Maratha flag, including turmeric, ochre, crimson and sand, the two-bedroom suite features highly ornate Thanjavur paintings representing India as well as the Warli paintings of the tribal north.”
Taj Mahal tips for travelers:
So if you’re planning to rush out and enjoy the new Taj, there are some special deals you may want to utilize, available till September 30, 2010. The Taj Mahal Palace Timeless Celebrations offer is a ‘stay-two-get-one-night-free’. According to the hotel’s PR, the new Luxury Grande Rooms at the Palace Wing are fitted with contemporary comforts, 24-hour butler and bottle of select imported wine. Guests have access to the Palace Lounge along with free beverages, cookies and Internet.
The second deal is the Suite Celebrations offer where guests can stay one night and get an extra night free. Guests enjoy a 24-hour butler, bottle of select imported wine, access to the Palace Lounge, free Internet, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and service of after-dinner chocolates and cognacs. Also included is a one-way airport transfer in a chauffeured car, free breakfast at the Sea Lounge and early check-in (9:00 a.m.) and late check-out (6:00 p.m.) subject to availability.
One would not have believed all this back in 2008 when the clouds of dark smoke swirled, the hotel had been devastated by the terrorists and things looked so bleak – but yes, all things pass and life does go on. The staff of the iconic hotel and the legendary dabbawallas of Mumbai got together to distribute meals to the needy in the city – and you know the hotel is off to a good start, a new beginning.
