Ashoka Hotel and Hotel Samrat, which belong to India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), are all set to welcome the VIP guests at `Games Family Hotels? during the Commonwealth Games 2010.
?As there is no availability of quality rooms expected soon, these properties will be converted into games family hotels where games officials from abroad and other VIP guests will be lodged??, a member of the games organising committee told FE.
We have sent a proposal to the ministry of tourism, which has given an in-principle nod, he said.
In another significant move, ITDC has initiated steps to bring back Akbar Bhawan, which houses the foreign ministry officials under its umbrella to improve the hotels rooms? supply during the mega event, the ministry officials said
Earlier this property was known as Akbar Hotel and was given on lease to ITDC, which was handed over to external affairs minister following recurring losses.
?As the city will be saddled with a shortage of 30,000 hotel rooms in the three to five star categories, it has been decided to re-convert the Akbar Bhawan into a hotel, a senior official in the tourism ministry said.
Both tourism and foreign ministries have also reached an understanding in this regard, he added.
However, the work on the project will commence when the external affairs ministry vacates the property. It is learnt that the ministry will move out by the middle of next year. This will cater to the needs of VIP guests too.
The government is also looking at another option to increase the provision of rooms. Janpath Hotel in Connaught Place will be given a new look. For the first time, the hotel will have about 40 rooms with spa, massage and Jacuzzi facilities. Two new restaurants are being opened shortly. 0ITDC has leased out some place to two private entrepreneurs. Both will have Mediterranean and Italian food at their menu cards
As per ?Incredible India? programme, furnishing and interior designing work has already begun. The renovation work will present a picture of incredible Indian architecture and cultural heritage to the guests, the official said.