As the Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai reopens its Palace Wing, one is reminded of the fact that while scars remind us of where we?ve been, they don?t dictate where we?re going. The extensive Rs 175-crore restoration represents gargantuan efforts and Raymond Bickson, managing director, Indian Hotels Company, believes the people behind the turnaround have proved that the efforts have a human face.
Guests, both old and new, would be welcomed into the hotel on August 15. One can safely say that the feeling one gets within the vaulted ceilings and walls is one of being at home. The new wing doesn?t present overt signs of luxury, but rather a quiet, understated opulence that ensconces you in its warm embrace.
The challenge of redesigning such an iconic landmark, says Bickson, is, ?How will you maintain the integrity and dignity of such a place and at the same time bring in the type of amenities and services that are technology and mechanical engineering-based. We combined maintaining the heritage and culture, and at the same time bringing in what today?s discerning traveller.? With 285 rooms in the Palace Wing, 42 of which are suites, 19 themed suites and 80 Taj Club Rooms, room rates range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 80,000. Notable among the suites are the Ravi Shankar Suite, a duplex suite, and the Tata Suite, a price-on-request suite spanning around 5,000 square feet. A flagship apartment suite is scheduled to be completed in September. Themed suites invite one to take a flight of fantasy through coral creations, Dutch delicacies and more.
The use of intelligent energy and building management systems, extensive refurbishment and a resurgence of space is evident in the new wing. Right from one?s arrival in a Jaguar or a Land Rover to the interaction with the butler service of the hotel and the art walk experience, which involves a rich repertoire of contemporary Indian art, restored and curated, the sensual experiences is clearly overwhelming.
Another key feature is the blending of modernity with old-world charm which brings about an enigmatic elegance. Since people today have every conceivable luxury within their grasp in their own houses, Bickson says, ?We need to go one step ahead and up the ante. Travellers need to feel at home and yet indulge in luxury. The latest in technology has to be a part of what we offer and we have done so for each guest in the most state-of-the-art manner possible.?
Opulence and luxuries offered in the new wing range from televisions in the bathroom mirror, to a television in the room which doubles as a media centre with computer facilities, Internet radio, films and information, all available at the press of a button. The hotel also sees to it that any guest can plug his own device into the television to avail of the bigger screen and its varied features. Walk-in closets in bathrooms also add to the traveller?s experience. Individual safes also have plug points that allow guests to charge their mobile phones or laptops without any concern of safety. The new wing also lays great stress on saving energy. Sensors present in the rooms switch off the air conditioners if there is no movement for more than 45 minutes.
?We have put in amenities that today?s traveller looks for. It is a crisper, next-century version of what our guests can expect. The new-old Taj per se, is everything that the Taj has represented as a brand for the last 107 years and what the traveller expects to see for the next 100 years,? adds Bickson.