| Taj Mahal Palace re-opens |
By: Rebecca Hubbard
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Posted: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 11:51 am
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Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel in India has finally fully re-opened almost two years after it was badly damaged in a terrorist attack on downtown Mumbai in November 2008.
The hotel, originally founded in 1903, has been entirely redesigned and renovated by a number of firms, including Lissoni Associati, BAMO, LTW Design Works and James Park Associates.
The five-star hotel has been renamed as Taj Mahal Palace by the Indian Hotels Company. It re-opened on August 15th, the 64th anniversary of Indian independence.
The tower portion of the hotel was opened by IHC chairman Ratan Tata just three weeks after the attacks, and said at the time that the full re-opening of the hotel would hopefully send a powerful message.
“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," he said.
The interiors of the Heritage Wing have had a total overhaul. A number of original features were maintained, such as priceless Belgian chandeliers, sacred icons and antique chests.
Luxury suites have also been refurbished, including the Ravi Shankar suite, where George Harrison of The Beatles learned to play the sitar.
Ten spun iron pillars from the Eiffel Tower opening exhibition have been installed in the hotel's ballroom, and have been restored in tonnes of gold.
David Edwards, Managing Director of JPA’s Singapore office, said: “The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai is a magnificent hotel and after the tragic events of 2008, it was vital that our design was sensitive and appropriate to this landmark’s history, as well as offering guests the utmost in luxury and comfort. The results are interiors of refinement and elegance. They are unmistakably classical in origin, whilst offering all the leading edge technology that the affluent, modern guest could wish for," he said. |
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