New Delhi’s newest five-star hotel is rising on three acres of prime land in India’s capital. Just in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts will welcome its newest luxury property in a convenient location at the cover of Africa Avenue and Vinay Marg in Chanakyapuri, the Central Business District and the city’s diplomatic enclave.
The Leela Palace Kempinski New Delhi will have 260 rooms and suites, five restaurants, two bars, a spa by ESPA, a fitness center and a swimming pool on its roof terrace. An outpost of MEGU, the Japanese restaurant, will open at The Leela along with an intimate Indian restaurant, another featuring Italian cuisine with an open kitchen and an all-day dining restaurant also with a “live” kitchen.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts is opening The Westin Pune Koregaon Park – the first of six new Westin Hotels to open in India over the next three years and the brand’s 25th hotel in Asia Pacific. The hotel is illustrative of Starwood’s overall growth in India with plans to grow its footprint by 60% by 2012.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has opened its 150th hotel in Asia Pacific – the ITC Royal Gardenia, a Luxury Collection hotel in Bengaluru, India. The opening of the 292-room hotel underscores Starwood’s long-term strategic growth plans in Asia Pacific, where it has executed 23 new deals in 2009 – seven hotels have been opened prior to the opening of ITC Royal Gardenia and another seven hotels are slated to open by the end of this year.
Within China, Starwood is set to double its current footprint to 100 hotels by 2012.
For the first time, the international hotel chain Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is to open a Swissôtel in India. The new deluxe hotel will be in Kolkata, the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and a city that is home to the country’s second-largest stock exchange, the Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE). It will be in part of the City Centre – New Town shopping mall with shops, restaurants and a multiplex cinema, and has 147 rooms, each at least 32m² in size. Three restaurants, including a speciality restaurant and an open-air restaurant, a lobby bar and a poolside bar will be available to guests. Facilities will also include conference rooms offering 1261m² of space, a fitness centre and a rooftop swimming pool. The hotel is due to open in the fourth quarter of 2009.
This former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur also tops the list of ‘Overseas Leisure Hotels for Asia and the Indian sub-continent’. Scoring an overall 95.62, Rambagh Palace has the ‘best ambience/decor’ (98.12) and ‘location’ (96.5) of all hotels in the category.
The Preferred Hotel Group will welcome 13 new members to its portfolio next month, from the stunning Natal Ocean Club on the picturesque coast of Cabo Sao Roque in Brazil, due to open early 2010, to the majestic Leela Palace on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. In Barcelona, Casanova by Rafael Hotels has been inspired by the city’s Gaudi architecture, formerly an 18th Century limestone residence, it is now a chic haven for those looking for elegant accommodation in this cosmopolitan city. For something further afield, Legends Resort Villas Moorea in French Polynesia has just joined Preferred Boutique – spread across 17 breathtaking acres, the 46 villas, with private decking and Jacuzzi pool, offer guests a slice of paradise. Or for the ultimate in glitz and glamour head to Hotel Zaza Houston in Texas where you’ll be welcomed by delightfully indulgent surroundings and hi style creature comforts.
Are you someone who likes to take risks? You could brave the elements and scale Mount Everest. You could jump out of a plane with nothing but a nylon parachute and a prayer. Or, you could make the pilgrimage to India and order Fugu, the Japanese puffer fish so toxic it causes up to 50 deaths per year. Eat it anywhere but a licensed restaurant and you could face an untimely demise.
India, did I say? Yes! This is a dish that is no longer served exclusively in Japan. It’s now available at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai’s San-Qi Restaurant, the first and only restaurant in India with a Fugu-certified chef. Chef Kato Toshikazu first tasted Fugu at the age of 18, when he started working in the kitchen at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo. After years and many hours of practice, he’s now licensed to thrill San-Qi diners who want to try the famous fish. And many do — the hotel imports two orders of Fugu from Japan a month!
Guests on The Golden Chariot will be forgiven for wondering what year it is. For ancient and opulent Karnataka is alive and well when you travel on this luxury train. It threads its way through majestic landscapes in South India to destinations that have remained still in time. Magnificent landmarks that hold treasures reflecting the wealth of their aristocratic owners speak of centuries past. The Golden Chariot is the preferred address of modern day maharajahs fond of absorbing the finest wines as well as the legends of Karnataka.
andBEYOND (formerly CC Africa) has opened its third jungle safari lodge India and welcomed its first guests last December. Pashan Garh Panna Wilderness Lodge features just 12 luxurious stone cottages and is situated a mere 50km from the renowned temples of Khajuraho – a World Heritage Site featuring erotic sculpture dating back 1,000 years.
Pashan Garh, meaning ’stone house’, draws its inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses of north-central India. It is located just 12km from Panna National Park’s entrance and is surrounded by 190 acres of private jungle wiliderness. The stone cottages are set on the top of a small hill, with magnificent views over the forest and a large nearby waterhole, which has been host to numerous tiger and resident antelope sightings.
The overall design of the lodge is stony and rough hewn, with white marble, leather furniture, and ebony with chocolate highlights. Guest areas include a spacial central courtyard and interiors are a contemporary mix of chocolate linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cottons and cotton lace chandeliers.
Guests can reach Pashan Garh by flying from Delhi to Khajuraho with Jet Airways, which is then followed by a one-hour chauffeured journey by road, before being met by a warm welcome and introduced to your butler for the duration of your stay.
With over 100 years of opening and managing hotels in India and beyond, Taj Hotels & Resorts will open the Nadesar Palace in Varanasi next month. Nestled in the heart of this bustling city, amongst mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, the 10 roomed Nadesar Palace was built by the East India Company. The meticulously fashioned accommodation, draws inspiration from the city, its culture and its timeless traditions, all accommodation is generously scaled with large windows overlooking the gardens and spacious bathrooms in cool white marble. As with all Taj properties, the newest hotel in their portfolio will provide impeccable service and unparalleled facilities.
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Palace & Tower Mumbai has been the scene of a terrible tragedy as we all know from recent news. Ten employees – many in their twenties – lost their lives in the horrendous attack, as well as many guests. The hotel’s site is currently holding an online book of condolence.
Today the hotel was officially handed back to the Taj Group but access is still limited. So what now for the hotel? The damage must be extensive. The restaurant is ruined, the bar has been burnt out and many other rooms have been destroyed by fire with the damage reportedly greatest on the fourth and sixth floors. This video gives a brief insight.
The Tata group, which owns the hotel, has vowed to re-build it. Chairman Ratan N. Tata defiantly gone on record as saying:
We will re-build every inch that has been damaged in this attack and bring back the Taj to its full glory.
Everyone at Taj Hotels is greatly saddened by the recent act of terrorism. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of all those who have lost their lives across the city of Mumbai.
The rescue and recovery operations by the security forces are continuing at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. The hotel management and staff are working closely with the relevant authorities and providing full cooperation to them for the safety and security of all our guests and staff.
To provide timely updates and assistance to the guests of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower and their families, the Taj has set-up a 24×7 helpline. This aims to provide relevant information on the guests who were checked into the hotel from November 26th onwards.
Help desks have also been established at the Taj President, Taj Wellington Mews and Taj Lands End for all guests who have been moved by us to our other properties. These are providing a wide range of support including medical assistance, arrangement of onward travel plans, provision of travel documentation and any other assistance that is required.
The Taj 24×7 helpline numbers are:
India: + 91 22 6657 4322 / 6657 4372 / 1 800 111825
US & Canada: 1866 9691825
Rest of the World: 00800 4588 1825
SECURITY STATEMENT:
We are working closely with the authorities and are taking necessary precautions across all our hotels.
Message from Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman Tata Sons and Chairman, Indian Hotels Company Ltd. “The terrible wanton attacks last night on innocent people and the destruction of prominent landmarks in India deserve to be universally condemned. My sympathies and condolences go out to all those who have suffered, been injured, and those who have lost their loved ones in this terrible act of hatred and destruction.
We cannot replace the lives that have been lost and we will never forget the terrifying events of last night, but we must stand together, shoulder to shoulder as citizens of India, and rebuild what has been destroyed. We must show that we cannot be disabled or destroyed, but that such heinous act will only make us stronger. It is important that we do not allow divisive forces to weaken us. We need to overcome these forces as one strong unified nation.”
From Oberoi Hotels and Resorts:
Mumbai situation update: The Oberoi, Mumbai
November 28, 2008
The evacuation of guests which commenced this afternoon is now complete. Guests have been rejoined with their families and friends or have been escorted to alternate accommodation that had been arranged for them. Guests who had travelled to Mumbai from other cities and from overseas are being offered all support for their return or onward journey.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the horrific act of terrorism. We are deeply saddened by the demise of some guests and member of our staff. We salute our staff for their bravery, tirelessness and dedication
Those who need assistance or require information may call us on our 24-hour helpline number +91 11 2389 0555 or Toll Free 1 800 11 2030.
More news on the terrible attacks in Mumbai is beginning to emerge. Seven simultaneous attacks have been reported, including attacks on The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Mumbai and The Oberoi Mumbai. Other tourist targets have included one of India’s busiest railway stations, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the Leopold Café. The remaining three locations are the docks at Mazagaon, the Vile Parle suburb of the city and the Cama Hospital. Sixteen armed groups are said to have been patrolling the city. Click here for a Google map of the Mumbai attacks, outlining these 7 locations.
The Taj Mahal Palace has had its top floor engulfed in flames at the southern end of the building. Shootings and at least six explosions have been reported. One eye witness has stated that a gunman opened fire in the hotel lobby. Half a dozen or so hostages are said to be being held at the hotel and commandos have surrounded the buliding.
At the Oberoi Mumbai it is rumoured that forty hostages are being held by three or four gunmen but there seems to be a great deal of uncertainty on this point at this stage. At Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus there have been more shootings and some grenades. Terrorists opened fire in the Leopold Café, not far from the Taj Palace. The siege on the hospital has been cleared by police.
An Islamic terrorist group called the Deccan Mujahideen is claiming responsibility for the attacks. Latest reports are that 84 people have been killed – including some security officials – and 250 injured. 4 suspected terrorists have been killed and 9 arrested.
There is tragic news from India today. Attacks on a number of hotels in Mumbai have seen gunmen burst in, killing people (more than 80 have been reported dead) and looking to take British and American passport holders as hostages. The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower – which is currently on fire as I type – and the Oberoi Mumbai are among those that have been attacked. More later.
CC Africa - a company that established a reputation for luxury lodges and safaris across Africa – has grown beyond its African borders – with expansion into India and Latin America - and changed its name accordingly. From now on, CC Africa becomes &BEYOND.
On the 28th October 2008 Diwali is celebrated for five continuous days, with the third day being celebrated as the main Diwali or as the ‘Festival of Lights’. Fireworks are always associated with this festival with the main day celebrated with people lighting candles, diyas, all around their house. India is a kaleidoscope of sights, a vast palette of colours and never more so than at Diwali. A delightful time to visit India.
Are you someone who likes to take risks? You could brave the elements and scale Mount Everest. You could jump out of a plane with nothing but a nylon parachute and a prayer. Or, you could make the pilgrimage to India and order Fugu, the Japanese puffer fish so toxic it causes up to 50 deaths per year. Eat it anywhere but a licensed restaurant and you could face an untimely demise.
Guests on 
andBEYOND
With over 100 years of opening and managing hotels in India and beyond, 
The Taj Mahal Palace has had its top floor engulfed in flames at the southern end of the building. Shootings and at least six explosions have been reported. One eye witness has stated that a gunman opened fire in the hotel lobby. Half a dozen or so hostages are said to be being held at the hotel and commandos have surrounded the buliding.
CC Africa - a company that established a reputation for luxury lodges and safaris across Africa – has grown beyond its African borders – with expansion into India and Latin America - and changed its name accordingly. From now on, CC Africa becomes 
On the 28th October 2008 Diwali is celebrated for five continuous days, with the third day being celebrated as the main Diwali or as the ‘Festival of Lights’. Fireworks are always associated with this festival with the main day celebrated with people lighting candles, diyas, all around their house. India is a kaleidoscope of sights, a vast palette of colours and never more so than at Diwali. A delightful time to visit India.