Taj Tower to be renamed

No, the structure won't come down; the iconic hotel will just remove the word 'Tower' from its name in May

The iconic hotel will just remove the word 'Tower' from its name in May

The Taj hotel is trying to let go of the dreadful memories of the 26/11 attack. The hotel is likely to change its name back to the original Taj Mahal Palace Hotel from the current Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel this May. This will be the second time the hotel is being renamed. One reason behind the renaming of the hotel again is the fact that the management finds its earlier name lucky and auspicious.

WAH TAJ! The Taj ballroom booked for 300 guests will be re-opened today. PIC/URVASHI SETH

A few days ago, the management met the hotel's bigwigs in the Princess Room. "The management made an official presentation to important members and decided to change the name in a few months," said a hotel source.

"Stationery items will soon be changed. They have already placed an order for new stationery," he said.
A Taj spokesperson confirmed the news, but added, "We have not finalised anything yet."

History of Taj
1902: The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) u00a0is formed.
1903: IHCL opens its first hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace, in Mumbai.
2003: IHCL re-launches its flagship property as the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower during their centenary year.
2010: IHCL plans to adopt the old name once again.

After 26/11
December 21, 2008: Taj hotel reopens
December 1, 2009: Wasabi and Harbour Bar reopen
March 30, 2010: Ballroom u00a0reopens
May 23, 2010: Old wing to reopen

Old wing to re-open on May 23

Currently operating with 268 rooms (from a total of 525 rooms) including 9 suites, the hotel will open the rest of its rooms in its old wing by May 23. Post 26/11, the heritage building was badly damaged, including the ballroom, where Karambir Singh Kang, the GM, had lost his family. "After 15 months of closure, they are all set to open their old wing for guests on May 23, but before they officially reopen, they will have a hawan," the source said. u00a0 A design firm from Kuala Lumpur restored the ballroom to its original grandeur. The hotel has already started taking bookings. "The ballroom is booked for 300 guests today," added the source. Chef Hemant Oberoi and his team will oversee and orchestrate the cuisine for events to be held at the ballroom.