Mumbai Taj Mahal Palace Reopens
Posted on August 14, 2010
The Taj Mahal Palace has reopened following the 2008 Mumbai attacks which killed 175 people. Ratan Tata, chairman of the hotel group, promised to "rebuild every inch" of the building following the attacks.
An extensive restoration by designers, Lissoni Associati, Milan, BAMO San Francisco, DesignWilkes, Malaysia and James Park Associates, Singapore was carried out. The hotel rooms have been decorated with precious art and contain the latest technology. Fast Company reports that the restoration project took 21 months and cost over $38 million.
Speaking at a preview press conference, Mr. Raymond Bickson, Managing Director, Indian Hotels Company Limited, said, "Today, we have fulfilled our promise of rebuilding the Taj to its former glory. The Taj Mahal has always reinvented itself and its storied past which makes it the icon that it is. The palace wing has been lovingly and painstakingly restored, and we will now offer our guests an even more customized experience. It is a befitting tribute to the spirit and resilience that is The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai; and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the hotel. As India celebrates its 64th year of independence, we warmly welcome our guests, old and new to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel."
Here's a tour of the restored Taj Mahal from CNBC.