Celebration Time

Haute hotels abound all over India, but the Taj Mansingh in Delhi is a veritable grande dame that is now celebrating its 40th year. What makes this year’s celebration even sweeter is the fact that after fighting a seven-year-long court case, the Tata Groupowned Indian Hotels (IHCL) won the bid to retain the property for the next 33 years. The auction by the New Delhi Municipal Council (it owns the shell of the building) also saw the ITC Hotels bidding. Besides the Tata touch, the hotel’s USP is its location in Lutyen’s Delhi and its proximity to the posh Khan Market. Over the past few years, IHCL has shied away from making any key investment into the property as it was unclear whether the licence would be extended. But its renovation is a top priority now as the group is keen to restore the hotel to its former glory.