The century-old hotel boasts of an illustrious guest list.
Years before the Gateway of India was completed, Mumbai was given its first majestic landmark — The Taj Mahal Hotel. The vision of Jamsetji N Tata, the hotel was created with the thought of giving the commercial capital of India a grand hotel that would enhance its reputation among the great cities of the world.
The architects of this magnificent hotel were Sitaram Khanderao Vaidya and D N Mirza, but the project was finally completed in 1903 by English engineer W A Chambers and cost about Rs 4.21 crore.
But when Chambers committed suicide, rumour went it was on account of the hotel having been built with its back to the Gateway of India. During the World War I, the Taj Mahal Hotel was even converted into a 600-bed hospital.
Much later, in the 1970s, the hotel was given the Tower block that nearly doubled its room inventory as well as other spaces. With its arched balconies topped by a jagged diadem, the new wing was a complete contrast to the original heritage building.
The hotel’s interiors were conceived by Dale Keller, a Hong Kong-based Swiss designer, who made sure he imparted an Indian character to the new building with Tanjore pillars in the Indian restaurant.
Over the past century, The Taj Mahal Hotel has collected a diverse collection of works of art. From Belgian chandeliers to Goan-Christian artifacts, the hotel incorporates a myriad of artistic styles and tastes.
