There’s a belief in India dating back to centuries ago that any & all visitors to your home are to be honored, respected, loved , & well taken care of. This very belief is upheld to its’ highest standards at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai.
The iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is one of the world’s greatest luxury hotels; first opened its’ doors in December 1903, situated next to the Gateway of India in the Colaba region of Mumbai- it has been at the forefront of the Indian high society ever since.
History has it that the founder, Jamsetji N. Tata (founder of the Tata Group) opened this flagship hotel after he was denied entry to Watson’s Hotel, which at that time was known to permit entry to only Europeans. This was quite common at that time due to the fact that India was under British rule. After this act of racial discrimination, Tata vowed to build a luxury hotel that would be open to Indians; a place where they could all entertain without the fear of denial.
This so called act of “revenge” led to the birth of one of the most luxurious chain of hotels in the entire world, putting Mumbai on the map amongst the greatest cities of the world.
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel has hosted iconic guests from all around the world in the last century. Some of these guests include the Dalai Lama, the Obamas, Hilary Clinton, the Beatles, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, Queen Elizabeth, & Sir Richard Attenborough to name a few; but it’s the attention to details that truly set it apart.
Taj has done an EXCELLENT job at preserving the sense of history from the early 20th century, while simultaneously giving guests in the 21st century a world-class luxury experience.
Growing up my maternal grandfather would always talk about this grand, luxurious, & iconic hotel situated along the Gateway of India. My mom recalls him raving endlessly about popular socialites, celebrities, presidents, prime ministers, kings, queens, CEOs of large corporations, notable businessmen & women, staying at this iconic landmark during their trips to India; something that was far out of my grandfather’s reach.
As it was my grandfather’s dream to visit this world-class property, it became my mom’s dream to someday be able to give her dad the opportunity to see his dream come to life. My mom so desperately wanted her father to experience the phenomenal hospitality, grandeur & luxurious interior of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, but never got the chance to take him.
Two years ago, my family & I travelled to India for the first time since my grandfathers’ passing. My mom wanted to spend our time in Mumbai staying at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel as a way to fulfil her dad’s lifelong dream.
You’re left in awe from the very moment you step foot into this hotel. Simply put- it is an architectural JEWEL in Mumbai.
From American fans, German elevators, Turkish baths & English butlers, to a central Moorish dome & a Victorian Gothic exterior with Romanesque details; it is certain to take one’s breath away. It is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before.
This was the very moment we all CAUGHT the TAJ BUG.
We had finally understood why my grandfather had this lifelong dream to one day have the opportunity to visit & experience this breathtakingly beautiful, marvelous & historic hotel.
The Taj is more than simply a hotel. It’s the people- the guests & staff- that are the core heart & soul of the Taj.
Its’ service & hospitality immediately makes guests feel at home; even the staff is treated exceptionally well.
The staff LOVE to make conversation with each of their guests & get to know us on a more personal level. I remember within a day into our stay, the staff remembered each of our names & would greet us by our first names every single time time we crossed paths with them for the remainder of our stay.
The first moment we stepped foot into the hotel, we were greeted with the WARMEST of smiles. My family & I were greeted with a lite diya as members of the staff placed necklaces (known as Tulsi Malas) around our necks. In the Indian culture, Tulsi Malas are thought to ward off evil, bring good fortune, & clear your aura. The gesture & significance behind every little thing they do at the Taj is a lovely touch all guests come to appreciate & remember far beyond their stay.
In November 2008, this landmark hotel experienced its’ darkest hour. Gunmen stormed the hotel & barricaded themselves inside for three days. The staff knows every square inch of the hotel from the inside & out, including exits & escape routes; yet, not a single staff member left the building during this horrific time.
This should tell you just HOW MUCH the Taj VALUES its’ guests.
Each of the staff remained & performed their duties; ranging from the telephone operators to the General Manager(s). The staff led guests to safer sections throughout the hotel, despite the fact that they too, must have been terrified. They displayed a spur-of-the-moment bravery and a true act of selflessness while saving an innumerable amount of lives & reassuring their guests along the way.
(Watch Hotel Mumbai if you’re interested in learning more about this historical event.)
Since then, Taj has taken a grand array of security measures to ensure the safety & well-being of each of its’ guests.
The Taj brand of luxury hotels was my family’s first glimpse of Indian hospitality as a tourist– and without any bias-ness whatsoever, we became convinced that luxury properties in India may actually be the best in the world.
Our stay at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel marked the beginning of our journey of wanting to experience as many Taj properties as we possible can all throughout India.
Since our visit to the flagship hotel, we’ve stayed at four other Taj properties. I’ll be sharing our experience at each of these properties in a later post.
I hope by now I’ve convinced you to visit & experience the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel for yourself!
