Small Luxury Hotels of the World opens Chrome Hotel Kolkata

Small Luxury Hotels of the World has expanded its portfolio in India with the addition of Chrome Hotel, its first property in Kolkata. According to the company release, Chrome Hotel Kolkata has 63 rooms including eight themed suites, a music room, colour therapy suite and a sports room. Other facilities include free Wi-Fi connectivity, an extensive library, a swimming pool and a fitness centre, as well as Khanasutra, its North Indian restaurant. Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2011, now has over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries worldwide including 13 properties across India.
 

P R S Oberoi, Chairman, Oberoi Hotels & Resort Group awarded ‘2010 Corporate Hotelier of the World’ award

According to reports, P R S Oberoi, Chairman, Oberoi Hotels & Resort Group has been awarded with the '2010 Corporate Hotelier of the World' award by Hotels magazine in New York earlier this week. Hotelier of the World, the event in its 29th year selects the annual award winners on the basis of votes cast by readers of the magazine in more than 150 countries.

The cover story of the November edition of Hotels magazine refers to Oberoi as ‘the founder father of modern luxury hospitality in India’ and credits him with growing the company ‘into one of the world's most prestigious luxury hotel groups’. Oberoi is credited with placing Oberoi Hotels on the international luxury travellers' map with opening several new luxury hotels in Mauritius, Indonesia and Egypt, besides important tourist destinations in India, such as Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur, Ranthambhore and Mashobra in the Himalayas.
 

Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad opens

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has opened Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad, after ten years of extensive and sensitive restoration. According to the company release, extensive restoration was carried out under the guidance of Princess Esra Jah, to bring it back to its original magnificence.

Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad offers 60 rooms and suites including a Grand Presidential Suite, two restaurants (Celeste – serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and Adaa – Indian fine dining), an outdoor pool and the signature Jiva Spa spread across 32 acres of manicured gardens.
 

Rakesh Mathur, President, WelcomHeritage conferred with Karamveer Chakra

Rakesh Mathur, President, WelcomHeritage has been awarded the Karmaveer Chakra by the Indian Confederation of NGOs. According to the company release, this award is India’s national award for citizen action, commissioned to recognise individuals in India and abroad who have been pivotal for leading change. The award is given to individuals for their contribution to promote social justice and action.

The award, which consists of a citation and a medal, has been given to Mathur for his pioneering contribution towards initiating and building the Code of conduct for ‘Safe and Honourable Tourism’ (a phrase he coined) which, in 2010, has been accepted and launched by Ministry of Tourism. It is considered a landmark achievement in the evolution of tourism in the country with its implementation process in progress.

Mathur said, “The tourism Industry has given us so much. We must pay back and ensure its long term sustainability.