Newstrack

A new Searock to rock Mumbai

To be rebuilt as a mixed-used development with serviced apartments

Praveen K Singh - New Delhi

After a long wait, the re-entry of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel group in India is primed with the re-launch of Mumbai's famed Searock Hotel. Nandas, the promoters of The Claridges, have been in talks with the US$ 1.8 billion Mandarin Oriental Hotel group since two-and-a-half years now. Talking to Express Hospitality, the newly appointed CEO and president of The Claridges Hotels & Resorts, Peter Leitgeb, divulged, "The property will be launched under the brand Mandarin Oriental and will be operational by mid 2010."

Sharing details, Leitgeb said, "It will be a mixed-use development. It will be a one of its kind property not only in Mumbai but also the whole country. He further said, "It will be a five-star deluxe hotel with 300 plus rooms, with a state-of-the-art commercial complex with retail space, and around 90 serviced apartments with studio and two and three bedroom flats." The property will also have a spa and the company is in talks with international companies for managing it. The hotel will also have international F&B concepts.

"The existing property will be razed two months from now. Construction will start right away," Leitgeb informed. The Company has earmarked US$ 250 million for its expansion plan. It is also mulling over forming a management company to pursue contracts to fuel growth.

Hotel Searock was brought to a standstill due to the 1993 Mumbai blasts, and was later bought by Nandas in 2005, from the previous owners, the Luthria brothers. On the other hand, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel group had made a failed attempt to foray into the country six years ago. Due to differences with its local associate, Indian Hotels & Health Resorts, the group pulled out from the country. A part of Jardine Matheson Holdings, Mandarin Oriental is considered to be one of the leading luxury hotel brands in the world.