Mumbai attack hotels reopen | Oberoi and Trident Hotels open their doors again
- 00:02:35
- YouTube
Mumbai attack hotels reopen | Oberoi and Trident Hotels open their doors again
Amid tight security, hotel staff welcomed guests, well-wishers and the media to the Trident - the lesser damaged wing of the Oberoi and Trident Hotels. Staff stood outside ushering everyone in and guiding them to the prayer meeting before the hotel bounced back to "just as it was on 25 November". Mr Mansukhani said he owes a lot to the staff of The Taj Mahal Palace hotel who kept their cool and put the safety of guests before their own. The Trident-Oberoi and Taj Mahal Palace hotels were among prominent locations struck by 10 gunmen. More than 170 people, including hotel employees, lost their lives in the attacks. Both hotel complexes were the scene of fierce battles between police and the gunmen that lasted for several days. 'Fighting back tears' Efforts have been made to ensure that no traces of the attack are visible at the Trident. The flooring has been replaced. Fresh flowers, soft lights, just the way it used to be. And hotel staff were alert and constantly looking after the visitors. Dressed in sarees and suits, reception staff handed out flowers to every guest. As the multi-faith meeting heard prayers in tribute to those who lost their lives, several guests fought back tears. Many were foreigners and regular visitors. Most said they were keen to come back to their favourite restaurants at both hotels. Hotel managers at both sites have paid tribute to employees, with the president of the Trident Hotels, Rattan Keswani, saying he felt "absolute deep pride" over their behaviour. "There is grief because they have lost their colleagues and guests they tried to protect. But at the same time they are absolutely desirous that the hotel bounces back." 'Help pouring in' Devendra Bharma, executive vice-president, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, said the window panes and wood panelling of some floors at the Trident had been damaged. "The marble floor of the lobby was damaged, as was the front porch. Fortunately the structure has not sustained any damage," he said. More than $8m of damage had been done to the Oberoi and a precise estimate of restoration costs would take a fortnight to make, said Mr Keswani. Trident damages were much less at an estimated $81,000, Mr Keswani said. He said the hotels were well covered by insurance and that help has been pouring in. As for damage at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, vice chairman R K Krishnakumar said the cost was still being assessed. He said they were covered by insurance and restoration of the heritage wing of the hotel would be done as required. 'Need for scrutiny' Both hotels have been in touch with international security agencies and have put in place measures like baggage screening, metal detectors and thorough checking of identity cards as well as frisking. The Taj is right opposite the Gateway of India and the entire area has been cordoned off. There are restrictions on car parking. Armed guards and sniffer dogs have been posted at both hotels and X-ray machines are to screen guests' bags. Both the hotels also said they will follow Indian government's directions about foreign guests. People are co-operating as everyone seems to understand the need for a scrutiny.
YouTube | December 21, 2008
