Manju A B
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Mumbai, Nov 19: Taj International Hotels, a subsidiary of the Tatas-controlled Indian Hotels, has tied up with
Bass Hotels & Resorts.This is part of the group's plans to reposition the four-star St James Court by inducing
significant structural realignment. The hotel is also expected to have a strong marketing franchise with an international
chain.
The repositioning exercise at St James Court will cost the company about 18 million. This includes a complete renovation
of the lobby, lounge, business centre, fitness club and apartments. The hotel has recently launched two restaurants-`Cafe
Mediterranee', a 82-seater restaurant with a new scheme featuring British contemporary food, and `Quilon'. Strategically
located behind the Buckingham palace, `Quilon' is a 92-seater restaurant specialising in authentic Indian coastal
cuisine.
The Zander tipped to be the largest bar in London is expected to open in January'2000. The Crowne Plaza London-St
James was first acquired by Taj International in 1982 and converted into a four-star hotel-cum-apartment complex.
The renovated hotel re-opened in 1986. The hotel complex now comprises 333 rooms and 82 apartments, and after current
renovations it will be re-positioned as London's four-star deluxe hotel alongside One Aldwych, St Martin Lane Hotel
and The Great Eastern.
The Taj Group of Hotels is India's leading luxury chain with over 50 hotels worldwide. Apart from the strategic
acquisitions, the Taj group has also been pruning its international operations. The group rationalised its international
portfolio by exiting from the Lexington Hotel in New York and the Executive Plaza Hotel at Chicago. The respective
sales agreements, according to the company, have progressed satisfactorily with sales agreements having been executed
for the New York Hotel and a letter of intent for the executive plaza hotel at Chicago.
The new food and beverage outlets, world class standards in service and support systems which are currently implemented
are expected to significantly affect the operating results of the St James Court Hotel in London.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.