An 80 year-old landmark is now Taj Boston

Taj hotels resorts and palaces unfurls its flag in Boston, assumes ownership of 80-year-old landmark hotel on Arlington Street

At noon today, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, with 76 luxury hotels worldwide, unfurled its distinctive white and gold flag over the 15 Arlington Street entrance to the 80-year classic Beaux Arts landmark hotel facing the Boston Public Garden. The 273-room hotel officially became the Taj Boston at the ceremonial handover. Attending were Taj Hotels' CEO Raymond Bickson, general manager David Gibbons, numerous business, hospitality and neighbourhood representatives, and a large contingent of the hotel's employees.

Acquired for $170 million cash last November from Millennium Partners in New York, the Arlington Street property is Taj Hotels' second US hotel and is part of the India-based company's highly selective global expansion plan. In 2005, Taj Hotels entered into a lease agreement to operate and manage The Pierre, the luxurious landmark hotel on New York's Fifth Avenue.

"We believe this is New England's finest hotel and Boston's premier social address, and we are honored to continue its 80-year tradition of unrivalled hospitality with Taj's 100-year-plus worldwide commitment to elegant hotels and quintessential service," said Raymond Bickson, managing director and CEO, Indian Hotels Company, which operates Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. Gibbons said that apart from new signage, new employee uniforms, and various esthetic Taj touches, guests will immediately notice the legendary Taj service and style. The hotel underwent a $60-million restoration in 2002. "This is a very exciting time to be entering the luxury hotel market in Boston," he noted. "The city is experiencing a strong economic resurgence and is attracting new business and leisure travelers. We look forward to providing a tradition of international hospitality and pampering that discerning travelers expect and deserve."

Pat Moscaritolo, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, attended the noon flagging event and welcomed Taj to Boston. "It is a great benefit for Boston and Massachusetts to have a company as renowned as Taj to be the new stewards of this legendary building. Taj runs some of the most magnificent properties in the world. I can't think of a better fit for the city and state," Moscaritolo said. In addition to the noon flagging ceremony, Bickson hosted an evening reception for over 200 guests at the Taj Boston dining room.

Source : Equity Bulls

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