TAJ CAPE TOWN OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE WORLD

CAPE TOWN, South Africa and MUMBAI, India April 15 /PRNewswire/ — Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is delighted to announce that Taj Cape Town officially opened its doors on Saturday 20th March 2010. This luxury hotel, in the historic city of Cape Town, is a joint venture between Indian Hotels Company Ltd and city centre developers Euro Cape, with the investment in the project topping R500 million.

Mr Raymond Bickson, MD & CEO, Indian Hotels Company Ltd said, "We are delighted to announce our foray into South Africa with Taj Cape Town. This is in sync with our strategy to continue our vision of growth in key international destinations. Cape Town is an increasingly popular tourist and business destination and this is yet another step towards establishing a significant presence for Brand Taj across the globe with its exemplary product-service combination."

Taj Cape Town is located on St George’s Mall, in the historic heart of the city, in close proximity to Company Gardens and The House of Parliament. In keeping with the group’s tradition of breathing life into iconic properties, the hotel has been developed within two buildings of historic significance: The Temple Chambers, also known as the Board of Executors, which was built in 1890 and the South African Reserve Bank building.

A new tower rises dramatically from behind these Heritage buildings and will feature Tower bedrooms with floor to ceiling glass façades and private balconies. Guests can choose from a range of accommodation including, the split-level Presidential Suite, 155 luxury rooms and suites in either the Heritage or Tower sections, and 22 Luxury Residences. The majority of these rooms boast superb views of the city’s famous St George’s Cathedral, The Parliament and Gardens, and the world renowned Table Mountain. The Taj Club floor will offer visiting business guests a dedicated Private Lounge and Butler service.

Taj’s reputation for culinary excellence will be experienced in three restaurants. Bombay Brasserie’s first international outpost will reside in the old Banking section of the hotel; the contemporary Mint restaurant will offer innovative international and local cuisine with an outdoor dining terrace. The Twankey Bar will offer a more informal setting and a wide selection of South Africa’s award winning wines and fresh seafood. A Cocktail Bar and Cigar Lounge will offer the finest cocktails and limited edition cigars.

The Meeting rooms and Banquet Hall are located on the first floor of the property with views overlooking St. George’s Cathedral and Table Mountain. The rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and have a capacity of up to 110 people.

Taj has introduced Jiva for the first time in South Africa – the only Indian spa brand that operates worldwide. For rest and rejuvenation, The Jiva Grande Spa offers authentic Indian and well-being treatments and therapies within six organically designed treatment rooms. There will also be a well-equipped gym and heated indoor pool.

The Taj group already has a portfolio of 15 international hotels in the USA, UK, Maldives, Australia, Bhutan and the Middle East. With the opening of Taj Cape Town, Taj will continue to enhance its reputation for impeccable service, luxury accommodation, unrivalled hospitality and its signature offerings.

Stay for two nights on the best available rate and receive the third night on a complimentary basis. This offer includes accommodation, breakfast and taxes for all nights and is valid till 31st May, 2010.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 67 hotels in 45 locations across India with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.

Conde Nast Traveller UK and US have both put Taj Cape Town on the Hot List 2010 after months of research and suggestions from the magazines' correspondent's across the globe..