Mumbai: Doormen in white suits and black turbans greeted visitors, 45 guests checked in and a lucky customer got a thank you card instead of a bill—the Trident Hotel is serving its customers well.
At least 30 people were killed in the hotel during the terrorist attacks on Mumbai on November 26. On Sunday, the hotel was back on its feet and in business—less than a month after the murderous attack on its guests and staff.
The hotel is opening all its 550 rooms and suites, and four restaurants to guests. At least 80 bookings have already been made and there's a rush for reservations at its restaurants
Security was noticeably tighter as guards scanned bags and sniffer dogs patrolled the ground outside. Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal visited the Trident to attend its opening ceremony.
Staff members, journalists and guests attended a multi-religious prayer meeting in the lobby for victims of the terror attacks.
‘Thank you, dear customer’
Devendra Ksheer Sagar, the first customer at one of the restaurants, was just about to dip into pocket for his wallet when he noticed he hadn’t been billed. Instead there was a card saying: 'thank you for your support' and a bouquet of flowers.
"I was surprised when I got the card saying thank you for your support instead of the bill," said Sagar.
"I had come here (Marine Drive) for my morning walk and since I knew the hotel was re-opening I decided to try a cup of tea," he said.
"As soon as I stepped into the hotel, managers walked up to me and shook hands saying thank you. I was surprised on being told that I was their first customer. I was really touched by their gratitude."
"We should be bold enough to deter and stop them (terrorists). Instead of getting scared, we should scare them with our resolve to fight back," said Sagar.
Service at any cost
Hotel president Rattan Keswani said his staff is in grief but “committed to deliver 100 per cent”.
"I'm confident of your support. I seek help from all of you to make efforts in projecting Mumbai and India as a safe destination. Fears of guests must be allayed aggressively. Such acts will only affect our citizens and our economic development," he said.
"We believe the time has come to look forward to the future. There is grief, there is sadness, but the staff is committed to deliver 100 per cent and there is absolute desire to bounce back as soon as possible," said Keswani.
The hotel has increased security checks and put up more surveillance systems, but promises its ambience would be welcoming still.
"It's not that a person would not be allowed to walk in into the hotel lobby or sit in one of our restaurants, even if he doesn't have a booking," he said.
The Oberoi-Trident hotel, facing the Arabian Sea at Nariman Point, and the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, near the Gateway of India, were the key targets terrorists attacked and took over on November 26.
The Taj Mahal hotel will reopen on Sunday evening and the Oberoi hotel six months later.
(With inputs from PTI, IANS and AP)
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