The Leela Kempinski Mumbai Announces its Phase-III- Rs. 28 crores Investment Plan towards Renovations in 2006

Eighteen years ago Capt. C. P. Krishnan Nair, Chairman, The Leela Palaces and Resorts, made his first foray into hoteliering with The Leela Kempinski, Mumbai.

A premium super deluxe hotel that set the standards for Indian hospitality. The stand alone property left the city mesmerised with 'a never seen before scale of opulence and grandeur'. To keep up with the changing times and tastes the demanding Chairman embarked on a colossal phased, renovation and enhancement program.

The first and the second phase of The Leela Kempinski, Mumbai's renovation plan is complete. Of the total Rs.104 crores renovation project across two years, the Rs. 28 crores Phase-III renovation is now on the roll. This phase III renovation will see the final 111 rooms completely upgraded along with the Chinese restaurant and The Spa to meet the demands of the international health conscious traveller. The endeavour is to bring a rich contemporary new look to the hotel. The plan will see completion by the end of this year.

A creative team of the Leela and international designers are overseeing different aspects of the renovation programme. Well-known talents such as LTW and CNC Studio based in Malaysia and Singapore, are designing new restaurants, lobby lounges and bars.

The renovation programme is all set to enhance the stay experience of our valued guests. The Leela hotels are known for their lush garden landscapes and sprawling marble lobbies decorated with stunning original Indian artwork. Designers are integrating these classic Leela hallmarks with elegant contemporary designs and steering the new look towards understated contemporary elegance.

For the new look of it's rooms, The Leela is focusing on both the aesthetic and functional needs of guests. Rooms will exude modern luxury rather than hard-edged minimalism and will be embellished with contemporary furnishings made from warm-hued woods. Platform beds are being introduced to rooms, along with custom-designed Leela mattresses and new bedding. Duvets, curtains and throw pillows will be made from luxurious fabrics and done in soothing colours of taupe, cream, golden brown and beige.

Rooms will also be outfitted with the latest technology. A specially designed "office area" will include an ergonomic desk with international plugs, data port and other executive amenities. All renovated rooms will feature Plasma TVs.

New Leela bathrooms will feature white marble, gleaming chrome fixtures and glass-enclosed showers with spa-style showerheads. Some bathrooms will have striking sink basins and countertops.

Commenting on the renovation programme, the company's President, Peter Leitgeb, said: "The continuing renovation plan reinforces the Leela's commitment to constant upgradation in style, amenities and facilities. content and look and to. Our rooms, public spaces and restaurants will now be the buzzword for luxury, comfort and style and regain for us the number one market position in Mumbai."

The Leela Palaces and Resorts Awards and accolades come naturally to The Leela. The Leela Palace Kempinski, Bangalore soon on its opening was voted the best amongst the eight new leading business hotels of the World by Forbes. Followed by The CNN Ultimate Service Award 2003 & 2004 - A Global Appreciation Award for excellence in Service. The Leela Kempinski Goa, too has been consistently winning the World Travel Awards 2000, 2001 & 2002 and now once again in 2004 as the Leading Luxury Resort in Asia Pacific. Recently it was awarded The Imperial Mark, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious awards for excellence in industry. The Leela, Mumbai, the first hotel of the Group has won for six consecutive years the Regional and National Tourism Awards.

The Leela Group was also conferred the Hewitt and CNBC Award as one of the 5 Best Managed Workforces in the country. The latest recognition was when The Leela Group won the prestigious 2005 International Five Star Diamond Award, for the first time in India, for its Mumbai, Bangalore and Goa properties. Bestowed by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, based in New York, U.S.A, this highly regarded award recognizes commitment towards excellence in performance and service.

Issued by
Mithu Basu
Group Head Corporate Communications
The Leela Palaces~Hotels~Resorts
Sahar, Mumbai 400 059
Tel: +91 (22) 66911052
Fax: +91 (22) 66911455
Cell: +91 9820414732
mithu.basu@theleela.com