Taj Hotels checks into the diamond city of Surat
April 24, 2006

As part of its domestic expansion strategy, Indian Hotels Company has extended its presence in Gujarat, by entering into a management contract for the former 132-key Hotel Holiday Inn in Surat. This sole five-star hotel in South Gujarat has now been renamed Gateway Hotel at Athwa Lines, Surat and will be operated under the Taj Business Hotels brand.

Commenting on the Taj Hotels’ foray into Surat, Jamshed Daboo, chief operating officer, Taj Business Hotels, said, "As part of our expansion strategy, we are pleased to increase our presence in Gujarat with Ahmedabad, Vadodara and now the diamond city of Surat. Known for its diamond polishing, trading, jari works, textiles and petrochemicals, Surat is today also being projected as the financial capital of Gujarat with the entry of all major banks and insurance segment. And with better connectivity to other cities on the anvil with an airport soon coming up in SUDA (Surat Urban Development Area), we see Surat emerging as an extremely important city on our domestic circuit."

Located on the banks of the river Tapti, the Gateway Hotel is built on 5 acres of land. The hotel has on offer 132 well-appointed guestrooms including four deluxe suites and one presidential suite. All rooms offer a full suite of services and amenities a business traveler would need. To this, the Taj will bring in its unique strength of service philosophy and style.

The hotel boasts of six spacious banquet halls, a business centre, 10,000 sq ft of lawns ideal for outdoor events, an in-house salon, and a travel desk. Recreational activities extend to a health club and gymnasium, swimming pool and a shopping arcade.

The Taj will also bring in its F&B expertise to the hotel’s dining options. The 24-hour coffee shop River Side Café serves buffets along with an a la carte menu comprising of Gujarati, continental, Italian and Indian delicacies. The Indian restaurant Haveli serves delectable Indian and Gujarati cuisine coupled with live ghazal performances. And the seasonal Poolside Chinese Restaurant unleashes a range of Chinese delicacies to satiate the guests’ culinary delight.

The hotel is owned by Gujarat JHM Hotels, which is part of a company that has been operating hotels in India and abroad for more than 25 years.