India’s luxury Taj Group has completed the rebranding of its two popular London hotels, St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel and Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences.
The hotels, which re-opened on January 7, 2014, will now be promoted within the Taj Group’s portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts and palaces, and the Taj Group has sole ownership and management, as well as operational and marketing control of both properties.
“This important re-branding comes at an exciting time for the increasing strategic links between India and the UK,” said Taj Group CEO and Managing Director, Raymond Bickson.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to restore these iconic hotels that have more than a century of heritage.”
Since opening its doors in 1902, St. James’ Court has regularly hosted royalty and Heads of State. Bordered by Buckingham Palace and Green Park in the heart of Westminster, the hotel in centrally located in London. Rich in history and heritage, the hotel has introduced the quintessential Taj service through new offerings, amenities and service enhancements, combined with the famed Taj hospitality.
At St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, some of the enhanced and differentiated experiences include in-room check in, signature welcome and signature fragrances. Guests will also have access to an extensive fleet of exclusive vintage and classic vehicles, including the Queen Mother’s favourite Jaguar DS420 Daimler limousine ‘Grand Princess’ and Lord Mountbatten’s vintage Daimler ‘Silver Baroness’. Other experiences include unique dining experiences like the 24 Karat Gold Afternoon Tea and a customised Kids at Taj program.
Meanwhile, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences is further enhancing its luxury offering through bespoke experiences such as the Taj Royal Attache butler service, optional Jaguar airport transfers and exclusive horse and carriage rides. In addition to the two signature suites – the world’s first Jaguar Suite and the uniquely designed Cinema Suite – the hotel is remodelling other suites. In 2014, it will welcome a new lobby and reception lounge, a new restaurant, tea and library lounges and an exclusive private dining area.
Guests at both of the hotels will benefit from complimentary WiFi, Clefs d’Or Concierge service, tailored treatments at the Wellness Centre and a host of on-site dining options, including Michelin-star Quilon.
The developments at the Taj Group in London are particularly significant in the context of the importance and legacy of the Tata Group in the UK. The Tata Group has had a strategic presence in Europe and the UK for more than a century and the UK is Tata’s leading international market. The Tata Group is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector employer and one of its largest foreign investors. This initiative by the Taj Group adds to the portfolio of iconic brands in the UK like Jaguar, Land Rover, Tata Steel Europe (formerly Corus Group) and Tetley Tea with Taj, one of Asia’s largest and finest hospitality brands, renowned for its heritage, legacy, and warm service.