India’s first five-star hotel was Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Many unbelievable facts surround it. This was the first hotel in India to get electricity. The first Indian hotel to have a stem elevator. Later, it became India’s first hotel to have an air-conditioned ballroom. In this ballroom, influential people ranging from Mahatma Gandhi to Lord Mountbatten have given speeches. The gateway of India nearby was built after the hotel. Back then, the cost to rent one room here was RS.10 per night. And if you want to have a fan in your room, and a attached bathroom, it cost RS.13 per night.

Now, the cheapest room here costs RS.33,000 per night. It was built by Jamshedji Tata. A popular theory suggest that he built this hotel because he had gone to the Watson Hotel once, where he was denied entry because it was for whites men only. But many historians counter this theory, saying that it didn’t happen. Rather, Jamshedji Tata wanted to build something that could be royal experience to Bombay. Below are more facts...

Fact About First 5 Star Hotel of India | TAJ HOTEL

Historical Landmark: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, opened in 1903, was the first luxury hotel in India.

Architectural Beauty: The hotel features a blend of Islamic, Renaissance, and Victorian architecture, making it an iconic structure in Mumbai.

First to Have Electricity: It was the first building in Mumbai to have electricity, making it a pioneer in modernization.

Royal Guests: The hotel has hosted numerous dignitaries and celebrities, including Queen Elizabeth II, George Bernard Shaw, and Barack Obama.

Gateway to India: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is located next to the Gateway of India, another significant landmark, providing a stunning backdrop for guests.

Luxury and Opulence: The hotel boasts over 550 rooms and 44 suites, each designed with luxurious decor and modern amenities.

Historical Events: The hotel has been a witness to many historical events, including India's struggle for independence and the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Art Collection: The hotel houses an extensive collection of artworks and artifacts, including Belgian chandeliers, Goan Christian artifacts, and rare paintings.

Unique Dining: The hotel is home to several renowned restaurants, such as Wasabi by Morimoto, offering exquisite Japanese cuisine, and Masala Kraft, serving authentic Indian dishes.

Cultural Hub: Over the years, the Taj Mahal Palace has become a cultural hub, hosting various events, fashion shows, and art exhibitions, contributing to Mumbai's vibrant cultural scene.

First Licensed Bar: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was home to Mumbai's first licensed bar, the Harbour Bar, which opened in 1933 and continues to serve guests to this day.

Tata Legacy: The hotel was founded by Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, as a gesture to provide a luxurious lodging experience in India that could rival the best in the world.

Architectural Firsts: It was the first building in Mumbai to have a steam elevator and the first to use American fans, German elevators, Turkish baths, and English butlers.

Iconic Dome: The hotel's iconic dome, which is a distinctive part of Mumbai's skyline, was used as a triangulation point by sailors to guide their ships safely to Mumbai's harbor.

Restoration and Resilience: After the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the hotel underwent extensive restoration and reopened with enhanced security measures, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to maintaining its legacy of luxury and hospitality.