Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, Taj City Centre New Town masterfully weaves the cultural richness of Bengal into a contemporary luxury setting. In this conversation, General Manager Indranil Ray explores how the hotel's thoughtful design celebrates local artistry while offering guests a sensory journey through Bengal's heritage. He also highlights the hotel's culinary innovations and bespoke services and sheds light on the property's eco-friendly initiatives, versatile event spaces, and curated guest experiences, which together redefine urban luxury in the City of Joy.
How does Taj City Centre New Town incorporate the cultural essence of Bengal into its design, and how do guests respond to these artistic elements?
At Taj City Centre New Town, Kolkata, one can witness traditional and local touches intertwined and woven seamlessly in a more modern approach that appeases discerning guests. West Bengal's rich heritage is showcased in abundance at various touchpoints of the hotel. As soon as you enter, you will see a striking terracotta art wall panel with abstract detailing carved out by Kolkata's celebrated ceramic artists. Wooden carvings depicting the Tree of Life at the Emperor Lounge and Lobby ceramic and earthen wares all around the hotel showcase the talents of local artisans working with the soil and clay of Bengal. You will find the beautiful waterway patterns and vegetation of Sundarbans meticulously drawn out on the corridors of the guest floors. The mazes and roads of Kolkata that form the web of the city's connectivity are intricately laid out in the carpets of the guestrooms. One cannot but admire the glimpses of the era gone by at each and every nook and corner of Taj City Centre New Town. Guests marvel at the little details behind every artwork and installation. In fact, we have a detailed guided art walk for guests too.
The hotel offers a range of dining experiences, from global cuisine at Shamiana to Asian flavours at Wykiki. How do these culinary offerings cater to the diverse preferences of both business and leisure travellers while reflecting the vibrant culinary heritage of Kolkata?
Our culinary team is well-equipped to cater to the needs of our discerning travellers. Whether on business or leisure, the stay is incomplete without a good meal. The thought behind putting together a restorative meal for a business traveller or an indulgent spread for a leisure traveller needs the same effort and empathy. Our team of expert chefs curates a memorable dining experience, weaving the signatures of the city with a dash of their artistic flare.
How does the property cater to the specific needs of various events, and what makes it a standout venue for both business and social gatherings in Kolkata?
At Taj City Centre New Town, Kolkata, we offer a range of meeting rooms and event spaces to suit every event. Counted among the best in the city, our ballroom is renowned for fairy tale weddings, while our other event venues in Kolkata are excellent for corporate gatherings and social soirees. Expect attentive and unobtrusive service, a Taj hallmark. What sets us apart as a venue choice is our exceptional catering and meticulous onsite planning services.
Can you highlight any eco-friendly or sustainability initiatives in the hotel's infrastructure or daily operations?
As part of IHCL's Paathya initiatives, The Taj City Centre New Town, Kolkata complies with the following:
Sustainability Certification: Our commitment to sustainability objectives has been unwavering since we joined EarthCheck, the world's leading scientific benchmarking and certification group for the tourism and travel industry this year. We worked towards optimising and reducing our environmental footprint without compromising on the value we create for our stakeholders.
Energy: We embarked on a decarbonisation journey by reducing the carbon impact and investing in renewable energy production. We collaborated with Tata Power to provide Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations and leverage green energy at the property. We have also set up sustainable cooling options at our properties, instead of hosting conventional technologies to drive energy efficiency.
Conserving Water: We are constantly optimising our water consumption and are making conscious efforts to treat and recycle water.
Effective Waste Management: Responsible waste management helps in securing a balanced ecosystem and we are committed towards the well-being of the same. Eliminating single-use plastics, reusable glass bottles are some of the effective waste management methods.
What exclusive luxury experiences or signature offerings does the hotel provide for guests looking for something beyond the traditional stay?
The City of Joy has a lot to offer, and our custom experiences are worth exploring. From intimate bespoke dinners and cooking classes to shopping excursions and city tours, there are a bunch of experiences that elevate your stay. We have something for every guest at Taj City Centre New Town Kolkata. For guests looking to make their stay memorable, we curate experiences to live up to the occasion. Our unique private dining experience is one of our USPs. Customised set menus curated by our executive chef can be served in enchanted, secluded settings within the hotel. This luxurious epicurean occasion, one of the most romantic experiences at Taj City Centre New Town, Kolkata, is hallmarked by our impeccable Taj service.