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Mumbais iconic Sea Rock Hotel is set to make a comeback as Taj Bandstand, with the Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) planning to begin construction in the second half of 2025. The new luxury property will be located on the sea-facing plot in Bandra, opposite IHCLs Taj Lands End. “We are awaiting the commencement certificate from the BMC and approval from the Airport Authority of India. Once these are in place, construction will commence, which we expect in the latter half of 2025,” said Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL. Taj Bandstand will join IHCLs portfolio of luxury properties in Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Palace, Taj Lands End, Taj Santacruz, and Taj The Trees. Together, these four hotels account for 1,550 rooms, contributing to IHCL’s 12 operational properties in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region across its Ginger, SeleQtions, and Vivanta brands. Mumbai’s hospitality sector is robust, with 75 branded hotels offering 15,524 rooms. Upscale and luxury hotels dominate the market, comprising 71% of the room inventory. Sea Rock Hotel, originally built by the Luthria family in 1978, was suburban Mumbais first five-star property and a favorite among celebrities. ITC operated the hotel from 1986 under a license agreement until it was damaged in the 1993 terror attacks. It remained closed thereafter due to legal disputes. In 2005, Suresh Nanda of the Claridges Hotel acquired the property for ?300 crore. Four years later, IHCL purchased an 85% stake from the Nanda family, with plans to rebuild the hotel, a convention center, and a commercial complex. However, the project faced delays due to litigation and environmental clearance issues. IHCL became the full leasehold owner of the property in 2020 after acquiring the remaining stake. The rebranded Taj Bandstand promises to bring new life to this historic site, reaffirming its status as a landmark in Mumbai’s hospitality landscape. |
