IHCL plans continental European debut

Pictured: Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO, IHCL, with Stefan Aumann, managing partner, Peakside.
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is stepping into continental Europe with the signing of a Taj Hotels site in Frankfurt, Germany.

Previously the brand has developed a presence in the UK, but now with Taj Hotel Hessischer Hof, the luxury line is moving into the continent’s mainland.

Landmark conversion

A conversion of one of Frankfurt’s landmark hotels, after extensive renovations the property will join the list of iconic Taj hotels around the world. Signed under an operating lease arrangement, it will reopen in Q2 2025.

The hotel was built in 1952 on a former city palace site, owned and operated by the Prince of Hessia as a member of The Leading Hotels of the World group. The 134-room Taj Hotel Hessischer Hof is centrally located in close proximity to the Frankfurt trade fair grounds – one of the largest conventions and meeting spaces in Germany.

Modern and historical

As part of extensive refurbishment, the new design will feature modern accents while at the same time preserving the architectural integrity of the historical structure. An onsite Bombay Brasserie, the restaurant serving eclectic Bombay and Indian cuisine, will enter Frankfurt after making its mark in London, Cape Town and Dubai.

The Chambers, India’s first exclusive business club, will have a new outpost at Taj Hotel Hessischer Hof. A Jimmy’s Bar is also planned, plus the hotel’s banqueting spaces will be tailored to business meetings, while its recreational facilities include a spa, fitness area and a winter garden.

Expansion milestone

Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO, IHCL said: “This is a milestone in IHCL’s journey as we expand our footprint in key international gateway cities. Frankfurt, a vibrant metropolis, is one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations. We are very proud to gain a foothold in such an iconic structure and to be able to reopen it with new splendour.

“For over a century, Taj renowned for its world-class service of genuine warmth and sincere care will now bring the quintessential Taj hospitality to Frankfurt. We are delighted to partner with Peakside for this venture.”

Building on legacy

Boris Schran, managing partner at Peakside, commented: “Frankfurt is a major international crossroads where we will set new standards for luxury hotels while also achieving a milestone as the first Taj hotel in continental Europe,” “We are confident that our new concept will offer exactly what German and international travellers are looking for as they come to Frankfurt.”

Simon Lutz, partner at Peakside, added: “Right from the start, the most renowned hotel operators showed strong interest in the Hessischer Hof. A key reason for the choice of the internationally renowned hotel group IHCL was their many years of demonstrable experience as an excellent operator of luxury hotels. Through our joint plans, we will build upon this hotel’s rich legacy under the new brand.”

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