Taj Hotels has unfurled its white-and- gold flag over the 15 Arlington Street entrance to the
80-year-old classic Beaux Arts hotel facing the Boston Public Garden.The 273-room hotel officially became the Taj Boston at the ceremonial
handover. Attending were Taj Hotels CEO Raymond Bickson, General Manager
David Gibbons, numerous business, hospitality and neighborhood
representatives, and a large contingent of the hotel’s employees.
  Acquired for $170 million last November from Millennium Partners in New
York, the landmark property is Taj Hotels’ second U.S. hotel and is part of
the India-based company’s highly selective global expansion plan. In 2005,
Taj Hotels entered into a lease agreement to operate and manage The Pierre,
the luxurious landmark hotel on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
  “We believe this is New England’s finest hotel and Boston’s premier
social address, and we are honored to continue its 80-year tradition of
unrivalled hospitality with Taj’s 100-year-plus commitment to elegant
hotels and quintessential service,” said Raymond Bickson, Managing Director
and CEO, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, which operates Taj Hotels Resorts and
Palaces.
  Mr. Gibbons said that apart from new signage, new employee uniforms,
and various esthetic Taj touches, guests will immediately notice the
legendary Taj service and style. The hotel underwent a $60 million
restoration in 2002.
  “This is a very exciting time to be entering the luxury hotel market in
Boston,” he noted. “The city is experiencing a strong economic resurgence
and is attracting new business and leisure travelers. We look forward to
providing a tradition of international hospitality and pampering that
discerning travelers expect and deserve.”
  Pat Moscaritolo, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention &
Visitors Bureau, attended the noon flagging event and welcomed Taj to
Boston.
  “It is a great benefit for Boston and Massachusetts to have a company
as renowned as Taj to be the new stewards of this legendary building. Taj
runs some of the most magnificent properties in the world. I can’t think of
a better fit for the city and state,” Moscaritolo said.
  In addition to the noon flagging ceremony, Mr. Bickson hosted an
evening reception for over 200 guests at the Taj Boston Dining Room.
——-