The entire ITC Maurya has been booked for US President Barack Obama’s entourage, ahead of his visit to New Delhi on January 25. Though, the hotel staff is tight-lipped about his stay, sources revealed that about 400 members of the delegation have already checked into the hotel.
Obama, who will be the guest of honour at the Republic Day ceremony, will stay at the Grand Presidential or Chandragupta suite, which spans an entire floor and has a separate entrance through a private high-speed elevator.
The US’ delegation stay in the 440-room hotel is tipped to cost close to US $1,20,000 ( Rs 7.2 crore approximately). The Grand Presidential suite is a mansion with silk-panelled walls, dark wood flooring and expensive artwork. Beside two huge bedrooms, the suite that boasts of bulletproof windows comprises a reception area, a living room, a study, a peacock-themed 12-seater private dining Room and an opulent bathroom with mother of pearl accessories and imperial décor, complete with a mini spa and gymnasium.
Obama will also have exclusive access to a well-equipped microbiological laboratory for testing his food, to be prepared in a separate kitchen by his accompanying butler.
“The presidential staff has been doing the rounds of the hotel’s kitchen from the past few weeks, even though they’ve indicated that his food will be prepared separately by his own chefs. He is, however, likely to dine at the hotel’s iconic Indian restaurant ‘Bukhara’ that had a platter named after former US President Bill Clinton during his visit,” the source said.
{{/usCountry}}“The presidential staff has been doing the rounds of the hotel’s kitchen from the past few weeks, even though they’ve indicated that his food will be prepared separately by his own chefs. He is, however, likely to dine at the hotel’s iconic Indian restaurant ‘Bukhara’ that had a platter named after former US President Bill Clinton during his visit,” the source said.
{{/usCountry}}