Artist claims he was denied entry into five-star hotel

Artist and author Subhash Awchat claimed he was denied entry into the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Colaba, on Sunday, reports Collin Rodrigues.

Artist and author Subhash Awchat claimed he was denied entry into the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Colaba, on Sunday.

HT Image

Awchat said the incident occurred at 12.45 pm on Sunday when he and a friend, Sanjay Kumar, were headed to the hotel to pick up some colleagues. They had planned to spend time at the coffee shop before heading to Alibaug for an exhibition.

Awchat said he faced a volley of questions from security personnel. He said he was ‘rudely’ told that the coffee shop was closed. A security official allegedly told him that he could arrange for a lunch booking only at 3 pm. “I initially thought it was a joke,” said a shocked Awchat. “I was compelled to go back and get my driving licence from my car to prove my identity. I have never been through such a procedure in the 45 years that I have known the Taj.”

A spokesperson for the hotel said: “The safety, security and comfort of our guests are of utmost importance for us. We have been on a heightened security alert, especially at this time due to a visiting head of state; thus in keeping with security procedure, movement of people was curtailed. We regret and apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused to any guest at that time.”

The hotel was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Sunday and this could have been the reason for heightened security measures.

Awchat, however, plans to pursue the matter. “I will personally write to the Tatas [the Tata Group owns the hotel],” said Awchat. “I don’t think this is a personal insult. We all love the Taj since childhood. But there needs to be a proper security system in place.”