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A room with a view for Musharraf

Tara Shankar Sahay in Agra

Step into the breathtaking Amar Vilas Hotel and you will understand why Mughal emperor Shah Jahan died broken-hearted gazing at the monument of love he built in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Imprisoned by his son and successor Aurangzeb, who incarcerated him in Agra Fort more than half-a-dozen kilometre away, the old emperor cursed his fate for having to gaze at his work of love through misty eyes from so far away.

All the 106 rooms of this luxurious hotel have a stupendous and uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal - the reason why the Vajpayee government zeroed in on it for Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf and his team.

"Yes, General Musharraf and his wife Sehba Begum had indicated to the Central government in New Delhi that they wanted hotel accomodation from where they could see the Taj," admitted deputy general manager Swaroop Dutta.

Apart from being the most expensive hotel in Agra, its owners lavished money and utilised influence to locate it in on a piece of property which was virtually impossible to acquire even a few years ago, given its proximity to the Taj.

However, the era of globalisation and its rapid spillover in the country has enabled the Oberoi group to turn a dream into reality.

Explaining its high tariff and exclusivity, Dutta pointed out that the hotel management's accent was on 'high quality clientele and a luxurious experience which is a world apart.'

"Of course, we don't cater to the hoi-polloi, it is quite evident. Word about our hotel has spread fast and we have been regularly receiving inquiries from the globe-trotting jet-set," the deputy general manager contended with a hint of pride.

Work is continuing on a war-footing to operate the various water-fountains and less than half the hotel's rooms - 40 - have been readied for Musharraf and his team.

The ambience smacks of Rajasthani royalty as is the mannerism and deportment of the hotel staff.

The overall effect (the Rajastani royal turbans, the Rajasthani-style worn sarees) is interesting, a refreshing change from the general melange of suits and western gear found in five-star hotels.

Its swimming pool area is out of this world, laid out in step-style with blue lights swathing the pool, bringing a surreal effect.

The bar is modest by luxury hotel standards and only operates for twelve hours a day. But the tea lounge (named Eternity Lounge) is the piece de resistance with comfortable and deep sofas and a huge chandelier.

The Kohinoor suite, where the general will be putting up, has already elicited considerable curiosity since it costs US $2000 a night.

"It has a lounge, a study, a bedroom, a separate dinning room, a bathroom and all of them provide a clear view of the Taj. Besides, it also has a butler pantry," Dutta pointed out.

The general is reportedly bringing along a noted chef in his entourage to provide his favourite dishes in case he has his fill of the Indian food.

"The level of architecture in the Kohinoor suite with its minute and delicate details has been capital-intensive and will appeal to the most discerning eye," he contended.

But security is an area on which the hotel staff do not dare to 'trespass'.

"We have been given to understand that the Pakistani delegation will be given top-notch security about which we need not bother so it is fine with us. Of course, the government is sparing no efforts in this context," Dutta added.

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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