KTDC’s Mascot Hotel celebrates centenary with Five-star status
The iconic Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram is celebrating its centenary this year, with five star status. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) is planning a comprehensive renovation/restoration project for the hotel with an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore.
It was announced by M Vijayakumar, KTDC Chairman, on a press meeting held on 22nd February 2019. R Rahul, Managing Director of KTDC was also present on the occasion.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala will inaugurate the renovation works on February 27, at 10 am, at Mascot Hotel. Minister for Tourism, Kadakampally Surendran will be present at the inaugural function.
“Mascot Hotel is a priceless treasure of Kerala. It is the Jewel in KTDC’s crown. It has been a witness to the history of the last 100 years. The restoration will be carried out without in any way harming its heritage and the distinguishing architectural features”, said Vijayakumar
The works to be taken up include strengthening of the building, rooms, passages, beautification of the premises and improving the amenities. They will be completed in two phases within a year, Vijayakumar said.
Heritage Block
“We have plans to build a 1,000-chair hall on the first floor to cater to the needs of MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism, without affecting the antique features of the building. The ground floor will have three small halls for meetings and other functions,” said Rahul, MD of KTDC.
“The project to strengthen and preserve the heritage property will be carried out under the leadership of Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS)” added Rahul.
The Government has already accorded administrative sanction for Rs 5 crore for the project.
Hotel building 100 years ago
The hotel building was constructed during First World War (1914- 1918), under reign of the Kingdom of Travancore, to provide accommodation for the officers, especially the Royal British Army. The buildings around Mascot hotel were used by the army for various purposes.
It was in 1965, the hotel came under the custody of the tourism department when KTDC was incorporated.
The heritage hotel of KTDC has hosted a long list of distinguished personalities including top national leaders, diplomats, foreign dignitaries, writers and captains of industry.