Discovery T&L to launch Hotel by the Bay on October 26

Monday - Oct 20, 2008
Televisionpoint.com Correspondent | Mumbai
Discovery Travel & Living will bring in hotel-based reality series called Hotel by the Bay. Based in The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai, the series take a peek-a-boo look, juxtaposing the worlds that co-exist in a hotel – that of guests and the employees. The 10-part series is slated to premiere on the channel on Sunday, October 26, at 8.30 pm.

Nokia, Mastercard, Maruti Suzuki Ltd, Birla Sun Life Insurance and HLL (Vim) have joined the series as sponsors. Miditech Pvt Ltd is the production house behind 'Hotel by the Bay'.

Rajiv Bakshi, director, marketing, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, "Discovery Travel & Living has built a reputation to showcase the reality of the Indian and international contingent. In the past, the channel has covered Indian lifestyles and its various manifestations – marriage, travel, cuisine and fashion. But the behind-the-scenes of a hotel were an area of darkness and hence, we decided to explore this arena."

"The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, was the apt selection of choice for the series as the hotel is resonant worldwide. Globally known, the hotel will be a testimony of the grueling life of the hoteliers. The series has already been shot and was non-intrusive as far as the guests were concerned. There were no hidden cameras and we made it a point not to invade anyone's their privacy." Bakshi says.

Niret Alva, chief creative officer, Miditech Pvt Ltd, said, "The real challenge was to remain invisible in a high-end hotel while specialised operations were going on. From following a tomato soup from the kitchen to a room, to being present when a brother took his sister out for a special meal to observing protocol when the Deputy President of South Africa came calling, 'Hotel by the Bay' reflects one of the best forms of reality television – that of merely observing."

Karambir Singh Kang, general manager, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, said, "The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower has acquainted guests with the living heritage of India. From Maharajas and Princes to various Kings, Presidents, CEOs and entertainers, the Taj has played the perfect host, supportive of their every need."

The show encompasses staff from all departments, including chefs, housekeeping, room service, chauffeurs and butlers. The series presents their meticulous planning and attention to minute details, while serving irate and challenging customers. At the same time, it also showcases the unseen chaos and goof-ups that are created in the process.