As Mascot Hotel — the flagship property of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) — is celebrating its centenary with five-star status, a comprehensive project for the restoration of its heritage will begin on February 27.
The ₹25-crore restoration work, to be kicked off by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at a function on Wednesday, include strengthening of the heritage block building, rooms, passages, beautification of the premises, and improving the amenities.
“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 harming its heritage and the distinguishing architectural features,” M. Vijayakumar, chairman, KTDC, told a press conference here.
The project to strengthen and preserve the property will be carried out under the leadership of Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), said Rahul R., MD, KTDC.
The government has already accorded administrative sanction for ₹5 crore for the project that will be executed in two phases spread over a year, Mr. Vijayakumar said.
Convention centre
The KTDC has also decided to spruce up the convention centre on the hotel premises by creating a 1,000-chair hall on the first floor to cater to the needs of MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism, Mr. Rahul said. The ground floor will have three small halls for meetings and functions. Originally an accommodation unit for the officers of the Royal British Army during the First World War (1914- 1918) during the reign of the erstwhile Travancore, Mascot Hotel has passed through a long history while emerging as the premium brand in Kerala’s hospitality sector.
The hotel, which now enjoys the five-star status, has hosted many distinguished personalities, including top national leaders, diplomats, foreign dignitaries, writers, and captains of industry.
