Hotel Ruposhi Bangla will be closed from September for more than a year for renovations.
After it is ready, InterContinental, the luxury hotel brand, will return to manage it after a break of three decades, said Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Khurshed Alam Chowdhury.
“Our plan for renovation was delayed by the World Cup T20.” he said. “Now it will begin from September.”
Bangladesh Services Ltd, currently running the five-decade old hotel, struck a deal with InterContinental Hotel Group in 2012 so the group can return to its management.
InterContinental in the contract stipulated that Bangladesh Services Ltd pay to renovate Ruposhi Bangla before it is handed over.
“It also says the hotel must be closed to guests during renovations,” said Secretary Khurshed Alam.
InterContinental was in charge of what is now Ruposhi Bangla from 1966 to 1983 after which it was succeeded by Sheraton.
Bangladesh Services Ltd took charge after Sheraton left on April, 2011, after 28 years of running the hotel.
The hotel on Minto Road, since its inception in 1962, has been a witness to many historical events that shaped the nation.
Its structure was enlarged in 1981 and more features added to it from time to time.
Global hotel management companies have been advising to raise it to international five-star standards.
Khurshed Alam said it might take more than 16 months for the hotel to be completely transformed.
He said the estimated cost of renovation would be above Tk 4 billion.
The government will make sure the hotel’s 500-strong staff is not harmed by the transition, said the tourism secretary.
The authorities will soon decide on how to accommodate the hotel employees during the renovation break.
Ruposhi Bangla now has 272 guest rooms of various kinds ranging from 24 to 26 square metres.
But they will now be enlarged in line with international five-star standards which will bring down the number of rooms to 230.
The furnishing will be upgraded along with the swimming pool and fitness centre.
“This will be their (InterContinental) flagship hotel. They have much to inherit here.”
Source: Bd news24
