TBM Staff - Mumbai The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has announced the revival of Mumbai’s iconic Sea Rock Hotel, which will be rebranded as Taj Bandstand. Located in the scenic Bandra area, this luxury property is set to undergo major construction, which is expected to begin in the second half of 2025 after securing final approvals from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Airport Authority of India (AAI). Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO of IHCL, confirmed that construction will begin once the commencement certificate and AAI’s approval are obtained.
Taj Bandstand will join IHCL’s prestigious luxury hotels portfolio in Mumbai, alongside the well-known Taj Mahal Palace, Taj Lands End, Taj Santacruz, and Taj The Trees, bringing the total to five Taj properties in the city. This expansion adds to IHCL’s already substantial presence in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, where it operates 12 properties under the Taj, Vivanta, SeleQtions, and Ginger brands. With luxury and upscale hotels accounting for a significant portion of the city’s room inventory, Taj Bandstand is expected to be a highly anticipated addition to the Mumbai hospitality scene.
The Sea Rock Hotel, originally constructed in 1978 by the Luthria family, was once Mumbai’s first five-star hotel and a favored destination for celebrities. After being managed by ITC for several years, the hotel was severely damaged during the 1993 terror attacks and remained closed due to disputes between the owners and ITC. The property changed ownership in 2005 when it was acquired by Suresh Nanda, and later in 2009, IHCL secured an 85% stake, announcing plans to redevelop it into a luxury hotel and convention center.
Despite challenges such as litigation and regulatory delays, IHCL successfully acquired full ownership in 2020 and is now poised to transform the Sea Rock site into Taj Bandstand, which promises to redefine luxury in Mumbai. With the full backing of IHCL’s expertise and resources, the redevelopment of this landmark hotel is expected to be a game-changer in the city’s thriving hospitality market.
