A consumer forum in Chennai has directed Leela Palace Udaipur to pay ₹10 lakh as compensation to a guest after housekeeping staff entered an occupied room using a master key, resulting in a breach of privacy. The forum also ordered the hotel to refund the entire room tariff paid by the guest.

According to the ruling, the incident involved a woman guest who was staying at the luxury property when housekeeping staff accessed her room without prior consent. The forum held the hotel accountable for failing to ensure adequate safeguards to protect guest privacy, particularly in the use of master keys and internal operating protocols.

The commission observed that while hotels follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for housekeeping and maintenance, such procedures cannot override a guest’s right to privacy and dignity, especially when the room is occupied. The forum emphasised that luxury hospitality carries a heightened responsibility to maintain trust, discretion, and personal space.

In its order, the consumer forum stated that the hotel, as a service provider, was liable for the actions of its employees and responsible for ensuring that internal systems do not result in inconvenience or distress to guests. The compensation awarded was intended to account for the mental distress caused, while the refund addressed the service deficiency.

The case serves as a reminder for hospitality operators across segments to regularly review staff training, access control systems, and room-entry protocols to ensure guest privacy is upheld at all times. Industry experts note that robust checks, clear communication, and reinforced SOPs are critical to maintaining guest confidence, particularly in the luxury segment.

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has unveiled a new 10,000-square-foot pillarless ballroom, reimagining how grand celebrations and large-format gatherings are experienced in the city. Conceived as a refined spatial experience rather than a traditional banqueting hall, the ballroom brings together thoughtful architecture, balanced proportions, and elegant material choices to frame life’s most meaningful moments.

The arrival experience has been carefully designed to feel distinct and private. A separate entrance, away from the hotel’s main circulation, leads guests through a dedicated porch that sets the tone for the celebration ahead. This private access opens into an exclusive reception area, allowing events to unfold with complete autonomy. Guests then move into a spacious 1,300-square-foot pre-function area, envisioned as a fluid social space suited for welcome rituals, cocktails, or quiet moments before entering the main ballroom.

The heart of the venue is the 7,000-square-foot ballroom, presented as a single uninterrupted volume with no pillars and clear sightlines throughout. Its generous ceiling height enhances the sense of openness, while flexible layouts allow the space to adapt effortlessly to weddings, receptions, and large social gatherings. A full-width LED screen is seamlessly integrated into the design, supported by advanced audiovisual systems and adaptable lighting that enable smooth transitions from daytime ceremonies to immersive evening celebrations.

Adding a distinctive culinary dimension is a live kitchen, where food becomes part of the visual experience. Led by a dedicated local maharaj, the culinary programme highlights traditional delicacies prepared with authenticity, ensuring that cuisine remains central to every celebration.

Speaking about the new ballroom, Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, said, “Our new ballroom is now ready to host some of the city’s most astonishing celebrations. Every element of the space has been meticulously brought together, and the team has worked with great dedication to bring this vision to life. We look forward to welcoming our guests as their celebrations unfold here and to creating a setting where moments feel magical, elegant, and truly unforgettable.”

The interior design features a refined palette of deep blues and subtle gold accents, balanced with soft whites that bring brightness and calm to the space. This combination allows the ballroom to complement both elaborate wedding décor and minimalist contemporary styling. Spherical design elements appear across lighting and architectural details, adding rhythm and visual continuity. Custom finishes, tactile materials, and bespoke design features ensure the space feels luxurious without being overwhelming.

While architecture and design define the setting, the experience is shaped by careful planning and seamless service. Events flow naturally from one moment to the next, supported by discreet expertise that allows hosts and guests to remain fully present in the celebration.

With this new ballroom, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai introduces a distinguished new address for celebrations, where design, light, and proportion come together to elevate the art of gathering, making every occasion memorable and meaningful.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new Gateway hotel in Hennur, Bengaluru. This greenfield project will introduce a 350-room property designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers while enhancing IHCL’s footprint in the city.

The Gateway Hennur, Bengaluru will offer a host of culinary experiences, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a stylish bar, and a lounge. For business and social events, the hotel will feature banqueting facilities spanning over 16,000 sq. ft., complemented by modern meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Wellness and recreation will be central to the guest experience, with a fully equipped gym, health club, swimming pool, and dedicated treatment rooms for rejuvenating therapies. The hotel’s strategic location in Hennur provides excellent connectivity to major IT hubs, the airport, and key city attractions, making it a convenient destination for both domestic and international travellers.

With this addition, IHCL will operate 20 hotels in Bengaluru, including 11 properties currently under development, reinforcing its position as a leader in the city’s hospitality landscape.

About IHCL
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company, operating iconic brands including Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Gateway Hotels. With a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and palaces across India and internationally, IHCL combines world-class hospitality with local culture and heritage. For more details, visit www.ihcltata.com.