Hotels not taking chances

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Guests Being Subjected To Thorough But Unintrusive Security Checks
V Ayyappan TNN

Apr 2, 2009

Chennai: If you are planning an evening out at a star hotel, better have your identity card ready as all big hotels here have beefed up security after the Taj group of hotels received threatening emails. While security procedures differ from hotel to hotel, the focus is on ensuring a thorough check without being too intrusive on the guests. Most of the hotels have installed door-frame metal detectors and also have posted security personnel armed with handheld metal detectors to check visitors. “Emphasis on security is our consistent mantra and we have even made significant investments in the areas of technology and manpower,” said Virender Razdan, general manager of Sheraton Park Hotels. The group has a ‘Welcome Jawan’ programme, which absorbs ex-servicemen into various departments of the hotel. “All our security officers are veterans. It goes without saying that in these times we need to strengthen our security and we’re making sure the hotel does so,” Razdan added. “We have increased security. Our personnel check all visitors using metal detectors. Cars are also checked. After the security threat we are not taking any chances,” said an official of Residency Towers. Prominent hotels like Trident Hotel, Park Sheraton and Towers, Chola Sheraton, Taj Connemara and Taj Coromandel have heightened security measures in the wake of the email threats received by the Taj group. All the hotels employ their own staff to manage security. These personnel have been told to be on alert after the threat. “The security at Trident Chennai was enhanced in the light of the terror attacks in Mumbai. The hotel is operating at a heightened level of vigilance,” said a statement from Trident Chennai. Closed-circuit TVs are being used to monitor movement of visitors and a couple of hotels are also asking visitors to produce identity cards for visiting cafes or restaurants. “Most of the security measures started after the Mumbai terror attacks. These have been followed off and on when ever there is a high alert,” said an official of a hotel. Earlier, star hotels in Chennai never had detailed security procedures. But the Mumbai attack has changed all that. “But even while stepping up the security cover, efforts are being taken to ensure that minimum inconvenience is caused to the guests. We have also taken our guests into confidence on the security provided for their lives and property,” said an office-bearer of the South India Hotel and Restaurants’ Association (SIHRA