Staying at the Taj Mahal

"Some people act like they are living in the Taj Mahal."

And then there are those who really do. Or at least they get to stay there for a night or two. Of course, the White House is as close as you can get to the metaphor of the Taj on this side of the world. But I guess our president figured 'what the hell! Might as well splurge a bit more while it is still on the taxpayer's dime and we still control the purse strings.' I'll bet Madam Pelosi is envious).

So Four days after the midterm elections, Barack and Michelle and their 'entourage' arrive in Mumbai India and you guessed it. They will stay at the Taj Mahal Hotel. And to top that off?

To ensure fool-proof security, the President’s team has booked the entire the Taj Mahal Hotel, including 570 rooms, all banquets and restaurants. Since his security contingent and staff will comprise a huge number, 125 rooms at Taj President have also been booked, apart from 80 to 90 rooms each in Grand Hyatt and The Oberoi hotels. The NCPA, where the President is expected to meet representatives from the business community, has also been entirely booked.
The officer said, “Obama’s contingent is huge. There are two jumbo jets coming along with Air Force One, which will be flanked by security jets. There will be 30 to 40 secret service agents, who will arrive before him. The President’s convoy has 45 cars, including the Lincoln Continental in which the President travels.”

Since Obama will stay in a hotel that is on sea front, elaborate coastal security arrangements have been made by the US Navy in consonance with the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. “There will be US naval ships, along with Indian vessels , patrolling the sea till about 330-km from the shore. This is to negate the possibility of a missile being fired from a distance,” the officer said.

That's right, not a typo. They have rented the entire 570 rooms of the hotel for their two night stay. And as the old saying goes? "Enquiring minds want to know." So I did a little research last night and determined that the going rate for a room at Mumbai's Taj Mahal five star hotel is $477 US. Pitch in a few fees and taxes here and there? And let's just say $500 a night. And if all 570 rooms went for that rate (which they don't) then the nightly cost of renting the entire hotel?

$285,000 a night. times two makes it $570,000

So, not counting the three jumbo jets that are coming along and the forty five support vehicles and the forty or fifty Secret Service people, this little jaunt will cost the tax payers (you and me) over a half of a million dollars just for the hotel tab.

Kinda makes Michelle's Spanish holiday recently pale by comparison don't it. But then again, this isn't one of the first family's official state sponsored holidays. This is an official state visit, so the cost involved should be of no serious consequence or concern. (right?)

Yep, tell that to the voters who will be going to the polls four days before the president begins his Ali Baba adventure in Mubai.

PS, the Taj Mahal hotel in Mubai? Is affectionately referred to as the "Palace."

Fitting don't you think.......