New Delhi, Nov 6: The US Secret Service and Indian security agencies took over the 14th floor of the ITC Maurya hotel in delhi ten days before his arrival.
Not even the hotel's staff was being allowed into the floor, which houses the sprawling Chanakya Grand Presidential Suite, where the Obamas will stay during their sojourn to the Capital on November 7- 8.
The suite — whose windows have bullet- proof panes and which comes with a gym, sauna and steam room, a wellstocked library and a private dining room that can seat 12 people — is being redecorated with traditional motifs and drapes in sync with the desire of the Obamas to have an authentic Indian experience.
Five standard hotel rooms can fit into the space occupied by the presidential suite.
The staff of the hotel's spa, Kaya Kalp, has lined up massage oils, scrubs and pomegranate face packs for the Obamas.
When they check in, they'll be given the ‘ foot ritual' — a pedicure that is being billed by the hotel as “ very different and very special".
When the Obamas are at the Maurya, no public bookings will be entertained, and from next week, the hotel will be out of bounds for media crews. To ensure that the visiting President doesn't get contaminated food, the hotel has set up a microbiological laboratory.
A sense of nervous anticipation is palpable in the hotel. This despite its having hosted three US Presidents — George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.
Special arrangements have been made for Obama at the hotel:
• Window panes that can survive firing from an AK- 47 at point- blank range
• A well- stocked library, gym and sauna, and a 12- seater dining room
• Master bedroom with a gold- studded dressing room with ebony finish
• Room accessories made with mother of pearl
• Dedicated microbiological lab to test food to be served to the President.
