Grand Indian Hotel

For the first time in its 90-year history, one of India’s most exclusive hotel groups is providing behind-the-scenes access. In Jaipur, new recruits prepare for the most important event of the year, a lavish dinner for the Maharaja. As managers work out how to deal with incontinent elephants, staff manage the expectations of wildlife-loving guests who expect to see a tiger on safari.

Inside Oberoi’s flagship lakeside hotel in the romantic city of Udaipur, staff work hard to provide guests with the ultimate luxury. 340 employees navigate the 1200 meters of underground tunnels that connect their busy departments, catering to suites that cost $1000 a night. As the hotel prepares for a secret marriage proposal, an elaborate royal welcome for VIP guests is delivered.

The Oberoi New Delhi is like a city within a city, with its own shops, patisserie and hair salon. But it’s the restaurants, bars and banqueting that bring in the biggest bucks, especially as international guests descend on the city for India Art Fair. At the same time, the hotel is opening a new concept restaurant led by a Michelin-starred chef. But will it succeed in satisfying its loyal patrons?