This was the first along with oberoi hotel to be regarded as star hotel in orissa.it’s merit is at that time, other than the 9 storied gov. building, others were very horizontal.so whenever one crosses it the eyes suddenly get diverted to its facade.so it naturally became a landmark. then another great decision was placing a replica of World Famous KONARK temple’s wheel in front of it.and then its given the name KONARK hotel.it attracted all big corporate houses and high-society to organize their parties and get togethers and those events were automatically getting a higher honour due to the reputation of the hotel.
the food of this hotel is considered very good.though I had dinner there a couple of times, but I don’t remember actually but last I had soup there and its really star class.it has a underground parking, which I think the first in the state. and have a terrace garden, which is rarely found in any other, which should be a essential part of a hotel in this type of climate.
the problem starts when its proprietorship went into a dispute. as I heard that it was in lease for some time and the dispute arose when the parent company wanted to take over. but the one which suffered most is the hotel as its name is changed thrice or more. first konark, then kenilworth, then sishmo as far as I know.
so it lost its identity in the way and its called with different names by elder people. again the staff lost its organisation and it couldn’t retrieve its image in the industry.
I went to the hotel recently and enquired for a marriage party for some of my friends sister’s. and i’m not much surprised when it stated the rates double than the star hotels and expressed its unwillingness to have such a party there. it said the rate about 550 per plate for items like chicken, mutton and prawn where as some star hotels offer that menu at as low as 300 bucks. so it can easily depict the situation and their competitive spirit.