Discovery Travel & Living to Present India's First Hotel Based Reality Series - HOTEL BY THE BAY

In a premium hotel, where customers expect nothing less than the best, where luxury gets redefined every week, where "your wish is my command" is just the starting point, Discovery Travel and Living will go behind the smooth glossy façade of more than 100-years old The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai to uncover the real story of the unseen "Storm Behind The Calm".

India's leading lifestyle channel - Discovery Travel & Living will present the first ever hotel-based reality series 'HOTEL BY THE BAY' that would reveal the true emotions - frustrations, excitement, tears and joy - of the hotel staff as experienced daily while attending to unrelenting customer demands. It captures all the high voltage drama and the interplay amongst the various hotel departments, all aiming for that ultimate reward – customer delight. Encompassing staff from all departments - chefs, housekeeping, room service, chauffeurs and butlers - the series presents their meticulous planning and attention to minute details, while serving irate and challenging customers, at the same time it also showcases the unseen chaos and goof-ups that are created in the process. In short, an ordinary day in a hotelier's life.

HOTEL BY THE BAY, a ten-part series is slated to premiere on Discovery Travel & Living every Sunday at 8.30 pm from October 26th.

Commenting on the series Rahul Johri, SVP & General Manager - India, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, "HOTEL BY THE BAY juxtaposes two contrasting worlds that co-exist in a hotel – that of the guests and the employees. Discovery Travel & Living has covered Indian lifestyles and its various manifestations in the past – marriage, travel, cuisine and fashion. This time we are focusing on the back-stage drama that routinely takes place in one of the most frequented and recognised lifestyle destinations – luxury hotels.

"The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai is one of India's landmarks. For more than 100 years; we have acquainted guests with the living heritage of India. From Maharajas and Princes to various Kings, Presidents, CEOs and entertainers, the Taj has played the perfect host, supportive of their every need. This grand hotel epitomized a philosophy that still holds true today: provide impeccable service and unparalleled facilities so every stay is a memorable one. When Discovery Travel & Living approached us to give the world a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes… we looked at it as a chance to show what really makes this hotel a great hotel. It is the spirit and passion of its people. A team of tireless individuals working towards brining this hotel in a class beyond compare. I am proud to acquaint you with the soul of the Taj!", said Karambir Singh Kang, General Manager, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai.

Shot in actual working environment, the cameras follow the key characters in real time as they go about addressing their daily challenges capturing their true emotions, frustrations and achievements as they happen in the line of duty. No retakes here.

The series is interspersed with anecdotes of customers ranging from royalty to politicians to film stars and corporate leaders, each uniquely challenging. The series also gives glimpses of the hotel's senior management including the Corporate Chef and Grand Executive Chef - Luxury Division - Hemant Oberoi, known for his fastidious demeanor and penchant for highest standards, driving his team to not only predict but surpass customer expectations.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications is the world's number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science and Discovery HD, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. In Asia-Pacific, seven Discovery brands reach 441 million cumulative subscribers in 32 countries with programming customized in nine languages. In India, three Discovery brands reach 93 million cumulative subscribers with programming customized in English and Hindi. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Co. (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman.