Shujaat Khan

OT: When did you go there?
Shujaat Khan: My first visit was in 1971. I was 11 years old and was touring with my father [Ustad Vilayat Khan]. My last visit was in November last year. I stayed there for five days as I had a concert, a recording and some lecture demonstrations at Columbia University. I have probably stayed at that hotel more than 30 times, I like it so much.

OT: What do you like about it?
Shujaat Khan: I really like their rooms. I never bother about askingfor a particular room — all are really nice. Some are done up to a modern theme, some baroque and some have European décor. Plus it is located right across the street from Central Park, so the views from the rooms are really soothing and the location is so central it makes moving around really easy.

OT: What do you order there?
Shujaat Khan: I like home food — rice and dal — and the chefs make it the way I like it. These little things re­ally matter. But once I remember eating a lovely moussaka — in fact, whatever Mediterranean food I have had there has always been brilliant.

OT: And you say the service is their USP?
Shujaat Khan: The staff are really attentive; they really take care of your needs and requests. If I want a particular kind of headphones, they go and arrange it for me. All requests are met efficiently and quickly. I think the place is brilliantly managed. I like their flexibility and efficiency.

OT: When are you going there again?
Shujaat Khan: I am going back in September, again for a concert.