Kolkata, Nov 19 (IANS) The iconic Great Eastern Hotel here, which has undergone restoration, is expected to reopen by 2013, said the hotel owner Monday.

Said to be India's first luxury hotel, the 171-year-old iconic building, was taken over by The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group in 2005.

"As hoteliers, we are delighted to bring back the legendary Great Eastern Kolkata which is expected to reopen by 2013. The group takes pride in restoring this iconic and oldest hotel, which has strong heritage to it. Restoration work has been undergoing in a scientific and careful fashion," The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group chairperson and managing director Jyotsna Suri said.

Informing that the restoration process would involve Rs.260 crore, Suri said the group had deployed experts from various fields for the project.

Once modernised, the hotel, which was commissioned in 1840, will have as many as 244 rooms and suites, 21 deluxe suites, ballroom, conference rooms, two specialty restaurants and the grand bakery - Maxim, according to a statement.