Hotel Review: The Imperial, New Delhi
India’s ‘celebrated’ Grand Dame since 1936 for many reasons –and truly one of the best world hotels…
AMENITIES
Home to the world’s largest art collection –tours offered.
Ayurveda is cynosure of the spa with a full time Ayurveda doctor other than many signature treatments.
Book vintage cars and guides from the 24-hour concierge; also plan day or longer trips to India’s famous Golden Triangle gems: Jaipur, Agra and beyond.
THE REVIEW
Background
Staying at the Imperial is not only a date with luxury but also with art and history. Known as India’s first grand hotel, it’s where Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru often met to discuss partition of India and Pakistan. It is one of the first four Grand Dame’s of the East, which is certainly what Ritz to Paris and London is.
As one arrives, the white building bathed in Art Deco –skirted by a large park dotted with palm trees, welcomes. From the porch, the air changes –one feels transported to a different world that rings with sophistication. Thanks to India’s parliament house inspired uniforms and the haute professionalism that sings along. Step in, the old-world luxury commences: art on the walls, the sculptures, fountains, old telephone sets (which continue to function), corridors with lamps, vintage furniture, fireplaces, exotic and fragrant floral arrangements and of course the elegant looking staff members (women in colourful saris) exuding warmth.
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World with two Michelin keys, it has often been awarded by leading travel publications from Conde Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure to Robb Report and the World’s 50 best. It holds a proud history of welcoming heads of the state, famous writers, designers, and actors including Angelia Jolie and Brad Pitt. It’s also the home of Spice Route –India’s famous Asian restaurant, frequented by food gourmands from across the globe.
Where Is It?
It truly occupies the heart of the city centre as it sits along the popular Janpath and Connaught Place –the shopping and dining pocket, which was built just a few years before the country’s independence from British rule in 1947. Janpath lane brims with heritage shopping, small shops of which bring art pieces from almost every part of India. No Delhi visitor should miss wandering in this area and the best way to absorb it is through slow walks to take in the local vibe and the British era architecture. If you are someone who loves public transport during travels, a metro station is right opposite the hotel. Many other Delhi attractions such as the India Gate are also minutes away by car. Interestingly, the hotel may be in a bustling area but it remains wrapped in quietude.
What’s It Like?
It’s much more than a luxury hotel. I felt so, the moment I stepped in for a two-night stay. Beginning from porch walls, Indo-European art followed me. Dating back to the 17th century, the hotel has 5,500 paintings, lithographs, photographs, aquatints, statues and rare sculptures that celebrate India –its landscapes, historic monuments, shrines including Amritsar’s Golden Temple and the Maharajas on display at every turn. One can spend hours, even days, just exploring them. My eyes also clapped upon large mirrors by King George V and his wife Queen Mary near the lobby. The elegance of Art Deco inspired interiors along with Victorian and Lutyens influences, reminded me of several parliament tours I have enjoyed in Europe and North America. And, wherever you go in the hotel –the vibe is welcoming: the staff knows your name, they want to talk and share how the property can be best explored. In other words, your presence is valued and you feel like a family.
Patiala peg bar Interiors | Photo provided by: The Imperial New Delhi
Rooms
The three floors of the hotel house 192 rooms and 43 suites with different views: Delhi’s skyline, swimming pool, terrace, atrium, and the large park of the hotel –each with its own charm. Heritage furniture, chandeliers, rare art and black and white pictures of India’s past dot every accommodation.
A Mansion Room | Photo credit: Rameshinder Singh Sandhu
I was booked in one of the Art Deco suites for two nights, which had a large living room, grand lamps, art deco furniture, a large work desk facing the skyline and the pool and a king bed with many pillows. My check in, also took place within the room taking less than a minute and with it came welcome amenities, a drink of my choice, along with sweet and savoury treats. This suite (#368) despite being close to the elevators, it was very quiet and welcomed natural light. Forest Essential toiletries in the bathrooms were very luxurious and so should be the word for the mini bar choice. In the higher category of suites, also expect hand knotted carpets, a large selection of coffee table books, dining area and even an office, in some. Royal Imperial Suite (more than 2,370 sq ft), is the highest category of suite here in which Pandit Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, has also stayed.
Art Deco Suite Bedroom | Photo credit: Rameshinder Singh Sandhu
Food and Drink
Eight outlets including three bars fuel the food and drink scene. Other than the large team, their kitchen garden, known for its many herbs and greens, also plays an active role in many creations. 1911 is its all-day and multi-cuisine dining. Choose a table in its veranda with a high ceiling which overlooks the park. I enjoyed two of the meals at its famous Gandhi table, where Gandhi along with Nehru and Jinnah often met. It has a lovely marble top and has four iron chairs.
Mango pudding at the Spice Route | Photo credit: Rameshinder Singh Sandhu
The breakfast bakery | Photo credit: Rameshinder Singh Sandhu
In the breakfast buffet, the bakery stands out, especially almond croissants and Danish pastries along with many Indian dishes such as puri-chole, dosas and paranthas –a must when in India. The service is caring –staff members enthusiastically introduce the buffet besides handing an al carte menu. They remember your choices from the previous day and lovingly address you by your name.
Spice Route- Ethnic asian Restaurant | Photo provided by: The Imperial New Delhi
The veranda also reminded me of premium cafes of Vienna. Spice Route, design of which alone arrests one, is a must which takes one on a journey to many parts of Asia. Divided into nine sections through the design, each symbolises a stage of life. Thanks to the murals on the walls depicting mythology, ceiling inspired from South Indian temples, antique woodwork, sculptures, pillars and small wooden boats along some tables –that touch the mind. San Gimignano is an Italian restaurant with an al fresco dining area, and is truly an authentic piece of Italy in Delhi. Like Italian grandmothers, it loves to hand-knot its array of pastas and fervently crafts its desserts. Haute Patisserie stages their cakes and pastries drawing inspiration from Europe while its elegant bars also remain a magnet for film shootings too.
Meetings
Besides the large Royal ballroom (vintage theme) which hosts weddings and other large events, there are also many meeting rooms to meet the requirements of small and large groups.
Leisure
The San Gimignano Italian Pergola | Photo provided by: The Imperial New Delhi
The hotel daily offers complimentary art tours in English –it’s a must and each tour takes about 30-40 minutes. You will be led to many corridors and introduced to many stories behind many art pieces on display. I thoroughly enjoyed it by a very friendly staffer who also encouraged me to take pictures.
Make use of the swimming pool –one of the largest in the city or head to the spa for massages where therapies commence with an Ayurveda doctor meeting. You will love the energy the grand spa holds, the large suites and expert staff. They take care of even the little things: ‘are you comfortable with the low light?’ to ‘let us know if the pressure is too high’, besides having conversation on the importance of energy we create everyday through our mind and the vitality of diet.
There’s also a salon, gym and a yoga studio. Check for free yoga classes, offered either in the morning or evening. It also hosts sound baths, from time to time. When time permits, also make your way to the lounge, just behind the front desk, for some quiet time. You will appreciate the caring staff there, eager to talk about India, with you and even help craft your Delhi outings. Indian shopping can also be done at the hotel as there’s a grand boutique in the lobby. You will appreciate wandering in the hotel’s park or in the backyard near the pool.
Verdict
Verdict
The hotel is a destination itself which weaves memories and moments for one to cherish for long. It does live up to the hype of ‘one of the best world hotels.’ Thanks to its rich ambience, its welcoming staff and the many charms besides just rolling out luxury. Its art and history tells so much about India and its past. The entire experience makes a bond with the guest that will encourage one to return. I personally feel, ‘when in India, one must stay here’.
Best For
Everyone, be it those on business trips. But it can be very special for curious travellers, especially those fond of art history and old-world luxury.
Don’t Miss
The art tour, dining at the Spice Route and the lavish breakfast experience at the 1911 in its Veranda
Price
Doubles from: INR 35,000 + Taxes for the room, expect higher prices during winter months
Contact The Imperial: Janpath, New Delhi -110001 India (Pets not allowed; designated area for smoking)
+91 11 23341234 | sales@theimperialindia.com
TRENDING
India’s ‘celebrated’ Grand Dame since 1936 for many reasons –and truly one of the best world hotels.