Words by Yasemen Kaner-White
Delhi offers everything you could desire from a culturally fascinating destination with luxurious trimmings and delicious, diverse cuisine, and The Imperial is the perfect place to stay to experience it all.
The iconic hotel, steeped in history, is the first hotel to have opened in New Delhi in 1936 and is one of the must visit locations in this diverse capital. Honoured with the title of 2023 Hotel of the year – South Asia, Middle East and Africa by Preferred Hotels and Resorts, it’s well-regarded station has remained to date.
Expect incredible Indian cuisine, including dishes from all over the country, to impeccable service from staff who really care, to sublime surroundings to kick back and relax in true luxury, reflecting that of a 19th-century Indian Palace, with modern amenities and an excellent spa.
Hotel
As you approach the hotel you time travel back to the grand days when Maharajas ruled, from the dashing doorman donning an exquisite red turban and spotless white uniform opening your car door, to the welcoming red tilaka placed on your forehead, throughout your stay, every attention to detail is covered, with a backdrop blend of Art Deco, Lutyens and Victorian detail.
Historical artefacts are displayed here such as photographs of Mahatma Gandhi, who visited The Imperial (you can even sit in the same chair he did when dining), to medals, polo and horse riding trophies and eclectic artwork, featuring over 5,000 pieces ranging from the late 17th and early 19th centuries.
Royals from England to India are represented in the original and rare renditions and they are currently working on a catalogue which will be accessible through a QR code by the end of 2023 using technology such as Google lens to give guests context and information. For history buffs and those who want to know more about the hotel you can book a guided tour at reception.
Room
There are 192 rooms and 43 suites which are all individually and thoughtfully designed with echoes of Art Deco through to hand knotted exotic carpets. Upon walking in, it’s obvious why my room is called the Grand Heritage room, it is certainly grand and there is an intrinsic sense of heritage and history within the décor. This can be seen in the beautiful banker’s lamp on the desk which faces out to the window overlooking lush palm trees, a freestanding Art Deco mirror, and gold framed drawings depicting scenes of India when maharajas ruled.
The smart, two-toned, brown parquet flooring pairs well with the wooden panels on the walls, giving the room a comfortable yet chic feel. The open plan living area features a plush white sofa and convenient coffee table, which sits upon an intricate rug.
The large bed is incredibly comfortable and the bedsheet donning the decorative hotel emblem is a glamorous touch. The marble clad bathroom with the emblem appearing this time on the towels, creates a cohesive, luxurious residence which really makes you feel at home.
Other accommodation options include the decorative Deco Rooms with attractive views of the atrium through to the swish Imperial Suite equipped with a butlers pantry, dining area and walk-in closet.
Food and drink
Whilst curry is the national dish of England, it isn’t until you travel to India that authentic curry, as it should be, is truly tasted and The Imperial is no exception, their food is phenomenal. Breakfasts are a bountiful affair from local classics such as curries, coconut chutneys and dosa, to western classics; eggs any way you’d like it and freshly made exquisite pastries. Afternoon tea is taken seriously, expect a real treat, not to mention innovative vegan cakes, if desired.
Dinner in their restaurant 1911 is a must, I started with perfectly baked, light and crisp poppadoms with fresh mint yogurt and sweet mango chutney, followed by huge, succulent Kerala prawns with a yellow chili-ginger marinade, pepped up by ajiwain, then interesting ‘nargisi kofta’; golden farm eggs coated with seasoned lamb mince on a bed of punchy spiced tomato and onion gravy. Whilst I didn’t have room for dessert I heard great things about their fusion style gulab jamun cheesecake.
For a cocktail or whisky in a classy location, head to their Patiala Peg custom made bar, where you can order The ‘peg’, a powerful drink deriving from a friendly polo match in the early 1900s, with a generous measure. There are other eateries within the hotel including San Gimignano for Italian cuisine fans and a truly tasty twist on Thai with Indian influence at The Spice Route restaurant; I really enjoyed a drink in the adjacent courtyard post dinner.
To do
Treat yourself to a treatment at the stunning and serene white marble clad spa where there is an Ayurvedic doctor in house who can prescribe massages and treatments. The outside area, along with the large pool beckon you to sit and relax with cocktail or coffee in hand.
If you want to get out and about to explore, you can book a city tour where your guide will give you detailed information, stories and local knowledge. You can visit Jama Masjid where Delhi’s principal mosque is, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni chowk, the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi; The Red Fort which is the largest monument in Delhi; Sunder Nursery, previously called Azim Bagh which is a 16th-century heritage park adjacent to the Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Humayun’s tomb, one of the best preserved Mughal monuments; and Mehrauli Ambawata complex to explore the delicious local food scene.
In a nutshell
If you want to do New Delhi justice, then book into The Imperial to ensure you have the best base from which to explore. The cuisine is creative yet authentic in flavour and the opulent surroundings will give you much needed respite having explored the exciting, yet bustling capital that Delhi is. The outdoor courtyard and swimming pool offer secluded serenity in which you’ll love to linger and take it all in.
Factbox
I travelled in March and stayed in the Grand Heritage room which starts from INR 40,000 plus taxes per night on single occupancy. The rooms at the Grand Dame begin from INR 25000 plus taxes per night and suites start from INR 65000 plus taxes per night.
Address: Janpath Ln, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Phone: +91 11 4150 1234
Website: theimperialindia.com
Photography courtesy of The Imperial New Delhi.
