Upon booking The Imperial Hotel New Delhi I knew we were in for a treat; the hotel is set on over eight acres of sprawling landscaped gardens and renowned as one of Asia’s finest hotels
With a white Art Deco façade and palm tree lined drive, The Imperial is an imposing sight. Arriving into New Delhi after a long flight from Australia, our first glimpse of this property provided an actual physical tug. Many years of dreaming about visiting India; reading and absorbing all I could about the country from afar – the wonders were firmly planted in my imagination. Would reality meet the expectations?
We came for the renowned service and history, both delivered in spades.
From the moment we stepped over the threshold and walked into the lobby; the stunning floral arrangements, smiling doormen, and magnificent artworks transported us to another time and place. An era where service is paramount and guest’s needs are anticipated with perfect delivery. Recent extensive renovations have only enhanced the property’s colonial charm, now a virtual living museum – art lined walls and ornate furnishings.
We dined in the restaurants, swam in the pool, enjoyed morning yoga, shopped in the Chanel boutique, wandered down the road to buy silk scarves, took the hotel driver on a brilliant day tour of Delhi, and cried when we left.
LOCATION
The Imperial Hotel New Delhi is located in Janpath (formerly Queensway), close to Connaught Place – a commercial and financial hub. The drive from the International Airport took about 30 minutes (although this would depend on the time of day you arrive).
Before
Why did you visit this property?
Three friends had planned a trip and I begged to come along (well actually I asked and they said okay).
Was the property easy to book?
For us a breeze; I contacted my Travel Agent and she confirmed it all (quick plug for fabulous Samantha McCarthy of Total Travel Solutions).
During
Was the transfer from the airport seamless?
I have to admit we were apprehensive about arriving late; we needn’t have worried. Immediately after our exit from customs an Adventure World India representative was waiting with our name on a sign. The greeting was informative, the documents/vouchers well organised, and we were loaded up with various contact names and numbers in case of problems (this company transported us around Rajasthan for the next 10 days – our experiences varied over the journey – more about that in another post). We were escorted out of the terminal where our driver was conveniently parked kerbside. Suitcases were piled on top of the minivan – India style – and we were off.
First impressions?
Stunning and completely indulgent, a heady scent of jasmine wafts throughout the lobby. A testament to management (New Delhi secrets from the General Manager)
How was Check-In handled?
How may we help you (service and staff)?
We were personally escorted to our room, given a room briefing, and the facilities of the hotel were explained.
Rooms
Ta da – how was the room?
We stayed in a spacious twin Heritage Room with marble floors, high ceilings, beautiful furnishings, and adjacent dressing area and good sized bathroom.
Welcome – anyone saying this?
See above.
Sleep – bliss or blah?
After the aforementioned hours (and hours) on a plane, a horizontal plank would have felt good…Thankfully The Imperial provided sublimely comfortable king single, French linen adorned beds.
Unpacking – is there room for everything?
Good variety of hangers, wardrobe space and drawers. A separate dressing table and mirror was a nice touch for girls travelling together.
WI/FI – techie bright stuff.
Television with a variety of international channels and free WIFI for all guests (no problems with coverage throughout the property). Adaptor plugs were provided for our chargers.
Made to feel at home (robes, bottled water, tea/coffee).
Robes, bottled water (replenished on request), tea and coffee facilities.
Keeping it clean – bliss or blah (amenities, decent hair dryer)?
Fragonard bathroom products – need I say any more! Deep marble bath and very good hairdryer.
Restaurants
Food and beverage options abound. With nine outlets to choose from you will not go hungry.
Worthy of special mention is The Spice Route which gets a thumbs up from Conde Nast Traveller as one of the world’s top ten restaurants. We also enjoyed an evening in Daniell’s Tavern; the Indian meal received a round of applause from our New Delhi based friend (she is spoilt for choice so this is high praise). Breakfast on the Terrace is a superb start to the day.
Action/Relaxation – what activities were on offer?
To be honest we were too busy eating and exploring to enjoy much down time; that said you absolutely must make time for an early morning swim in the outdoor pool. Floating on my back watching the clouds and garden and hotel façade, I really did have to pinch myself that I was actually in India.
I enjoyed a Yoga class to ease out the muscles after flying and the gym was extremely well equipped.
A massage to you…
I popped my head into the Spa and Salon – with Keratase products and sublime massages on offer I would certainly take advantage when I return.
Would I stay at this property again?
I would live there if I could. I will return again and again…
THE URBAN MUM’s LUXE ‘INSIDER’ GUIDE
The Imperial has a brilliant initiative for women travelling alone – Eliza Rooms – billed as a ‘safe stay experience’. In essence it includes personalised airport pickup, bedside display of room entrance, women’s only corridors and room servicing by female attendants.
(I did see several female travellers around the hotel so this must be a popular option for guests).
We booked the hotel driver for a day and it was a very good service. We did have our local friend with us which helped with our itinerary planning; however Concierge could assist you.
The Chanel Boutique is worth a visit. I purchased fragrance from the Les Exclusifs range cheaper than I had in both Europe and Australia.
FIND OUT MORE
Have a look at the hotel website to discover more.
DISCOVER THE DESTINATION
** observations my own – all expenses covered by The Urban Mum
