The Imperial, Delhi, India
Hotel Overview
Review of The Imperial, by Margaret Mervis
While Lutyens was busy laying out the impressive government buildings of New Delhi, his associate Bromfield created the plans for The Imperial, a world class luxury hotel. Opened in 1931 by the Vicereine, Lady Willingdon, now totally refurbished, this five star luxury hotel easily merits its title of First of the Four Maidens of the East. Half an hour from the airport, the luxury hotel's liveried 4x4 drives between 24 king palms to the striking white art deco building in an eight-acre oasis in the commercial centre of the city.
The facilities
What sets the Imperial apart from Asia's finest luxury hotels? Without doubt the fabulous, museum-quality 2,500-piece art and antique collection which decorates every public area, room, suite and corridor of the luxury hotel. There are sculptures, oils, watercolours, engravings, lithographs, and photographs illustrating the history of India from the British arrival to departure in 1947. The luxury hotel is a glorious, successful mixture of Victorian, Indian Colonial and Thirties Deco. The marble inlay work in floors, in both public and private rooms, displays the tradition of craftsmanship and quality in its refurbishment.
There is also a spa which opened in 2005, offering a series of therapies to guests. The Business Centre staff are charming and helpful though the room-based internet connection is frustrating to use. The location is good both for business and tourist excursions for which the luxury hotel's Travel Centre is useful.
The rooms
There are 188 rooms and 44 suites in four wings which span out from the centre into gardens. They range from Standard to Heritage rooms, Lutyens Suites to the Presidential Suite. Every room has fresh filtered air on hourly replacement, internet access, original art, marble bathroom and good furniture. Heritage rooms are larger, with parquet flooring, dressing rooms, and excellent showers. The suites are lavish, some with individual private terraces.
Facilities
Awards
Conde Nast Traveller Gold List 07; Conde Nast Traveller Best Hotels in Asia; Travel + Leisure Best Business HotelWho stays here?
Ruby Wax, Tim Sebastian, Paul Simon, Sir Gordon Matthew Sumner and StingCome for...
- Sumptuous but understated contemporary colonial elegance
- The old photographs lining the walls
- Old-world service
Not Suitable for...
- Shallow pockets - rates are steep
Eating in
You have a choice of Asian, Indian, French and Italian cuisine; the elaborately decorated Thai restaurant is the best in the city.The Press Say
"Contemporary colonial. Designed by Lutyens, the Imperial has had a fabulous renovation and is currently the best hotel in the city." Tatler 05Reviews
Review of The Imperial, by Sarah Anderson
Built in 1931 by the Singh family who still owns it, The Imperial luxury hotel has recently been completely refurbished with marble flooring and sky-high ceilings, while some of the furniture was specially designed by Lutyen's granddaughter. The location is central, near Connaught Circle, and as you drive up, you're immediately struck with awe by its palatial proportions.
The facilities
One of the delights of this luxury hotel is the collection of 2500 Company School paintings that range throughout the public spaces, which have been collected by the Singh family over the years.
There are many bars and restaurants in the area - especially good is the Thai food in the Spice Route but there are also Indian and Italian restaurants and there are 220 wines on the wine list at the luxury hotel.
The rooms
There are 232 rooms which are, initially at least, hard to find. The beds are comfortable, the décor simple with well-chosen paintings, but some of the inner rooms have no outside windows, giving them a somewhat closed in feeling.