Review: The Imperial New Delhi

Published Feb 21 2025, 6:37 PM, Updated Feb 28 2025, 3:35 PMThe Imperial New Delhi has long been the Indian capital’s most prestigious hotel. It offers an oasis of gardens and history, moments away from India Gate, and a palm-lined drive that leads to the hotel.

Staying here is like stepping into a living piece of luxurious history. Since its inception in 1936, this iconic hotel has been an integral part of India’s capital, offering guests a refined and elegant escape from the bustling metropolis that surrounds the hotel.

Its distinguished past, hosting royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities, continues to be felt in its marble-clad corridors, adorned with one of the largest private collections of Indo-European artwork. More than just a hotel, The Imperial is an institution that celebrates India’s cultural richness and colonial charm.

Location

Located in the heart of New Delhi on the prestigious Janpath, The Imperial New Delhi places guests at the crossroads of the city’s cultural, political, and commercial centers.

It is a short drive from government offices and significant landmarks and provides convenient access to Old and New Delhi’s historical attractions. Indira Gandhi International Airport is also a 30-minute drive away.

The hotel’s proximity to bustling markets, grand boulevards, and architectural wonders makes it an ideal base for exploring the capital. It is also near Lutyens’ Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, and opposite the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, which is full of authentic handcrafted items.

Style & Character

The Imperial is a masterpiece of architecture and design, amalgamating Victorian, Art Deco, and Lutyens’ influences and exuding an old-world charm.

White marble colonnades, antique chandeliers, Persian hand-knotted carpets, and polished Burma teak furniture define its regal interiors, and the foyer’s double-height ceiling feels airy and opulent. The eight-acre manicured garden estate offers a serene escape from the city’s frenetic pace.

Every corridor, adorned with rare artworks and historical memorabilia, tells a story, making a stay here feel like an immersive journey through India’s past. Every corner whispers tales of a bygone era.

Service & Facilities

Exemplary service is at the heart of The Imperial experience, ensuring every guest is treated like royalty. The hotel’s extensive facilities further elevate its stature.

The 44,000 ft² Imperial Spa is a wellness sanctuary offering bespoke treatments, Ayurvedic therapies, and yoga programs designed for holistic rejuvenation. The gym has state-of-the-art fitness equipment, but the highlight is the 82-foot outdoor pool, surrounded by lush greenery, which provides a tranquil retreat exclusively for hotel guests.

The pool is hidden within the tropical garden foliage and is shaded underneath majestic Royal Palms. Its surrounding terrace offers a wonderful and peaceful space. Padded loungers and parasols flank it, and this secluded oasis lies at the heart of the gardens. On two sides of the pool, a beautifully manicured hedge provides a lurid green wall blocking out the hubbub of the city.

Just a short distance away, there is a state-of the-art Technogym for those who wish to maintain their workout routine while traveling. A serene yoga sanctum also offers personalized meditation sessions for a rejuvenating experience.

The Imperial’s fleet of luxury vehicles ensures seamless city exploration, while exclusive experiences, such as curated city tours and art walks, make a stay here even more enriching.

Rooms

The Imperial’s 192 rooms and 43 suites are styled either to embrace their Heritage or Art Deco-influenced themes. Each accommodation type exudes sophistication from the intimate Deco Rooms with curves, precise lines, minimalist detailing, and sleek marble baths.

High ceilings, plush furnishings, and marble-clad bathrooms create an ambiance of refined grandeur, while hand-knotted carpets and antique rosewood furniture add a touch of heritage. The garden-facing rooms offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle, and the suites, feature separate living areas and bespoke amenities.

Imperial rooms are more historic, offering neo-classical charm, transporting guests to a bygone era. Grand Heritage Rooms have an identity of their own and showcase a stunning grandeur with dark mahogany furnishings and thick fabrics that welcome you into a slice of history.

The ultra-luxurious Imperial Suite, which spans an impressive 229 m², is a top pick if you like a majestic suites with impressive architecture and sublime bathing facilities.

Food & Drink

Dining at The Imperial is a journey through flavors The Spice Route, renowned to be India’s most iconic Asian destination. Here guests can dine among ancient temple pillars and murals, enjoying a fusion of East Asian, Javanese, and Indian flavors that all meet to create a feast for the senses. San Gimignano brings the flavors of Italy to Delhi with its authentic Tuscan fare, while 1911 Restaurant, an all-day Indo-European brasserie, pays homage to the city’s colonial past.

The Atrium is the perfect spot for an afternoon tea reminiscent of European royal courts, while the Hardinge Bar, Patiala Peg, and 1911 Bar offer a place to drink. Patiala Peg is one of the city’s most beloved establishments, offering an array of fine spirits and classic cocktails in elegant setting. The bar honors a historic tent-pegging match in the early 1900s between the Maharaja of Patiala’s team and that of the Viceroy, with a captivating collection of photographs featuring the Maharaja during World War II.

For those with a sweet tooth, The Imperial Patisserie is a haven of decadent desserts and artisanal treats. Every meal at The Imperial is an event carefully crafted to offer a memorable gastronomic experience.

Conclusion

The Imperial New Delhi is an institution of luxury, heritage, and impeccable service. Its prime location, architectural splendor, and world-class dining and wellness facilities offer guests rich history and grandeur. The decor showcases the colonialism of its history but is appropriately reserved.

In a city that combines outrageous luxury with extreme destitution, The Imperial offers a glorious haven in a sometimes overwhelming city. As one of the Grand Dames of the East, The Imperial remains a living testament to India’s opulent past.

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Image(s) courtesy of The Imperial New Delhi.

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