Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Delhi

The Imperial Hotel - Delhi







This gracious establishment (built in 1931) is the best hotel in Delhi -- certainly for anyone wanting something a little more atmospheric than any chain, no matter how luxurious, can hope to offer. Only at The Imperial can you recover from your jet lag in luxury while experiencing something of the elegance of colonial-era Delhi -- without even setting foot out of the lobby. It's also incredibly convenient (only a short stroll to Connaught Place) yet tranquil. It's comfortable as well, having undergone a major renovation that left the Raj-era atmosphere untouched but loaded with every amenity you'd expect from a five-star hotel. Spacious guest rooms (no need for a suite; opt for an Imperial or Heritage Room) with wonderfully high ceilings are furnished in colonial-era elegance. However, it is the public areas, like the double-volume colonnaded veranda and grand 1911 bar, that are a sheer delight -- huge, elegant, and everywhere a showcase of Delhi's imperial past. A huge collection of original art adorns every corridor. Silver-service breakfasts are among the best in the world. This quiet, dignified hotel is not only the perfect place to acclimatize, but we believe it ranks among the top city destinations in the world.

Inevitably, prices have risen, but it's worth every penny!

No comments: