Highlights

• Historic property tied with Independent India.
• Impressive collection of antiques and original artworks.
• Award winning restaurants.
• Luxurious decorations and rooms.

Experience

For my single night in Delhi, I chose The Imperial for its reputation as the original of the luxury properties in the city and historical background.

Built in 1931 the hotel was an integral part of the talks for the Partition of India between Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Lord Mountbatten.

It is also known as the first of the “Four Maidens of the East”, also known to included The Great Eastern & The Oriental in Calcutta, The Strand Hotel in Yangon, and the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.

I was given a comprehensive tour of the property and artworks in the evening after my day in Delhi.

Unfortunately I did not have a chance to dine in any restaurants, but did try the excellent room service.

Location

The property is right in the center of New Delhi in Janpath. Both Old Delhi and New Delhi are only a few kilometers away.

Service

The service is as expected of a 5 star hotel. The staff is very professional but courteous. Besides the PR lady and room service, I found the staff to be a bit too proper and somewhat unemotional.

Room

I stayed in an Imperial Room with a soft king size bed and quality linen imported from France. The decorations were in the British Colonial style with high ceilings.

The room had a coffee machine station with mini bar and complementary waters. Flat screen TV and fast wifi was available.

The bathroom was complete with bath, separate shower, and marble sink countertops.

A complementary fruit plate was available with a quick call to food services.

The view of my room, number 122, was of the outer courtyard.

Activities

The Imperial is suitable for both touring and business stays. The highlights of the hotel focus on the restaurants and artworks.

• Tours: In the center of all the tourist sights, inquire about guided tours.
• Imperial Spa and Salon: A great selection of treatments can be found at this award winning spa. Haircare and stylists can be found at the salon.
• Pool: There is a beautiful outdoor pool which I couldn’t really enjoy as I only saw the hotel at night.
• Health and Racquet Club: This comprehensive gym has a racquet court, yoga/Pilates center, and exercise equipment.
• Art: As a “museum hotel”, The Imperial has been collecting artworks and antiques for over 70 years. The collection has now reached over 4,500 pieces and is displayed around the hotel for guests to enjoy. The colonial artworks by many famous British artists and the war memorabilia are highlights.
• Events/Conferences: The hotel is equipped to handle business conferences or meetings.

Dining

• The Spice Route – Ranked as one of the top ten restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, focuses on a journey of tastes through the spices of different asian regions. The decorations alone are jaw-dropping.
• Patiala Peg – It is famous for its 75 ml pegs instead of the usual 60 ml when making drinks.
• 1911 Bar and Restaurant – Huge selection of drinks and private rooms for distinguished guests.
• Nostalgia – A brasserie with an upbeat jazz feel and posters of past celebrities.
• The Atrium – This cafe is famous for its English high tea.
• Daniell’s Tavern – Indian cuisine with a live kitchen and band.
• San Gimignano – The italian restaurant with an outdoor pavilion dining area.
• La Baguette – A pastry shop with delectable cakes and pastries.

Summary

The Imperial is a unique gem of a property. Its historical significance and art collection is unsurpassed and worth visiting for that alone.

For a unforgettable stay, make The Imperial, the first luxury hotel in Delhi, your primary choice.