The Imperial, New Delhi
Location
Steps away is Connaught Place, the iconic circular hub of Georgian architecture, superb shopping, dining, and lively bustle. Amid this vibrant setting, The Imperial – dating from the early 1930s – is an oasis of serene, elegant calm, offering guests a refined refuge in the heart of the capital.
Accommodation
The Imperial exudes nostalgic, old‑fashioned elegance, a showcase of Art Deco opulence styled by India. Vintage furniture, leisurely ceiling fans, marble floors, and dark Burmese teak or rosewood create a real sense of history. Guests arrive through a palm‑lined entrance, stepping into a world where grandeur feels effortless.
Communal areas include an enormous swimming pool with mosaic tiles, a fully equipped gym, a serene spa, and a yoga sanctum. These spaces balance relaxation with wellness, offering guests both leisure and renewal.
Dining is equally distinguished. Early evening drinks on the elegant veranda set the tone, followed by a post‑dinner tipple in the 1911 brasserie, famed for its buffet breakfast and art deco charm. Italian cuisine shines at San Gimignano, while The Spice Route tempts with dishes from Kerala to Thailand. Finally, the Patiala Peg bar serves its legendary 120 ml spirit, a Maharaja’s tradition that continues to draw locals and visitors alike.
Experiences
- Discover Old Delhi. Nearby Shahjahanabad offers the Red Fort, the magnificent red sandstone Mughal mosque of Jama Masjid and the sensory overload of the Chandi Chowk street market.
- Move on to Rashtrapati Bhavan. The presidential palace, a 1920s creation of Lutyens, spans the era when India was reborn with renewed grandeur.
- Relax in Lodhi Gardens. This is a serene green space dotted with Mughal tombs and is perfect for a morning stroll or a picnic.
- Delight in Connaught Place. This circular meeting of major roads is the beating commercial and cultural hub of this enormous city. It simply must be experienced.
- Admire some art. The Imperial’s corridors showcase over 5,500 Indo-European artworks from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Marvel at Humayun’s Tomb. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this nearby delight was an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal.
- Learn more about India. The National Museum of India is just a short drive away, and it houses treasures spanning more than 5,000 years of Indian history.
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