The Imperial is an elegant blend of Victorian, colonial and Art Deco style hotel, set right in the heart of New Delhi. Built in 1931 by Bromfield, a student of Edward Lutyens, the famed British architect, this hotel exudes luxury, elegance and hospitality reminiscent of the colonial era. Its marvellous mélange of Victorian, colonial, and Art Deco styles stands out even after more than seven decades and offers each guest the magic experience of capturing a piece of history.
The Maharajas' Express is India’s newest luxury train and offers journeys through Rajasthan, Golden Triangle and Western India. Ever since steam locomotives were first developed in the early 19th-century, there is something irresistibly romantic about luxury train travel. Add India to the mix and you've got a train journey that evokes a sense of grandeur, romance and adventure. Experience India's most captivating scenery through cities that offer insights into the rich heritage and culture.
The Leela Palace New Delhi is an opulent hotel, set in the heart of the prestigious Diplomatic Enclave in New Delhi. The hotel represents the grace and elegance of Rajasthan palaces and the colonial splendour of Lutyen’s Delhi, a magnificent architectural blend that creates a truly out of this world experience. The royal service begins with a pick up in a 7 series BMW at the airport, then a grand welcome by larger than life stone elephants at the porch and the hospital hotel staff.
The Lodhi is a luxury urban resort, set within seven acres of landscaped gardens, near the Lodhi Gardens and the buzzing Nizamuddin neighbourhood of New Delhi. The exterior looks not unlike a neat Soviet-era administration block, but move inside and you find yourself in a cool-slick palace, inspired by Delhi's classic Mughal architecture and encapsulated by its pure elegance. Located within ten minutes’ drive from the city centre, it forms an excellent base from which to explore the city.
The Oberoi, Gurgaon is a luxe-business hotel is set in the sprawling 9-acre complex in the upcoming business district of Gurgaon in South Delhi. Contemporary in design and opulent in style with vision in steel and glass, it is owned by an Indian owned brand that capitalised on its niche of sublime Indian hospitality and Internationalised the concept and brand. Located near the Indira Gandhi, International airport it forms an excellent base for business travellers to Gurgaon.
New Delhi’s Oberoi hotel is a newly refurbished, luxurious hotel, set in South Delhi area, overlooking the verdant golf course. The hotel holds a dear place in my heart, as it does for many city natives. During my younger days, I frequent the Oberoi’s lobby with my friends as it was the epicentre for India’s glitterati and on special occasions eat at the famous Tabela restaurant. At the time, it was one of the fanciest hotel in India but then time caught up with the old Dame.
The Trident Gurgaon is an urban retreat, set in the up and coming business and shopping district of Gurgaon, a satellite city southwest of Delhi. Designed by Thai architect, Lek Bunag, it is a contemporary take on Moghul architecture, incorporating the pale, sandstone dome-shaped pavilion style with huge arches and French doors. Surrounding the structure are 7-acres of landscape gardens with emerald green and cobalt blue, with mainly white flowers of the frangipani tree.
The Claridges hotel is an iconic landmark, located in the picturesque Lutyens area of New Delhi. Built in early 1950s, the property reminisces New Delhi’s British colonial past both in décor and location. It is situated close to Lodi Gardens, created in 1936 by Lady Willingdon and many of Lutyens’ famous buildings including the India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, once the Viceroy House and the Parliament. It is also close to Humayun’s Tomb and Connaught Place, the colonial period shopping centre.
The Manor is a small contemporary hotel, set in the high-end, tree-lined gated residential area of Friend’s Colony in South Delhi. Built in the 1950s in colonial style and surrounded by delightful landscaped gardens, it offers a quiet retreat from the bustling heart of the city. The interiors were designed by London-based Shirley Fujikawa and consequently the look is not remotely Indian. The décor is slick and sharp, with terrazzo floors, cherry wood panelling and upholstered furniture.
JW Marriott Aerocity Delhi is a modern hotel, set ten-minute drive from New Delhi's international airport and serves as a great option for travellers on transit or require a short-stay in India’s capital city. Location is key here; it has easy access of Indira Gandhi International Airport, is an eight-minute walk from the metro, and is 30 minutes’ drive from New Delhi and Gurgaon, the business hub of the city. The new Aerocity shopping mall is a 10-minute walk away, with planned expansion.
