Inside The Imperial New Delhi: a Grand Dame of the East

Cathy Wagstaff checks into New Delhi’s first hotel, a Grand Dame recently inducted into the Leading Hotels of the World collection.

Positioned within an eight-acre estate in the heart of India’s capital, The Imperial New Delhi was opened in 1936 as the first hotel in the city. Located just a half-hour drive from the international airport, The Imperial New Delhi is tucked away on Janpath in a district known for its culture and entertainment. With manicured gardens and an architectural aesthetic that borrows cues from Victorian, Art Deco and Lutyens styles, The Imperial New Delhi showcases white marble colonnades, Italian marble floors, glistening Burma teak, Persian hand-knotted carpets, antique chandeliers and rosewood furniture. From the moment I step through the door, heritage, friendly service and contemporary comforts abound.

One of the Leading Hotels of the World

Since its inception in the 1930s, The Imperial New Delhi has been a place where great minds, leaders and royalty rub shoulders. If the walls could talk, they would tell tales of Pandit Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Lord Mountbatten hosting meetings here, of celebrities and Bollywood stars, and of the 85 Maharajas and Maharanis who convened here during the Royal Durbar. With such an illustrious past, beautiful presentation and exemplary services and accommodations, it is no surprise that The Imperial New Delhi has been inducted into the Leading Hotels of the World, the world’s largest collection of independent luxury hotels. Championing an artisan approach to hospitality, Leading Hotels of the World represent properties that demonstrate expertise, commitment to excellence, authentic experiences and high-touch service that keeps discerning travellers returning for more – and I can see why.

A masterclass in art

One of the most fascinating aspects of The Imperial New Delhi is its vast and priceless collection of art. Boasting more than 5500 original pieces spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, it’s the world’s largest private collection of Indo-European artwork. There are paintings, aquatints, lithographs and landscapes; portraits, minarets, Mughal monuments and military silhouettes. No matter where I look, a rare and unique piece of art is staring straight back at me.

Living like royalty

Each of The Imperial New Delhi’s 235 rooms and suites blends old-world regality with contemporary technology. The interior design is grounded in neutral palettes, richly-hued wood polished to a gleam, gold lighting and refined upholstered furniture. The beds are dressed in crisp white linen and the marble bathrooms boast luxurious amenities. Art hangs on most walls. The Deco, Imperial, Heritage, Grand Heritage and Accessible are magnificent rooms, while the Heritage, Deco, Viceroy, Luxury and The Imperial suites make for an unparalleled stay.

The Imperial Suite is of the utmost luxury, sprawling across 229 square metres. This apartment-like retreat boasts a four-poster king-size bed, a spa-like bathroom, marble bath fixtures, steam, sauna and Jacuzzi facilities. Modern amenities are seamlessly integrated, including C chargers and USB ports for connectivity, and ozone-sanitised pillows for health and comfort. Entertainment is provided via a smart TV with access to various platforms, plus The Imperial News Stand which provides access to 7000 multilingual international magazines and newspapers.

Health and wellness

Escape to a sanctuary of wellness at the 4000-square-metre Imperial Spa. Designed with a harmonious blend of Moroccan architecture, Mughal and Indian motifs, the spa fosters a sense of tranquility as you embark on a journey to unify body, mind and soul. Find hammam-style hydrotherapy areas, consult a Kerala therapist for custom-tailored Ayurvedic rituals, or unwind with a Hatha yoga session designed to meet your individual needs at the Yoga Sanctum. The Moghul Suite is an architectural marvel and a private therapy abode for couples, while the Kerala Suite is a traditional Ayurvedic centre. Therapies at the spa contain ‘miracle herbs’ such as moringa, Indian gooseberry, and country mallow, all of which are chosen for properties that protect and nourish skin while healing from within.

Revitalize at the Salon Imperial, where ladies can indulge in manicures, makeovers or hairstyling, and gentlemen can appreciate the refined atmosphere and high-quality treatments offered in the sleek, London-styled grooming area. The Imperial Gym ensures no regime is derailed by your stay, while the Imperial Pool provides a stylish sunbathing location from which to relax. Expect to find pool baskets, refreshing drinks and delicious post-swim snacks.

Epicurean adventures

Whether you’re on the hunt for a nourishing breakfast, delicious lunch or spectacular dinner, the fare available at The Imperial New Delhi doesn’t disappoint. Take tea in The Atrium, a royal European coffee house serving afternoon tea and sweet bites. Those seeking a light Indian mid-day meal or supper should stop in at the Indo-European 1911 Restaurant. The Spice Route is one of India’s favourite eateries and you’ll find an outpost here in the hotel. With temple pillars, eye-popping colours and delicious dishes influenced by Javanese and East Asian flavours, this restaurant is a must-visit. San Gimignano is a semi-fine-dining venue with limited seating and an abundance of Italian plates. The hotel’s bars, Patiala Peg and The Hardinge Bar, beckon with their unparalleled ambience and libations, while The Imperial Patisserie is a must-stop for sweet tooths.