The Imperial New Delhi

The Imperial New Delhi, a distinguished Michelin Two-Keys property, consistently receives high praise for its timeless elegance, exceptional service, and rich heritage, establishing itself as a premier luxury destination in the heart of India's capital.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Imperial New Delhi is widely regarded as New Delhi's most elegant grand hotel, earning an "Exceptional" rating from numerous guests. Reviewers frequently use terms like "perfect," "spectacular," "fabulous," and "top of the line" to describe their stays. The general sentiment is one of profound satisfaction, with many guests considering it a "true gem" and a "must-do" experience in New Delhi.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Imperial for its:

• Spectacular Colonial Charm and Design: The hotel, built in the 1930s, showcases a magnificent blend of Victorian, Lutyens, and Art Deco architectural styles, with white marble colonnades, verdant gardens, and opulent interiors. It's often described as stepping into a 19th-century Indian Palace, brimming with history.
• Exceptional Service: The staff's professionalism, attentiveness, and "emotional intelligence" are frequently highlighted, making for a personalized and memorable experience. Guests feel treated like royalty, with staff often anticipating needs.
• Art Collection: The hotel houses a priceless collection of over 5,500 original artworks from the 17th to 19th centuries, reflecting India's diverse artistic heritage and making the hotel feel like a museum.
• Tranquil Oasis: Despite its central location, the hotel's eight-acre estate with its lush gardens and outdoor swimming pool offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
• Wealth of Dining Options: The variety and quality of its seven dining establishments are a major draw.

3. Room Quality

The 192 rooms and 43 suites are generous in size and individually designed, ranging from "old-world and very English" to a "contemporary take on Art Deco." They feature high ceilings, Italian marble floors, polished Burma teak, Persian hand-knotted carpets, antique chandeliers, and rosewood furniture, creating an ambiance of refined grandeur. Amenities are top-notch, including fine Porthault linens, bath products from Forest Essentials, and indulgent marble bathrooms, often with deep soaking bathtubs. Guests consistently praise the comfort and spaciousness of the bedrooms.

4. Dining Experience

The Imperial offers a "wealth of dining and drinking options," including four restaurants and two bars.

• 1911 Restaurant: This all-day dining venue offers a luxurious Sunday brunch buffet known for its regal ambiance, good quality food, and exclusive service.
• The Spice Route: Celebrated for its South and Southeast Asian cuisine, the restaurant's design, overseen by renowned artist Rajeev Sethi, is as captivating as its menu.
• San Gimignano: Offers authentic Italian fare, with guests raving about the quality of the food.
• Patiala Peg: A classic bar known for its historical anecdote and generous measures of whisky.

Breakfast is consistently described as "divine and plentiful," "faultless," and the "best of any five-star hotel in Delhi," offering both Indian and Western classics, including outstanding salmon and baked goods. The service in the restaurants is often highlighted as impeccable.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Imperial is consistently described as "extraordinary," "unfussy, but always perfect," and "impeccable." Guests report being greeted warmly and made to feel welcome from the moment they arrive. The staff are praised for their attentiveness, efficiency, friendliness, and deep understanding of guest needs, often going "out of their way" to assist. Many feel treated like "an honoured friend" or "royalty."

6. Location & Accessibility

The Imperial New Delhi boasts a prime and central location on Janpath Lane in Connaught Place, placing it in the heart of the city and making it convenient for travelers. It's an "oasis of calm" despite being in a central, active area.

• Nearby Attractions: The hotel is a short walk from Janpath Station (2 minutes), and within a 10-minute drive of historic Chandni Chowk, and less than 5 miles from India Gate, the Presidential Palace, and Jantar Mantar.
• Transportation: New Delhi Train Station is a 10-minute drive, and Indira Gandhi International Airport is a 25-minute drive away. Airport transfer service is available for an additional fee.

7. Value & Pricing

The Imperial is considered a luxury experience and a "splurge kind of stay." It is a premium-priced property, reflecting its status as one of the most prestigious hotels in the city. Room rates can range from approximately ₹12,000 to ₹30,000 per night (around $190-$400+ USD), with some higher-end suites costing more. While significantly higher than typical hotels in New Delhi, guests generally find the unparalleled service, opulent decor, and world-class amenities to be worth the cost, offering "exceptional quality and great value" for a luxury experience.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Slow Room Service and Check-in: A few guests have mentioned that room service can be very slow, and the check-in process can also be lengthy.
• Food Quality (Specific Cuisines): While overall dining is highly praised, some feedback suggests that local Indian cuisines could be slightly better or more authentic, with some Indian dishes being "too standardized to cater to a more international palette." However, this is contrasted by many positive reviews of Indian dishes.
• Limited Options for Certain Diets: One review mentioned that while the breakfast buffet was nice and included Indian and international cuisine, there was no mention of the availability of vegetarian or vegan options, but other sources suggest vegan and vegetarian choices are available in dining.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. booking.com
3. goibibo.com
4. travelweekly.com.au
5. youtube.com
6. luxurytraveldiary.com
7. luxurylifestylemag.co.uk
8. elitetraveler.com
9. hotels.com
10. michelin.com
11. expedia.com
12. youtube.com
13. youtube.com
14. makemytrip.com
15. agoda.com
16. kayak.com
17. trip.com