The Imperial
OVERVIEW
New Delhi is a city that constantly seeks to reinvent itself or find the new best thing, but The Imperial is a constant amid the development. Built in 1931, the Imperial has been sympathetically restored to its former glory – think gently swirling fans, colonial-era elegance, rattan furniture and black and white marble floors. It’s a welcome respite from the sensory overload that is Delhi.
Centrally located, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the action, with an easy walk to the salubrious shopping of Connaught Place and the embassies and parliament buildings of New Delhi, yet just a short distance from Old Delhi and the labyrinthine lanes of Chandni Chowk. The staff wear period uniforms to blend with the surroundings but it’s not for show – they can genuinely point out areas of historic interest around the hotel, such as where Ghandi helped negotiate the partitioning of India.
The hotel feels, in places, like a museum rather than a luxury lodging, with black and white photographs and artworks that capture the imperial (in name and nature) era of the city. Service is, as you would expect, exemplary, old-fashioned but not stuffy, formal yet not overbearing. In short, it’s a time-honoured classic.
SUMMARY
Rooms: 233
Location: New Delhi, India
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
6 Reasons to visit The Imperial
- An oasis of calm near the bustling shops and restaurants of Connaught Place
- The Imperial is a landmark hotel with some of the largest rooms in the capital
- Since its inception in 1931 the hotel has been sensitively refurbished to restore its former glory
- Attention to detail includes Italian marble floors with Burmese teak and rosewood furniture
- In a safe location on Janpath, you can walk to the shops and sights with ease
- The Spice Route restaurant is one of the top 10 restaurants in the world and is a feast for the eyes and taste buds
Your trip to India would be unfinished without dinner at the Spice Route. The restaurant is one of the best in the world and took seven years to build and decorate. Inside no attention to detail has been spared, with hand-painted murals, carved woods and incredibly intricate wall paintings. The menu will take you on a journey through South Asian cuisine. For an extra special experience book the private Oriental pagoda with traditional Khantok seating for up to six.
Where to stay
Each of The Imperial’s 233 rooms and suites are individually decorated with a distinct style, some Art Deco, some richly colonial with genuine antique furniture. There is no compromise when it comes to quality, with French linen, Italian marble bathrooms and fine art collections adorning the walls.
Your trip to India would be unfinished without dinner at the Spice Route. The restaurant is one of the best in the world and took seven years to build and decorate. Inside no attention to detail has been spared, with hand-painted murals, carved woods and incredibly intricate wall paintings. The menu will take you on a journey through South Asian cuisine. For an extra special experience book the private Oriental pagoda with traditional Khantok seating for up to six.
What to do
With its central location, The Imperial is the perfect base from which to explore the historic sites of both Old and New Delhi. Conveniently, there are a range of shops and restaurants just a short walk away along Janpath to Connaught Place.
Your trip to India would be unfinished without dinner at the Spice Route. The restaurant is one of the best in the world and took seven years to build and decorate. Inside no attention to detail has been spared, with hand-painted murals, carved woods and incredibly intricate wall paintings. The menu will take you on a journey through South Asian cuisine. For an extra special experience book the private Oriental pagoda with traditional Khantok seating for up to six.
What and Where to Eat
You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining at The Imperial. Mix with the locals in the Patiala Peg bar before tantalising your taste buds with a range of cuisines in the hotels many restaurants. If that’s not sufficient, you may prefer to explore the myriad restaurants on the hotel’s doorstep.
Your trip to India would be unfinished without dinner at the Spice Route. The restaurant is one of the best in the world and took seven years to build and decorate. Inside no attention to detail has been spared, with hand-painted murals, carved woods and incredibly intricate wall paintings. The menu will take you on a journey through South Asian cuisine. For an extra special experience book the private Oriental pagoda with traditional Khantok seating for up to six.
When to travel
| Month | Temp(C) |
Sun(hrs) |
Rain(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan |
8 | 9 | 23 |
Feb |
16 | 10 | 18 |
Mar |
22 | 11 | 13 |
Apr |
28 | 12 | 8 |
May |
32 | 13 | 13 |
Jun |
33 | 12 | 74 |
Jul |
30 | 8 | 180 |
Aug |
30 | 8 | 173 |
Sep |
29 | 9 | 117 |
Oct |
26 | 11 | 10 |
Nov |
20 | 10 | 3 |
Dec |
15 | 10 | 10 |