Review of The Imperial, New Delhi

Perfectly positioned in the heart of New Delhi, just moments from the iconic India Gate, The Imperial New Delhi is a legendary landmark and a paragon of Indian hospitality. Since welcoming guests in 1931, this grand hotel has been celebrated for its eight acres of lush gardens, heritage architecture blending Victorian, colonial, and Art Deco influences, and its enduring connection to the city’s storied past.

This tranquil retreat from New Delhi’s vibrant bustle features 192 rooms and 43 suites, each steeped in history yet thoughtfully updated for the sophisticated traveler. Guests enjoy access to eight diverse dining venues, elegant bars and lounges, a renowned patisserie, and the expansive 1,115-square-metre Imperial Spa, Salon, Health and Racquet Club. Facilities include a serene outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an exclusive shopping arcade. Art lovers will delight in the curated collection of over 5,000 artworks and vintage photographs displayed throughout the property’s corridors.

Situated on the prestigious Janpath boulevard, The Imperial, New Delhi offers unrivaled convenience for both business and leisure travelers. Its central location places guests at the crossroads of Old and New Delhi, just steps from Connaught Place and within easy reach of the city’s top cultural, historical, and shopping destinations. For aficionados of colonial heritage, The Imperial’s setting is unmatched.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official presidential residence, is a short drive away, while the famed Central Cottage Industries Emporium—renowned for exquisite handicrafts and textiles—sits directly across the street. 

Indira Gandhi International Airport is located approximately 22 kilometers (about 14 miles) from the hotel, typically a 30-minute drive by private transfer, depending on traffic. New Delhi Railway Station is just three kilometers (1.8 miles) away, providing swift access to India’s iconic train journeys, including routes to Agra and the Taj Mahal. 

Explore our comprehensive City Guide to Agra

The Imperial’s 192 rooms and 43 suites are each individually curated, exuding timeless elegance with influences from Imperial, Heritage, and Art Deco design eras. Spacious marble bathrooms are outfitted with premium fixtures, luxurious Fragonard amenities, fine French linens, and thoughtful touches such as in-room tea and coffee, complimentary mineral water, and fresh fruit. Entertainment options include multi-channel smart TVs and DVD players. Many rooms offer tranquil views of either the serene inner atrium or the verdant gardens.

Art Deco rooms evoke modern sophistication with minimalist lines and indulgent marble bathrooms. Imperial Rooms transport guests to a neoclassical ambiance, while Heritage Rooms channel the grandeur of the Raj with opulent woodwork and intricate marble floors.

For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the hotel’s suites are among New Delhi’s most refined. The Luxury Suites feature dramatic four-poster mahogany beds dressed in ultra-premium pillow-top mattresses, Bulgari bath products, Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, and soaring ceilings for an airy, palatial feel. These accommodations include separate living spaces, guest powder rooms, and elegant dressing areas, with sweeping views across the manicured rear gardens. 

The Royal Imperial Suite is a destination in itself. Its master bedroom features a majestic four-poster canopy bed with Asian-inspired accents, complemented by a lavish marble bathroom. The double-height entrance hall is illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows, and the grand salon, adorned with crystal chandeliers, opens onto a formal dining area with seating for eight and a fully equipped butler’s pantry. A private study, lined with antique volumes and original artwork by Prince Alexis Saltykoff, adds character. The suite can be expanded by connecting to a Heritage Room for additional space.

The Imperial continues to set benchmarks in safety and comfort for solo female travelers with The Eliza Experience. This offering includes rooms in a dedicated, CCTV-secured corridor, personalized female staff assistance, call screening, and optional female-accompanied airport transfers. Amenities are tailored for women, featuring plush king beds, bespoke linens and robes, curated magazines, a manicure set, and a Ladies Essentials Kit, all in a soothing pink-and-beige palette. Special floral arrangements and fresh fruit are available on request. 

Accessible rooms are also available for guests with disabilities, ensuring a welcoming stay for all.

The Imperial Spa, set amidst the estate’s lush grounds, is a sanctuary of holistic wellness spanning 1,115 square metres (12,000 square feet) of tranquil marble and wood interiors adorned with authentic Indian art. The spa’s philosophy centers on bespoke, guest-focused therapies that integrate global wellness trends with age-old Indian traditions, ensuring a transformative experience.

Signature treatments include Balinese, Thai, and Sports Remedial massages, as well as exclusive Savasana Detox wraps and specialized men’s therapies. The Moghul Suite, designed for couples, offers immersive rituals, while the spa’s proprietary SUFI line of 100% organic products elevates every service. Traditional Ayurvedic therapies, on-site consultations with certified practitioners, and a menu of healthy spa cuisine are also available. The spa now features select Natura Bissé treatments for an added layer of indulgence.

Beauty and grooming are equally prioritized at The Imperial Salon, where guests can enjoy advanced Kerastase hair care, Indian head massages, and signature body treatments in serene surroundings, including a dedicated ladies-only SUFI room.

The outdoor pool, shaded by mature Royal Palms and framed by Art Deco balustrades, is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Sun loungers and parasols offer an inviting oasis for relaxation in the heart of the city’s gardens. 

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the Health & Racquet Club, which offers the latest gym equipment, as well as a dedicated yoga studio with expert-led meditation sessions tailored to individual needs.

The Imperial Boutique showcases a curated selection of luxury items, including leather accessories, fine pashminas, artisanal candles, fragrances, and more. The Imperial Book Shop features a comprehensive library of bestsellers and international publications. For gourmet treats, La Baguette—the on-site patisserie—serves an array of pastries, breads, quiches, savory pies, and chocolates, perfect for a midday indulgence or teatime delight.

Connoisseurs of Sir Edwin Lutyens’ architectural legacy will immediately recognize the inspiration behind The Imperial New Delhi’s stately exterior. While not directly crafted by Lutyens himself, the hotel was designed by his close associate, embodying his vision for a flagship luxury hotel at the heart of his master plan for New Delhi. Set along the illustrious Janpath (formerly Queensway), the property stands as a testament to the city’s colonial grandeur and modern ambition.

Inside, the hotel reveals a harmonious blend of Victorian, colonial, Art Deco, and indigenous Indian elements. The interiors are a feast for the senses: marble floors gleam beneath soaring ceilings, while rattan and teak furnishings, imposing portraits, and dazzling chandeliers evoke an era of opulence. The Imperial’s lion insignia, chosen by Lady Willingdon, reflects both heritage and prestige.

Our recent visits confirm that The Imperial has masterfully balanced its storied past with contemporary expectations. The hotel preserves its rich history without feeling antiquated, seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art technology and modern comforts. It remains a vibrant, relevant icon within a rapidly evolving metropolis, admired for both its authenticity and style. 

The Imperial New Delhi presents a sophisticated array of dining experiences, from storied colonial-era bars to contemporary global cuisine. Guests can choose from eight distinctive restaurants, lounges, and bars, in addition to the acclaimed La Baguette patisserie in the grand lobby.

1911 Restaurant pays homage to New Delhi’s historic ascent as India’s capital, with a menu and service style that reflect the grandeur of the era. The walls, adorned with rare photographs and memorabilia, set the stage for an immersive dining experience.

Nostalgia at 1911 Brasserie transforms evenings with classic European fare and tableside flambé presentations. The old-world atmosphere is enhanced by black-and-white Hollywood portraits and live piano music, creating a timeless setting for gourmet dinners.

The Spice Route, an award-winning Southeast Asian restaurant conceptualized by renowned designer Rajeev Sethi, traces the journey of spices from Kerala to Vietnam. The interiors are a masterpiece—hand-painted using ancient vegetable dyes by temple artists from Kerala, and the central courtyard features authentic Thai sculptures, tranquil water elements, and Khantok seating beneath a graceful pagoda.

San Gimignano, the hotel’s celebrated Italian restaurant, channels the charm of Tuscany. Menus highlight both locally sourced and imported Italian ingredients—think aged balsamic, artisanal cheeses, risotto, and olive oil—with a curated wine and grappa list. Alfresco dining in a picturesque courtyard is a highlight, especially during Delhi’s temperate months.

Daniell’s Tavern offers a culinary journey through India, inspired by the travels of landscape artists Thomas and William Daniell. The open kitchen prepares regional specialties, providing both visual and gastronomic delight.

For afternoon tea, The Atrium is an elegant sanctuary, offering premium teas, custom coffee blends, and refreshing summer beverages—ideal for a leisurely respite.

The 1911 Bar, with its horseshoe counter, plush Montana leather seating, stained glass ceiling, and period art, boasts an impressive selection of over 500 spirits. Two private rooms—the Hardinge Room and the Lutyens & Baker Room—offer exclusive settings. The Hardinge Room is a living museum, displaying rare military memorabilia and the city’s only Victoria Cross.

Patiala Peg, The Royal Bar, remains a city institution. Steeped in legend, it commemorates a dramatic tent-pegging contest between the Maharaja of Patiala and the Viceroy, with a collection of wartime photographs. Guests enjoy signature 75ml pours—generous by any standard—in an atmosphere that celebrates India’s regal sporting traditions.

The Imperial New Delhi demonstrates an ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible luxury. The hotel has implemented comprehensive measures to minimize its environmental impact, including robust recycling programs, a significant reduction in single-use plastics, and innovative water and energy conservation initiatives throughout the property. These efforts are part of a broader mission to set new standards for eco-friendly hospitality in India. 

• The Imperial New Delhi stands as a grand heritage hotel—long regarded as the capital’s definitive address for luxury and history. While elements of the Raj are respectfully preserved, the atmosphere is inviting and never heavy-handed.
• Its central location offers a serene sanctuary amid the vibrant contrasts of New Delhi. The Imperial provides a secure and tranquil haven—ideal for sightseeing, business, or simply unwinding in style.
• The expansive Imperial Spa delivers an authentically Indian wellness experience. From the aromatic therapies and serene design to the holistic philosophy, every detail fosters a sense of calm and rejuvenation. It is a true retreat for those who value both tradition and modern comfort.Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

• The hotel’s legendary Art Deco architecture and deep-rooted connection to India’s pre-independence era. The manicured gardens, stately verandahs, regal ballrooms, and elegant corridors have hosted landmark meetings between Indian and British dignitaries. The Imperial’s timeless elegance rivals any international luxury brand. 
• Delivering a genuinely Indian welcome—Namaskar—has been central to The Imperial’s ethos for decades. This gesture, now recognized worldwide, embodies warmth and humility. The hotel celebrates all major Indian festivals, enriching each guest’s stay with vibrant cultural experiences and positive energy.
• Our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible operations. We continue to lead by example, reducing plastic use, conserving water and energy, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship throughout the hotel.Mr. Vijay WanchooSenior Executive Vice President & General ManagerThe Imperial New Delhi