Built in 1931 by Lutyens assistant Bromfeld, the hotel has since been carefully refurbished and fitted out with Italian marble floors, Burma teak and rosewood furniture, high ceilings, spacious gardens and superb restaurants, this luxury hotel set in the centre of the city and just a stone’s throw from the most interesting museums, theatres, monuments, parks and cultural sites in Delhi, will make you feel like a Rajah.
Rooms are individual and designed with distinct character, whether that’s Art Deco or colonial. Each floor is dedicated to an artist and decorated with original works of art. Suites are huge – among the biggest in India – and have gilt furniture, chandeliers and enormous mirrors. Most overlook the pretty, manicured gardens. All are private.
After a day spent exploring the must-see sites and secret corners of Delhi, from the Mughal Red Fort to the National Museum and colourful Chandni Chowk bazaar, take a dip in the hotel pool, unwind with an Ayurvedic treatment or massage at the spa or even pay a visit to the resident astrologer to see what your future holds. Then freshen up in your marble bathroom and change into something smart for dinner – there’s no official dress code but this is a luxurious city hotel.
With a choice of four world-class restaurants, each offering a different world cuisine you need never venture out into the city to eat. Feast on Southeast Asian dishes at The Spice Route or secure a table in the attractive garden to dine al fresco. Treat yourself to perfect pasta in San Gimignano and make sure you sample the signature dishes in the 1911 Restaurant. Step back in time in the 1911 Bar, which harks back to a colonial era with deep, cosy quilted leather chairs that are very conducive to sitting and sipping perfect cocktails or catch live music in Daniell’s Tavern, where you can select a cigar to complement the whiskey you’ve picked at the bar
