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Grand Heritage Room, The Imperial

The Imperial

Delhi, India

One of Delhi’s finest heritage hotels, the Imperial is something of an icon. Built in 1931 during the British colonial period by an architect named Blomfield, an associate of Sir Edwin Lutyens, it is considered one of the best hotels in Asia and is renowned for its first-class service.

Guests are greeted with polished marble, Burmese teak furniture and a collection of art and antiques. There are a selection of room types available, many of which overlook the large and lush gardens, and a number of award-winning restaurants serving up an eclectic mix of cuisines, from innovative Indian fare to sweet pastries.

OUR OPINION:

In a country renowned for its heritage hotels, The Imperial is by far one of the finest options in Delhi.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

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Hannah, an Audley Travel specialist

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Rooms

The hotel offers eight room choices, all with air conditioning, Wi-Fi access and TVs. Deco rooms offer queen size beds, while Imperial rooms have either king size or twin beds. Heritage rooms are spacious with an additional seating area and optional views of the gardens. Grand Heritage rooms are available with Hollywood beds and additional seating for up to six guests, as well as views of the gardens. Heritage Suites have two bedrooms with king size beds, while Deco Suites have larger windows with views of The Spice Route’s courtyard. Luxury Suites accommodate four-poster beds and a Jacuzzi. The Royal Imperial Suite has a master bedroom with four-poster bed, seating for additional guests and a separate guest cloakroom, as well as a dressing room with walk-in wardrobe, study and dining area for up to eight guests.

Location

The Imperial is centrally located between the districts of Old and New Delhi, making it easy to explore the highlights of both on foot.

Food and drink

Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining at The Imperial. The Spice Route restaurant serves food influenced by spices from the Malabar Coast in Kerala, through Sri Lanka and into Southeast Asia. There's also the 1911 Restaurant and Bar, serving a variety of local dishes and an impressive collection of whiskies. Featuring dark wood panelling and a stained-glass roof, the bar provides the perfect setting for a tipple after a day's exploration. Meanwhile, Nostalgia serves European and continental fare, San Gimignano is an Italian restaurant where guests can eat alfresco, and Daniell's Tavern showcases dishes from around India. The hotel also has its own patisserie, La Baguette, and a further characterful bar, Patiala Peg. Afternoon tea can also be taken on the manicured lawn.

Facilities and activities

Facilities at The Imperial include a spa featuring 100% organic massage oils, a hair salon, outdoor pool, ballroom, conference rooms and one of the largest art collections in Delhi, with its own curator providing tours.

Accessibility

The Imperial doesn’t promote its disabled access, however, we've had disabled clients stay here. The rooms are large enough to accommodate a wheelchair and there's a large lift. Please speak to a specialist for more information.

Tour ideas in Delhi

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The Imperial as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

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    • Old Delhi City Tour
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      Old Delhi City Tour

      Old Delhi City Tour

      Your guide will take you on a cycle rickshaw through the Chandni Chowk Bazaar area. This allows you to visit the narrow winding alleys lined with shops selling all manner of items.

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