Chosen as one of the Top city hotels in Asia and ranked as the Top Hotel in Delhi by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2014 and listed amongst 15 Legendary Hotels around the world by Fodor’s Travel in 2014, The Imperial is an iconic hotel and is the most distinguished address situated in the heart of the capital, reminiscent of the halcyon days of the Raj. A luxury hotel with an awe-inspiring heritage interwoven in colonial elegance, it dwells in its modern delivery of old-style class and magnificence. The 24 king palms, that lead up to the porch, are an integral part of and witness to the very creation of Delhi.
Conceptualized in 1934 by Blomfield and inaugurated by Lord Willingdon in 1936, The Imperial located on Janpath, the erstwhile Queensway, is steps away from the renowned shopping district and major attractions of the city, just 30-minutes drive from the international airport and 1 km from the central business district of New Delhi. Stroll through its art laden corridors and you’ll feel history come alive. The iconic heritage wrapped in the colonial elegance takes you back in time, making a fabulous impression. On arrival, another world opens up filled with Victorian charm and luxury while you revel in the days of the Raj or seek pleasure on your plate at the award-winning restaurants. Intricate details, space and greenery over seven acres of manicured gardens fashion this royal destination.
Indeed, it was in Lutyens’ scheme of things to build the most luxurious Hotel in New Delhi with a unique blend of Victorian, old colonial and a playful dosage of informal art deco. The style is decidedly eclectic. The gates and the massive, avuncular bronze lions at the entrance are Victorian. In the high-domed Atrium inside, art deco wall panels and wrought iron balconies recall the early 20th century. Lutyens’ design of the Universe, a masterpiece made with 800 pieces of marble, can be noticed all over the Hotel, including in its rich 24-carat gold leaf form that appears on the rotunda in the heart of the lobby.
The pillared verandah at 1911 where one can soak in the ambience filled with the beauty of colonial architecture and antiques while savoring world cuisine, world famous The Spice Route serving unmatched South-East Asian delicacies conceptualized by celebrity Chef Veena Arora, Classic European evenings with Nostalgia at 1911 Brasserie, the all new Daniell’s Tavern wooing diners with heritage Pan Indian cuisine, the award-winning Tea lounge- The Atrium, the famous Tuscan Italian San Gimignano, Royal and the historic Bars- Patiala Peg and 1911 Bar, all offer a stellar dining experience.
High ceilings, impeccable décor equipped with all the facilities and modern conveniences, the 235 rooms and suites, overlook lush, verdant gardens offering discreet luxury, serenity and total privacy. Eliza rooms for Single Lady Travelers are designed for complete security while providing a home away from home to lady guests.
Choicely designed and thoughtfully decorated for the discerning business and leisure guests alike, the distinctive character and charm of the rooms has been achieved by attention to the smallest detail heightened by a warm and personal service by an efficient staff geared to proffer an unparalleled Imperial experience.
Cool and spacious gardens have played host to some celebrated encounters between the British and Indian aristocracy and gentry. It was here at The Imperial, where you could clink your glasses on the same table as Lord Hardinge, or Gandhi to the war efforts or to the Quit India Movement. Interestingly, it was in the precincts of The Imperial that Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Radhakrishnan and others discussed the integration of the princely states into the Union of India in early 1947.
Replete with tableware from London, Italian marble floors, Burma teak and rosewood furniture, fountains from Florence, original Daniells and Frasers on the walls and the best of Indian furniture, The Imperial – a unique low-rise structure – creates the aura of an early 19th century English manor.
The Imperial underwent a major renovation and restoration work in early 2000s under the aegis of Hong Kong based architect Chandu Chhada – an exercise that re-established the splendour of the Hotel as the grandest colonial hotel in Asia.
A veritable museum with a rare and original collection, The Imperial showcases different forms of art in its rooms, corridors and public areas. Finest 18th and 19th century paintings, lithographs, sculptures and intricately painted murals – all offer a memorable experience to an art aficionado.
Called the ‘only’ Garden Hotel of Delhi, The Imperial rests resplendent in beautifully manicured gardens nestled amidst royal palms. The private swimming pool, deep in the shaded grounds of the Hotel, offers a tranquil, rejuvenating experience.
For more than seven decades, The Imperial has hosted New Delhi’s most important social gatherings, political get-togethers of historical significance and business meetings. Traditional hospitality complemented by an impressively discreet and courteous service guarantees the success of an event – of any scale.
Probably the only authentic ballroom remaining in India with a spring floor that reduces noise levels, The Royal Ballroom evokes the splendor of Lords and Ladies bowing and curtseying, before they swirled across the floor to the strains of the waltz. This is where the distinguished guests amused themselves when the Hotel was opened in 1936 and this is the room where the first grand Ball was held.
The vast ballroom today, also, serves as a venue for conferences and events of repute, seating up to 400 guests, auditorium style. Conference facilities also include two mid-size conference halls, namely Emily Eden and Hodges, with a seating capacity, theatre style, for 60 and 30 guests respectively and a Boardroom which can accommodate up to six guests.
One Imperial Place – first stand alone business centre in the city amidst the luxury of the hotel’s five-star ambience, has re-defined Luxury business meeting facility in Imperial, New Delhi. It has positioned the hotel as one of the Luxury Business hotels in New Delhi with its unmatched services offering a world class business experience. The Imperial was listed as the Leading Business Hotel in New Delhi, by Hotelier India magazine issue April 2014, due to the unparalleled and luxe business environment offered at One Imperial Place.
You can rejuvenate at The Imperial Spa opened in December 2010 for the resident guests. It is one of the largest spas in India and the largest in the capital and was bestowed with GeoSpa asiaSpa Best Hotel Spa and Most Luxurious Spa for 2012 and this year the awards recognized Kohinoor Retreat ritual as the most luxurious spa treatment. A well-equipped Fitness Centre – Health & Racquet Club or a yoga session in our Yoga studio promise to detox your body, mind and soul.
An oasis of calmness in the hectic rush of modern living, The Imperial, with a fabled antecedent, is an institution of class: quiet, dignified, serene and elegant. It has played host to business barons, royalty, sports stars and eminent people in the limelight. It is then, of no wonder that, celebrities like James Cameron, Frederick Forsyth, Kate Winslet, King of Morocco and the Queen of Netherlands stay nowhere else but at The Imperial, when in Delhi.
The old world charm of the walled city beckons you with the attractions of its timeless mosques, fascinating history and the sprawling Red Fort. New Delhi, saluting its rich past, provides a wonderful opportunity for a memorable monuments tour. Museums, theatres, art galleries, parks, temples and shrines – New Delhi presents interesting ideas to fill your leisure time with. A stone’s throw away from The Imperial lies the main shopping district offering an exciting range with irresistible bargains.
The indelible Imperial Experience is geared towards making your visit simply perfect in every possible way. The Imperial is, in itself, a Destination!
Source:- WTM
