The Imperial

This, they say, is Lutyens. Over three-quarters of a century after it was built, the hotel continues to celebrate This aspect of itself. Often called the museum hotel for its rich coloection of art, the Imperial is considered to be among asia’s finest heritage hotels and offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history. It boasts some as Thomas and William Danielle, William Simpson, William Hodges, John Zollony, James Ferguson, J.B. Fraser, Emily Eden. Charles D’Oyly and Others. It also has a large collection of gallantry awards, and its guest list must rank as the most impressive; Mahatma Gandhi, jawaharlal Nehru, Lord Mountbatten and Mohammad Ali Jinnah, to name a few.

Up a driveway lined with 24 king palms, past twin lions, lies one of asia’s finest hotels. Conceptualised as part of Lutyens’ Delhi, it is an Art Deco gem with killer restaurants, luxurious rooms and a superb art collection. Marble and teak flooring, marble baths and Fragonard bathroom amenities are just a start here. Begin your shopping in the hotel, at India’s first and only Chanel boutique. Step out and you’re on Janpath, famed for street shopping-gird yourself for some serious bargaining. Choose from bags and handicrafts. Jewellery stores pepper the opposite side of the road, and there is also Central Cottage industries Emporium, while state emporia line one side of the nearby Baba kharak Singh Marg, showcasing the country’s handicrafts and handlooms. Old Delhi’s bazaars are but a short drive away.

Tariff Range

Rs. 22,500 for a double room
Rs. 1 lakh for lutyens suite

The Imperial
Janpath, Newdelhi
(011) 2334 1234, 4150 1234
http://www.theimperialIndia.om
Co-ordinates: 28.628528, 77.227020 Nearby Places: New Delhi