Imperial

Top choice in New Delhi


Classicism meets art deco at the Imperial, which dates from 1931 and was designed by FB Blomfield, an associate of Lutyens. Rooms have high ceilings, flowing curtains, French linen and marble baths. There's the temple-like Thai restaurant Spice Route; the 1911 bar is highly recommended; and the cafe Atrium, Imperial serves the perfect high tea.

The hallways and atriums are lined with the hotel's venerable 18th- and 19th-century art collection.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby New Delhi attractions

1. Jantar Mantar

0.16 MILES

This is one of five observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, ruler of Jaipur. Constructed in 1725, Jantar Mantar (derived from the Sanskrit word for …

2. National Philatelic Museum

0.36 MILES

Housed in an annex of this branch of India Post, the National Philatelic Museum displays sets of stamps featuring the gamut of Indian life, from…

3. Agrasen ki Baoli

0.4 MILES

This atmospheric 14th-century step-well was once set in the countryside, till the city grew up around it; 103 steps descend to the bottom, flanked by…

4. Hanuman Temple

0.4 MILES

This popular Hindu temple is dedicated to the much-revered god Hanuman, sometimes referred to as the Monkey God. It throngs with devotees on Tuesdays and…

5. Madame Tussauds

0.4 MILES

A first for the subcontinent, Madame Tussauds 23rd waxwork museum is housed in the erstwhile Regal Theatre, now refurbished to provide a stage for more…

6. Charkha Museum

0.44 MILES

This tiny new museum in the heart of the city is unmistakable for its large, stainless steel spinning wheel, an iconic symbol of Mahatma Gandhi and his…

7. Connaught Place

0.52 MILES

This confusing circular shopping district was named after George V’s uncle, the Duke of Connaught, and fashioned after the Palladian colonnades of Bath…

8. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

0.59 MILES

This magnificent white-marble gurdwara (Sikh temple), topped by glinting golden onion domes, was constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru,…