The Imperial Hotel, Delhi: Oasis of Calm

Nestled in the bustling, boisterous heart of New Delhi, The Imperial Hotel stands as a testament to time. Bearing witness to different, at times difficult, facets of the capital city’s history, from its colonial past to its cosmopolitan present, the hotel has seamlessly blended with the contemporary times. Both within and without the hotel, whispers of whirlwind wonders swirl—reminiscing tales of regal and refined elegance.

 

Originally commissioned in 1931, when the end of the British Empire in India was closer than ever, the Imperial Hotel was envisioned as a paean to the imperial pride and prestige.
Designed by F.B. Blomfield, an associate of renowned British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens—the mastermind behind New Delhi’s eponymous Lutyen’s architectural landscape—the hotel imbibes architectural elements from a blend of colonial and Art Deco variants, crafting a visual symphony that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive.
The hotel was officially opened in 1936 by Lord Willingdon, the then Viceroy of India. His wife, Lady Willingdon, who chose the hotel’s name, was also present. 

Image Credit: andBeyond

Beyond its architectural magnificence, the Imperial Hotel prides itself on the rich, rarified tapestry of Indian history woven into its narrative. Over the decades, it has hosted a constellation of leading personalities of the day, each leaving an indelible mark on its storied halls. From Mahatma Gandhi to Jawaharlal Nehru and Queen Elizabeth II to Jackie Kennedy, the hotel’s visitor book has witnessed some of the twentieth century’s most consequential changemakers. This illustrious hotel was where Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Lord Mountbatten met to discuss the Partition of India and the birth of Pakistan.

 

Yet, despite its storied past, the Imperial Hotel is firmly rooted in its contemporary present. Its lavish accommodations are adorned with lush décor and provide a sanctuary of calm and comfort—all with a dash of razor-sharp refinement.  As Pippa de Bruyn (Destination Expert) of the Telegraph Travel writes: “Delhi, home to some 18 million people, is no picnic. You’ll appreciate a luxury refuge, and this elegant, colonial-era cocoon offers just that, along with a great central location – easy striking distance to Imperial Delhi and the eye-opening Shahjahanabad.”

Image Credit: Conde Nast Traveller

Culinary connoisseurs will be delighted in The Imperial Hotel’s diverse gastronomic gifts, which showcase the choicest Indian and international cuisine. From sumptuous North Indian delicacies at Daniell’s Tavern to Pan-Asian delicacies at The Spice Route, each dining experience is a wonderful culinary sojourn. The legendary afternoon tea at The Atrium is a timeless tradition—patrons partake in sipping fragrant floral teas, all in an ambience of old-world British-Indian charm.

 

Apart from these, for those specifically seeking a taste of culture, the hotel’s art gallery showcases an impressive, illustrious collection of contemporary Indian artwork, offering insight into the country’s vibrant, vivacious artistic landscape.

 

However, perhaps the most enduring allure of The Imperial Hotel lies in its impeccable service. From the moment patrons arrive, they are enveloped in a cocoon of elegance with a stroke of efficiency. The diligent, dedicated staff caters to a patron’s every need with grace and gallantry. 

 

Its rich, rarified heritage, coupled with its contemporary cosmopolitan character, ensures that it remains a timeless destination for discerning patrons seeking a taste of old-world charm in the heart of New Delhi. As the sun sets over the blooming yet bustling city, casting a golden glow upon its fancy façade, the Imperial Hotel continues to reign as the paragon of prestige and prosperity in the Indian capital.

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At the heart of the hotel’s exterior is its iconic dome, a striking feature that commands curiosity from afar. Surmounted by a sumptuous spire, the dome lends a sense of splendour to the building, evoking the charm of the bygone eras. It is the crowning jewel of The Imperial Hotel’s architecture, framed by rows of arched windows and decorative columns.

 

As one moves closer to the entrance, the grandeur and grace of The Imperial Hotel’s exterior give way to a sense of intimacy and warmth. The sweeping driveway, lined with manicured gardens and shaded alcoves, offers a serene welcome to arriving patrons. The sound of trickling fountains and the fragrance of blooming flowers create an oasis of calm and composure amidst the bustling, bumbling city streets. 

Image Credit: Options, The Edge

Overall, the architecture of The Imperial Hotel in Delhi is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a symphony of classical elegance and effervescence.