Description
The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi is a historic luxury hotel that opened in 1936. Located on Janpath, close to Rajiv Chowk, it was New Delhi’s first grand hotel.
The hotel was conceptualized in 1934 by architect F.B. Blomfield, an associate of Edwin Lutyens, who designed much of New Delhi. The Imperial officially opened its doors in 1936, inaugurated by Lord Willingdon, the then Viceroy of India. His wife, Lady Willingdon, chose the hotel’s name and conferred its lion insignia. The architecture is a blend of Art Deco, Victorian, and colonial styles.
The hotel features high ceilings, Italian marble floors, and antique furniture. The 24 royal palms leading up to the porch are iconic and have witnessed the creation of New Delhi. The Imperial was a significant venue during the discussions on the Partition of India. Notable figures like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Lord Mountbatten met here.
The hotel offers 235 rooms and 44 suites, each designed with high ceilings, Italian marble floors, and antique furniture. The rooms range from the luxurious Imperial Rooms to the grand Heritage Suites.
The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi offers a variety of dining and bar experiences, each with its own unique ambiance and culinary delights.
- The Spice Route: the restaurant is renowned for its stunning mural art and ancient temple pillars, creating an immersive dining experience.
- San Gimignano: a semi-fine dining restaurant that stays true to its Italian roots, offering a cozy and intimate setting.
- 1911 Restaurant: designed in Art Deco style, this all-day dining brasserie offers a relaxed and lively environment.
- Daniell’s Tavern: named after the famous British artists Thomas and William Daniell, this restaurant offers a journey through India’s culinary heritage.
- The Atrium: known for its English afternoon tea, this venue brings the European royal courts’ coffee house culture to Delhi.
- 1911 Bar: over 500 varieties of beverages, it is a fashionable and dynamic bar with a retro feel, perfect for enjoying handcrafted cocktails.
- Patiala Peg: Specialty: an exclusive bar known for its generous servings and vibrant atmosphere.
- The Hardinge Bar: tucked away within the precincts of 1911 Bar, it offers a more intimate setting for hearty dialogues.
The Imperial New Delhi
Not to be missed at the hotel