Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi - hotel review

Experience the best of both worlds in a city of contrasts, says Ben Norum
1/8
Ben Norum5 June 2018

With a population fast approaching 20 million, jam-packed streets and a scene that sees high luxury rub shoulders with extreme poverty, Delhi is not for the faint hearted.

But with iconic landmarks, hipster haunts and stand-out street food aplenty it promises to get under the skin of those who dig beneath the surface.

Where is it?

Set in the tree-lined Lutyens’ diplomatic quarter, the hotel’s location brings together the best of both worlds. It enjoys a relatively quiet and peaceful spot yet is a mere stone’s throw from the restaurants and boutiques of plush New Delhi and within easy reach of hectic Old Delhi beyond it. India Gate, Connaught Place, Humayan’s Tomb and the Red Fort – all at the top of tourist itineraries – are each less than ten minutes by car or tuk tuk, and easily reachable on foot if you’re of the walking persuasion.

Colonial elegance
Graham crouch

Style

You can’t miss this palatial 11-storey behemoth in pink sandstone, and the grandeur factor is only increased when you enter into a vast dome-roofed lobby and lounge space, clad in marble, filled with florals and crowned by a central water feature. There is colonial-era elegance at every turn, and exceptional service from staff to match is almost enough to make you feel like a raja.

Facilities

Despite the heritage feel, there’s no shortage of mod-cons, including electronic window blinds and speedy wifi. Down an intricately carved marble staircase from the grand lobby is a large outdoor pool, along with an indoor spa, while several floors above is a delightful sun-trap balcony resplendent with green foliage. Counters offer assistance with everything from converting cash to booking train tickets and compiling full itineraries, while room service is available 24/7.

House of Ming restaurant

Food & drink

There are no fewer than six main restaurants and bars within this hotel, all popular with locals as well as those staying in-house. Fine-dining modern Indian restaurant Varq should be your first stop for intricately spiced dishes that blend local flavours with French techniques. Machan serves both Indian and international dishes 24 hours a day, and Rick’s bar whips up classic cocktails alongside pan-Asian dishes. Chinese, Japanese and European cuisines are catered for by House of Ming, Wasabi and The Grill Room respectively.

Breakfast is worth including. A buffet takes in an impressive array of Indian street food-style favourites alongside the Continental staples and favourites such as masala omelettes, idlis and dosa are made to order.

Which room?

There are no bad rooms in this hotel, but naturally some are bigger than others. The deluxe rooms come with extra space and better views, while the Taj Club Rooms all come with butler service, airport pick-ups and access to the club lounge for complimentary cocktails each evening.

Extra-curricular

Ticking off the main sites, including Humayan’s Tomb and the Red Fort, is easy given how centrally this hotel is located – an important factor given Delhi’s notorious traffic.

Skip it all together and stroll down to India Gate around sunset to take in a gathering of locals from all walks of life, who descend on the landmark and its green surrounds to chat, chill and eat ice cream.

Also make time to explore the winding streets of Old Delhi. Take in Old Famous Jalebi Wala and sample the syrupy sweets that give its name as well as splendid samosas, and stop by Natraj Cafe for dahi bhalla, lentil balls in yoghurt with tamarind chutney.

In New Delhi, join the city’s trendy types for dinner at modern Indian restaurant and cocktail bar Farzi Cafe, a small chain that’s looking to open in London in the coming year. Even closer to the hotel, Khan Market is a laid-back spot to browse boutiques, and you can even grab a glass of Indian fizz at Perch Wine & Coffee Bar.

Best for: An exhilarating few days of culture, contrast and incredible cuisine before departing – preferably by train – to another of India’s bustling cities or making a beeline for the beach.

From £145 for a double room, 1 Mansingh Road, New Delhi, India. Visit taj.tajhotels.com.

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