The Imperial Spa & Salon
New Delhi, India
Connaught Place
Vibe
A storied eight-acre sanctuary entered past royal palms, where high ceilings, peaceful shaded lawns, and expansive verandas create an unhurried urban retreat.
“Art-filled heritage citadel”
Evening turndown, fine Porthault linens, Italian marble bathrooms, and dedicated concierge service across the eight-acre estate.
Historic 1930s Lutyens-era landmark displaying five thousand original Indo-European artworks and engravings along grand marble corridors.
A 1936 institution where generations gather for traditional spirit pours at Patiala Peg and evening piano.
On Janpath near Connaught Place, a short walk from the central shopping colonnades and gardens.
“More than just a city hotel, it’s almost an urban resort, complete with an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a wealth of dining and drinking options.”
Rooms
High ceilings frame Italian marble bathrooms and teakwood desks, with fine Porthault linens outfitting spacious Art Deco and heritage layouts.
Wellness
Winding marble stairs descend to a subterranean retreat featuring a hammam, Kerala Ayurvedic rituals, and an outdoor mosaic pool amid palms.
Backstory
Inaugurated in 1936, the estate was designed by F.B. Blomfield to merge Victorian grandeur with Art Deco and colonial architecture.
Eat & drink
Dine under carved temple pillars at The Spice Route or order classic spirit pours alongside live piano at historic bars.
The neighborhood
Tucked along Janpath, the private gardens place guests moments from colonial shopping rotundas, bustling handicraft emporiums, and central Delhi landmarks.
More like this
Taj Mahal, New Delhi
“Lutyens' diplomatic flagship”
Central
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.