What makes a hotel stay truly special? At The Imperial, New Delhi, it is not only the beautiful rooms or grand spaces. It is the history, art, food and warm service that make every stay feel different.
A hotel where every room, restaurant and hallway has a story to tell.
Instagram – @imperialdelhi
A Story That Still Lives
There are hotels where you stay for a night, and then there are hotels you remember long after you leave. The Imperial, New Delhi, is one of those places.
Since opening its doors in 1936, the hotel has been part of Delhi’s story. Spread across eight acres in the heart of the city, it offers a quiet break from the busy streets outside.
The Imperial is known as India’s Grand Hotel, but its charm goes beyond its grand name. Here, history can be seen in the marble halls, old artwork, beautiful gardens and carefully kept details. At the same time, the hotel offers the comfort and service that today’s travellers expect.
A Hotel Built Around Its Story
The Imperial has been welcoming guests for more than 90 years. Over the years, royalty, dignitaries and travellers from around the world have stayed here. But what makes the hotel special is not only who has visited. It is the way the hotel has kept its character through the years.
From the moment guests arrive, there is a sense of old-world hospitality. The iconic Sikh doormen, a tradition that dates back to 1936, are among the first people guests meet.
Inside, the team focuses on making each stay personal, from remembering guest preferences to paying attention to small details.
“Here, history is not something you only look at. It becomes part of your stay.”
Rooms With Character
The rooms and suites at The Imperial bring together comfort and classic design. Burmese teak, hand-knotted Persian carpets, polished brass, and original silver details can be found across the property.
The spaces feel grand without losing their warmth. Guests get modern comfort while staying in a setting that still reflects the hotel’s past.
Every detail has been carefully chosen to fit the character of the property, making the room more than a place to sleep.
Where Dining Has a Story
Food at The Imperial is about more than what is on the plate. The hotel’s restaurants and bars each have their own story.
At 1911 Restaurant, the famous Gandhi Table connects the dining room with an important part of India’s history. It is linked to Mahatma Gandhi, who used the table during his time at the hotel.
Then there is The Spice Route, one of the hotel’s most distinctive dining spaces. Its interiors took seven years to create. The walls feature detailed artwork made with natural dyes by craftsmen from Kerala.
The restaurant takes inspiration from the old trade routes and cultures of Asia, making the space as memorable as the food.
Patiala Peg adds another piece of history to the experience. Known for its 120ml pour, the bar takes its name and tradition from the Maharaja of Patiala.
A Quiet Escape Inside Delhi
44,000 SQ FT | THE IMPERIAL SPA
The Imperial Spa gives guests another reason to slow down and step away from the pace of Delhi. In September 2026, the spa was named 2026 Best Hotel Spa in India by the World Spa Awards, adding another distinction to The Imperial’s long history of hospitality and wellness.
Designed as a serene sanctuary, The Imperial Spa brings together Moroccan influences with Moghul and Indian design. Every arch, intricate detail and play of light has been created to bring a sense of calm. The spa features ten treatment rooms, hydrotherapy areas and signature suites for couples, offering personalised experiences delivered by expert therapists.
The wellness experience combines traditional Ayurvedic practices with contemporary therapies. Treatments include Shirodhara and herbal Potli therapies, along with bespoke oils and carefully selected botanical ingredients. Nargis, a flower found in the snow-covered valleys of Kashmir, and herbs grown in the hotel’s own gardens are among the natural elements used in selected treatments.
Beyond the treatment rooms, guests can also enjoy the spa’s iconic pool, the Yoga Sanctum for private sessions, workshops and retreats, and the Imperial Salons for men and women.
Together, these spaces make The Imperial Spa more than a hotel amenity. It is a destination designed around rest, wellness and the simple experience of taking time for oneself.
Art Around Every Corner
5,500+ ARTWORKS | ONE REMARKABLE COLLECTION
One of the most unusual things about The Imperial is its art collection. The hotel is home to more than 5,500 artworks, making it one of the world’s largest private art collections within a hotel.
The artwork can be found throughout the property, not only in one gallery. Guests can discover paintings and pieces in corridors, public spaces, and rooms.
The collection includes scenes of royal courts, Mughal architecture, landscapes, mountains, princely states and important moments from India’s history.
Walking through the hotel can therefore feel like walking through India’s past.
A Stay to Remember
The Imperial, New Delhi, brings many different experiences together under one roof. Its history gives it character, its art gives guests something to discover, its restaurants add flavour, and its spa creates a place to slow down.
But perhaps the most memorable part is the service.
The small details, the personal touches and the feeling of being looked after can stay with guests long after they have left.
In the middle of busy Delhi, The Imperial offers something simple but special a chance to slow down, look around and experience a hotel where the past is still very much a part of the present.
