Delhi: Imperial (5 Star Hotel)

Address: Janpath , Delhi 110001, India
Show on map

Lonely Planet review

Gracefully appointed and with its central location, pillared verandas and avenue of lush palms, this drop-dead gorgeous property, built in 1931, has hosted everyone from princesses to pop stars. It's said that Gandhi, Nehru, Jinnah and Mountbatten congregated here to discuss the thorny matter of India's partition.

Beautifully refurbished, this one-of-a-kind hotel amalgamates multiple design styles - from classic Victorian to colonial to Art Deco - and houses some sublime artwork including rare 18th and 19th-century pieces. The rooms are pure class, exhibiting fine attention to detail - there's even a pillow menu with six types to choose from. If a dear departed great-aunt has just left you a fat inheritance, pay tribute to her memory in the Imperial's best suite, which has to be seen to be believed - it's even got a signed photo of Lord Mountbatten. Unlike other such hotels, the Imperial goes that bit further with little touches such as candle-lit oil burners dispersing mandarin-scented oil throughout the hotel, and breathtaking floral arrangements. The hotel also boasts a fine selection of eateries, including The Spice Route (South and South Asian cuisine) and San Gimignano (Italian).