The Imperial

Arguably India's most famous hotel
Noteworthy for: The Imperial is home to no less than 3,000 works of art. We advise taking advantage of a complimentary, curator-led tour.

Word to the wise: The hotel's new, state-of-the art, Moroccan-inspired spa is open to residents only and is well worth a visit.
Every city has its landmark hotel and The Imperial is New Delhi's. Opened in 1931 in the newly built capital of the British Raj, it was the first luxury hotel in the city and, for those who appreciate atmosphere, remains the pick of the bunch today.

The white, art deco building is a colonial masterpiece set amongst palm-studded lawns. Inside you'll find marble floors, teak furniture, impeccable service and a real sense of history: it could have been yesterday that Nehru, Gandhi and Mountbatten met here to discuss Partition.

There are several styles of room to choose from, all good, but the heritage suites are particularly evocative.