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Opened in 1936 along Lutyens’ ceremonial avenues, the Capital’s premier Art Deco and Victorian grand dame—an 8-acre sanctuary housing over 5,500 museum-grade artworks, lush gardens, and pivotal pre-independence political history.
Conceptualized in the 1930s during the creation of New Delhi, The Imperial opened its doors in 1936 as the Capital’s very first grand hotel. Situated on Janpath (formerly Queensway) on an 8-acre estate of lush green lawns, it was built by Sardar Bahadur Ranjit Singh and officially inaugurated by Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy of India. The hotel provided a unique, neutral space where British dignitaries, Indian royalty, and freedom leaders gathered during the twilight years of the Raj.
Designed by architect F.B. Blomfield—an associate of Sir Edwin Lutyens—the hotel is a masterwork blending Art Deco, Victorian, and Indo-European architecture. High-domed ceilings, polished teak wood floors, marble staircases, and wide-pillared verandahs define the interiors. Soaring corridors double as a world-class art gallery, displaying over 5,500 original historical works, rare maps, and military honors from the 17th to the 20th century.
Accommodations span 235 rooms and suites that balance vintage elegance with contemporary luxury. High ceilings, hand-knotted Persian rugs, rosewood furniture, and spacious marble bathrooms create an atmosphere of refined stillness. The flagship Royal Imperial Suite and specialized Heritage Suites overlook lush gardens, filled with antique artifacts and curated historical art.
Gastronomy at The Imperial is among the most celebrated in South Asia. The Spice Route, designed over seven years with hand-painted murals and restored South Indian temple pillars, serves extraordinary Southeast Asian cuisine. 1911 Restaurant & Bar offers classic Indo-European dining amidst colonial memorabilia, while Patiala Peg remains Delhi’s most famous historic lounge bar.
Historic moments echo throughout the property—it was in these very verandahs and ballrooms that Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Lord Mountbatten met for pivotal partition talks leading up to independence. Today, guests can unwind at the 44,000 sq. ft. Imperial Spa, swim in the temperature-controlled garden pool, or step directly out into the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi.
The Imperial is the undisputed grand dame of New Delhi—a living museum of art and independence history. We recommend it specifically to culture enthusiasts, political history buffs, and luxury travelers who prefer spacious 8-acre garden elegance and Art Deco grandeur over generic modern high-rise hotels.
Because selecting between Heritage Suites and Lutyens Rooms involves matching your itinerary, arranging VIP airport transfers, and securing private dining reservations at The Spice Route, every detail is managed personally by our curators. Connect with our team to arrange your stay.
Many of our guests combine multiple destinations into one seamless journey. Whether you’re planning a West circuit or travelling further across India, we’ll personally design an itinerary that brings together exceptional stays, private transfers and memorable experiences—tailored entirely around you.
