Set the scene for us.
A gleaming black-and-white lobby floor you could skate across, a beautiful art installation studded with semi-precious stones, boutique shops for browsing silks and jewels. Bursts of red, pink, and peacock-blue fabrics; Italian marble, hand-crafted rugs, and the soft, manicured greens of surrounding lawns. Delhi’s grande dame is back and everyone’s returning to see how it’s changed. Take a gulp of air—thanks to a purification system, it’s cleaner here than anywhere else in the city.
What’s the story behind it?
The Oberoi New Delhi opened in 1965, and for five decades it’s been the most beloved hotel in the Oberoi portfolio, and something of an institution in Delhi—its Tabela club became a go-to after-hours destination. There are so many illustrious names in its guestbook that rather than name them, it would be easier to assume that if someone of note passed through the city, they stayed here. So it was quite a shock when the group shuttered the hotel for a two-year renovation. When they reopened in January 2018, it was with a lighter, roomier feel courtesy of ace designer Adam Tihany (Le Cirque, Apsley’s, Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas)—whose design was inspired by another local icon, Edwin Lutyens, the man behind the layout of modern New Delhi.
What can we expect from our room?
Ours was a deluxe suite, with a spacious living room and study with views of Humayun's Tomb, and a bedroom and bathroom overlooking the golf course. You're overlooking so much greenery that it's easy to forget you're in the heart of Delhi. Furniture and details have an Art Deco slant. The tech is great—the in-room iPads have the Oberoi Enhance platform, which lets you do everything from order room service to pillows—and when it arrives at your room, you can see who's at your door from the camera and tap a button to let them in.
How about the food and drink?
The restaurants are what made the hotel a destination for Delhi's elite—and some old favorites have returned along with some intriguing new additions. The 360 restaurant/bar has had a sleek new update, and a breakfast menu that hops from Indian to European to Asian dishes. Brilliant London chef Andrew Wong (of Michelin-starred A Wong) curated the menu at the Baoshuan Chinese restaurant, while Tamarind chef Alfred Prasad is behind Omya, for smart Indian plates. And the new rooftop bar, Cirrus 9, is giving 360 a run for its money as a rendezvous point for local movers and shakers.
Anything to say about the service?
The Oberoi is known for its service—everyone was helpful and everything was flawless, but it never felt cloying or over-the-top.
Who comes here?
The power set. Justin Trudeau was arriving when we stayed. If anyone of any influence is in town, there's a good chance you'll run into them in the lobby. But it also attracts a who's-who of Delhi society, from impeccably turned out grande dames and industrialists closing deals to fashion designers.
How does it fit into its neighborhood?
It's centrally located in a great part of Delhi—right next to sights such as Humayun's Tomb, Sunder Nursery, and Nizamuddin, and it’s an easy drive to Connaught Place. The sights of Old Delhi are a bit farther, but still straightforward to access.
Is there anything we missed?
The spa and gym are great, and the hotel offers free yoga. During the renovation the pool was moved from a central location in front of the hotel to a more secluded area, which makes for more privacy.
Is it worth it—and why?
Definitely. You're staying in a landmark hotel for the city and are likely to brush shoulders with some fascinating people—and the location and service help maximize every minute of your time in Delhi.
Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Delhi Golf Club, Golf Links, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
India
https://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-delhi
+91 11 2436 3030