The Imperial, New Delhi

Sandhu Jat Jagirdar S.B.S. Ranjit Singh was the mind behind the construction and operation of The Imperial. He commissioned the architect F.B. Blomfield for its design, who then created a lasting structure that depicts Victorian and Art Deco conventions with a distinct Indian style. The Viceroy himself, Lord Willingdon, personally inaugurated the building upon its completion in 1936. Despite political tensions during the 1930s, The Imperial was remembered fondly as a place where figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pandit Nehru, and Lord Mountbatten would meet together.

The hotel is no stranger to accolades, as its quality of service ensures various awards and recognition. Some recent examples include being Delhi's Leading Heritage Hotel 2023 and 2024 by World Travel Awards, and Best Luxury Hotel by Travel + Leisure India & South Asia India’s Best Awards 2023.

Aside from its prestige, The Imperial also boasts about its prime location. Many administrative offices are within a short distance, along with several museums and cultural landmarks that represent New Delhi's history.

Prestigious and venerable are fitting words to describe The Imperial. Despite having been constructed in 1936, it has maintained its incredible architectural beauty, displaying the iconic Victorian and Art Deco styles that defined early 20th-century New Delhi. The white façade impresses a dignified European Neoclassical aura that stands out from the city's other modern luxury establishments.

Within the hotel, you'll encounter more of The Imperial's regal character. Halls and common spaces are dressed in fine carpets and antique artworks, and embellished with rococo wood panels and tray ceilings. The rooms and suites feature gleaming marble floors set with elegant antique furniture and fixtures.

The hotel also has designated accessible rooms for guests with vision or mobility impairments. These come equipped with visual aids such as tactile signs, as well as wheelchair-friendly bathrooms with lowered sinks and raised toilets with grab rails.

Take your taste buds on multiple culinary adventures as The Imperial has eight incredible dining establishments, with each providing signature experiences.

The Spice Route

The multi-award-winning restaurant of The Imperial, The Spice Route features a menu representing not just India, but also brings out the best of Asia's culinary landscape. Savor plates and bowls of Javanese mie goreng and Vietnamese banh khot, paired with pad Thai and Indian nadan khozy curry. Recipes blend traditional flavors with modern culinary science, all served in a wondrous restaurant setting designed and decorated like a temple.

Aside from the regular menu, they also have a special lunch set menu, and a sundowner lounge and bar serving themed cocktails and snacks.

San Gimignano

The winner of the Delicious Dining Awards 2023 by Travel + Leisure India and South Asia for Best Italian Cuisine, San Gimignano is an establishment that embraces culinary traditions and provides an authentic and immersive dining experience. Pastas and pizzas are carefully made by hand and served in a restaurant heavily inspired by Tuscany's aesthetics. To further the Mediterranean ambiance, diners can enjoy meals alfresco at the newly built sunny pergola terrace.

1911 Restaurant

1911 is a brasserie known for its delectable offerings of Indo-European and Asian cuisine. Try their signature dishes, such as mutton seekh cooked in tandoor ovens, complemented with orders of dum biryani and homemade dimsums. 1911 was acknowledged as the Best All-Day Dining in Delhi by Times Food & Nightlife Awards 2024, and also the Best Alfresco Dining Under the Stars in Delhi in a Hotel, by EazyDiner Foodie Awards 2024.

The Atrium

Inspired by the cafes and coffee houses of Europe, The Atrium is a cozy and airy indoor courtyard where guests can savor premium blends of teas and coffees while snacking on a wide array of confections, pastries, and sandwiches. Seasonal afternoon tea services are also held every afternoon from Thursday to Sunday, from 3 pm until 6 pm. The charge is at 2,850 INR (32.50 USD) for adults or 1,050 INR (12 USD) for children, plus tax.

The Imperial Patisserie

Offering meticulously crafted confections along with decadent cakes and pastries, The Imperial Patisserie is where guests can find one-of-a-kind sweets in New Delhi. These creations are served at The Atrium, or prepared in takeaway boxes for picnics or gifts. They also prepare special Gugelhupf & Madeleines Boxes, combining the exquisite flavors of Vienna and Paris.

Aside from the incredible award-winning restaurants, The Imperial also proudly welcomes guests to their splendidly stylish bars. Each is uniquely themed and designed after momentous eras or esteemed personages in New Delhi's history, creating vintage spaces where one can unwind and reminisce while savoring their favorite beverage.

Patiala Peg

Recognized in 2024 for the Best Bar Design by Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Delicious Dining Awards, Patiala Peg showcases the life and accomplishments of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. An avid lover of polo and revelry, the drinks offered at the bar are inspired by his favorite sport, including the use of signature 120ml pegs, twice the size and serving of a regular drink.

1911 Bar

Immerse in the exuberant atmosphere of New Delhi's 1930s and America's Roaring Twenties at this iconic Bar Américain. Clad in gorgeous Art Deco, the 1911 Bar delights patrons with soulful cocktails served in a wide array of glasses. The blend of unique themes, a lavish ambiance, and a menu of delectable drinks won it the title of Best Concept Bar at the 2025 NDTV Food Awards.

Hardinge Bar

Hardinge Bar is actually a lounge section of 1911 Bar, demarcated only by its decor that showcases photos and portraits that tell of India's past. The space is more of a den suited for private gatherings, while remaining close enough to partake in the cheer and merrymaking of 1911 Bar.

Plan a grand royal wedding that your guests will remember for decades. The Imperial features extravagant indoor and outdoor venues decorated in resplendent fineries and can accommodate hundreds of guests.

Imperial Lawn

An expansive garden lawn spanning 13,200 sqft (1226 sqm), which has also hosted many grand events in New Delhi's history, such as an official royal gathering of India's 85 Maharajas and Maharanis.
Capacity: 600 guests

Royal Ballroom

Clad in Victorian architecture and decor, The Imperial's famous Royal Ballroom provides a ritzy setting with marble staircases, shining illuminations, and a balcony overlooking the Imperial Lawn.
Capacity: 500 guests

Imperial Garden

Smaller than the Imperial Lawn, but perfect for a more intimate outdoor celebration. The Imperial Garden can still provide ample space for a large event, including covered tables to provide shade during the daytime.
Capacity: 100 guests

Cultural Experiences

Prepare yourself for an exciting and memorable New Delhi trip with The Imperial's array of incredible cultural experiences on offer.

The hotel alone is a veritable gallery of rare artworks from the 18th and 17th centuries, boasting a collection of over 5,500 pieces that decorate the hotel's halls and common spaces. Many of these are family treasures, handed down over the generations to the current owners of the hotel. If that's not enough, the concierge can also help acquire tickets to museums and galleries around New Delhi.

Now, if you'd like to discover what New Delhi is like from the ground, you can take guided tours of the city, arranged by the hotel. Visit historic landmarks such as Jantar Mantar and Humayun's Tomb, or go shopping at the Spice Market or at Chandni Chowk. You may also book day trips to locations outside of New Delhi, such as the Taj Mahal in Agra. Best of all, you'll be able to travel in sublime style by booking an Imperial Fleet chauffeur service, riding a Mercedes Limousine or Mercedes Viano to and from your destinations.

When you're not out and about exploring New Delhi, you can unwind at the award-winning Imperial Spa. They incorporate Ayurvedic principles and concepts into their therapies and treatments, including the use of mudras and essential oils to purify and restore the body. To complement your spa day, you should also book a session at the Imperial Salon for facials, touch-ups, manicures, and hair styling.

The fitness-minded guests can maintain their workout routine at the on-site fitness center, which comes equipped with a variety of training weights and exercise machines. Yoga classes are available and held either on the lawn gardens or in the Yoga Sanctum. The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor pool embellished with mosaic tiles and fountains, perfect for cooling off during a hot day.

As you're enjoying yourself, you may also want to drop by the Imperial Boutique, the hotel's very own posh clothing and gift store. Here you can find stylish traditional designer clothing and accessories, along with exquisitely crafted items that make for fantastic souvenirs.

Whether you're planning a large-scale gathering or a small, intimate celebration, The Imperial will be happy to arrange the event. A variety of venues are available and can be prepared and decorated for the occasion.

Imperial Lawn

The expansive lawn garden of the hotel, surrounded by greenery and can be set up with audiovisual equipment for presentations, or remain an open space for group activities.
Capacity: 1000 standing; 700 seated theatre style

Imperial Gardens

A smaller garden lawn but still offers ample space for activities and presentations.
Capacity: 100 standing; 100 seated theatre style

One Imperial Place

A stand-alone events venue that can function as a business center or exhibition hall.
Capacity: 1000 standing; 350 formal sitdown

Royal Ballroom

An indoor venue illuminated with chandeliers and decorated with carpets and paintings. Exceptionally suitable for events and gatherings during hot summers or cold winters.
Capacity: 400 standing; 300 seated theatre style

Emily Eden and Hodges

Two banquet halls that can be booked separately or together, depending on the scale of your party or seminar.
Capacity: 70 (Emily Eden) or 25 (Hodges) for standing and theater style

Daniell’s Tavern

Grand banquet hall with a stage featuring wood and marble architecture.
Capacity: 70 standing; 50 theater style

Private Meeting Rooms

Compact but well-equipped office room fitted with modern amenities.
Capacity: 8 guests