Frommer's Review
Listed among Travel & Leisure's World's Best in 2006, this opulent, slightly brash hotel is not quite so massively over the top or as overwhelming as its older sister, the Taj Palace Hotel, but it does have an exciting atmosphere and a range of super-efficient amenities. Its major drawing card, however, is the high esteem in which it is held locally -- this is one of the best places to watch the Delhi glitterati at play and work. Capped by zardozi domes, the carefully decorated lobby sees a variety of beautiful models and high-powered execs swishing in and out the front door. Not only that, but it's hosted the world's elite: Bill Gates, Tony Blair, Kofi Annan, the Aga Khan, and the Prince of Wales have all ended up here. Despite wonderful service and every amenity you could wish for, guest rooms are unexceptional, designed more for efficiency and all-round comfort than to keep you staring at the walls (or boxed in the little bathrooms). No matter: After a day's sightseeing, head for the pool, where you can watch as raptors cut their way through a darkening sky, or chill out in the spa before dressing up for a night of martinis at Rick's, Delhi's best bar. You can splurge on a luxurious room on the Taj Club floor, where you'll enjoy a dedicated check-in (the alternative in hotels this size can be tiresome) after being fetched from the airport in a limousine, but at this price you may as well consider The Oberoi. Slightly cheaper, the Taj Palace Hotel (tel. 011/2611-0202; www.tajhotels.com; doubles from $425/£214) pulsates with the energy of Delhi's bourgeoisie; at night it becomes a haven for see-and-be-seen weddings and gigantic corporate functions. The Western-style deluxe guest rooms are large and overlook the pool. Unfortunately, all the high-end social functions seem to have had a negative impact on service (this hotel has the longest checkout line in Delhi), and the location in the Diplomatic Enclave is a drawback.
Facilities: 5 restaurants; bar; pool; health club, spa and gym; yoga; concierge; travel desk; car hire; shopping arcade; bookshop; florist; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; doctor-on-call; DVD and CD library; wireless Internet; currency exchange.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
