Indian retreat at Leela Palace New Delhi

As five-star ranking starts becoming usual and even a standard for world capital hotels, a new higher level has to be defined. The Leela Group – an Indian luxury hotel group – proposes the concept of “palace” which reinvents brilliantly the luxury hospitality in order to attract the new generation of high-end travelers.

In the heart of Delhi’s Chanakyapuri district, close to the secure Diplomatic Enclave gathering all embassies, The Leela Palace New Delhi offers guests the very best of hospitality in a stunning luxury cocoon. Inspired by Sir Edwin Lutyens architectural style, the design includes modern and colonial touches that really impresses and immediately triggers the wow factor once entering the lobby. And this is only the beginning…

Living

Leela Palace New Delhi – Courtyard

The majestic lobby and its colonial design, as well as its rooftop domes and carved white elephants in the entry court are really an architectural tribute to the city’s colonial past. And in term of art pieces, the Leela Palace New Delhi is an impressive showroom: common areas are filled with paintings and engravings by Paresh Maity, Laxma Goud, and Dimpy Menon, while the grassy courtyard owns an 11-foot copper bust of the goddess Devi by sculptor Satish Gupta. Some of the finest Indian artists.

If this hotel goes far beyond the usual 5-star ranking, it’s also thanks to its facilities. It offers a luxury ESPA – the only one in India – with a full range of body and facial treatments, and a not-to-forget INCREDIBLE rooftop infinity pool with 360-degree views over the city. Quality of installations in certainly in the top 5 of my worldwide reviews, lifetime. Just amazing.

Room

Grande Deluxe Room – Bedroom

I stayed in a Grande Deluxe Room, the first room category but proposing a large 55sqm floor plan with huge bathroom. It follows the overall palace’s design and offers gorgeous view over the city ; I especially loved the bathroom and its king-size bathtube, I never had such a wide one in the past. Then this is a detail but it’s good-enough to mention: power plugs are in international format, which means you can plug any device coming from any country, it works. Good point! On bad side I am still not used to Asian air conditioning, so it was a bit cold in the room even if I put the highest temperature. Well, you are not supposed to stay in the room but go outside and enjoy the pool, discover the capital.. Finally, a personal advise: book a room at Royal Club level, the lounge really worth the value. I mean, REALLY.

Dining

Qube restaurant – Chicken burger

During my 4-night stay I enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Qube, a contemporary food and design restaurant hosted in a glass cube. Buffet breakfast is absolutely gorgeous with a large selection from US, Europe, India, North Asia… from the land to the sea… while lunch – brunch on Sundays – and dinner propose traditional modern a-la-carte dishes. I have never been disappointed, from Vegan Burger to Chicken Tikka Massala, everything was perfectly executed and the kitchen was quite fast ; the culinary experience there is almost unlimited due to the plenty of choices. Did I mention their signature ice teas? I recommend the peach one!

Level of exigency

Going beyong the usual five-star ranking necessarily requires to have an incredible staff. And at the Leela Palace New Delhi, that’s the case. A bunch of Clefs d’Or concierges, faultless – and invisible – housekeeping, gentle doormen and proactive lobby/restaurant waiters, this is also the key of success. I am not sure if this is due to an intensive training or quality of Indian hospitality – or maybe both – but I receive the best welcome I could expect to receive. One note to new comers in India: such places are highly secured with armed guards and bomb check when arriving by car… Can be disturbing at first, but that’s the country reality.

Leela Palace New Delhi – Entrance

Exclusive Rolls Royce airport transfer

Leela Palace New Delhi – Lobby

First floor coursive

First floor musicians in the afternoon

First floor coursive

Lobby impressive high-ceiling

Leela Palace New Delhi – Lobby flowers

Lobby silver pot with 500 roses

Lobby silver artpiece

Leela Palace New Delhi – Library Bar

Interior courtyard entrance

Interior courtyard

Leela Palace New Delhi – Rooftop infinity pool 3

Leela Palace New Delhi – Rooftop infinity pool 2

Leela Palace New Delhi – Rooftop views

Grande Deluxe Room – Entrance

Grande Deluxe Room – Bedroom 2

Grande Deluxe Room – Bathroom

Grande Deluxe Room – View from bedroom

Qube restaurant – Kebab selection appetizers

Stay from May 12th to 16th, 2016 – Sponsorized media visit, but this article totally reflects 100% of my opinion and thoughts.

The Leela Palace New Delhi opened in 2011 and is composed of 260 guestrooms and suites. I stayed in a Grande Deluxe Room – around 55sqm – which public rate starts at 11.500INR/night.

Book at The Leela Palace New Delhi