Every world class city should have a talking point, like The Big Ben of London, Eiffel Tower in Paris, Colloseum of Rome or Pisa’s leaning Tower. New York, even has a luxury hotel as it’s logo – The Waldorf Astoria. The 15th Century Inca Site of Machu Pichu is an icon of Peru. And here in New Delhi, The 254 oversized guest rooms and suites equipped, The Leela Palace Hotel, built in April 2011, is probably one of the main images that springs to mind, when one imagines luxury.
Whenever you seek a luxury hotel in New Delhi, think The Leela Palace Hotel. This hotel is run by the Nair family which is comprised of Father & Founder Chairman – Late Captain CPK Nair, Mother – Leela Nair, Sons – Vivek Nair (Chairman & Managing Director), Dinesh Nair (Co-Chairman), Grand Daughters – Amruda and Aishwarya Nair. All of who are instrumental in the success of The Leela Venture Ltd.
The Leela Palace Hotel sits right where the diplomats dwell. The views of the cityscape were visible from the enormous floor to ceiling windows of my royal suite and the open terrace, which was a part of the suite along with my personal plunge pool.
The hotel’s overall décor I found to be overwhelmingly ornate, One little detail I noticed and appreciated was the smooth timing of the elevator. For a luxury hotel, the general norm is that it should not take more than 30 seconds to travel between the top and lowest floors, waiting time of less than 20 seconds is excellent and 40 seconds considered poor. The Leela made me wait for no more than 20. A small, but a very important detail from a critic’s point of view & certainly noticed.
Taste & Luxury from the moment I opened the door of my “Royal Suite”, I was invited into a charming luxurious space. In fact this luxury hotel also conveyed a sense of warmth, like being pampered. My Two Poster bed was beautiful and Oh so comfortable. Draped in linen which was very rich, but Frette linen would have been ideal for this level of luxury.
The bathroom was enormous, with a rain shower head, spa mood lighting along with a marbled bath tub, in-built Ad Nortam mirror screen and a connectin elaborate walk-in wardrobe. This lounge are in the room has a JBL iPod dock and I was provided round-the-clock butler service. The pampering doesn’t cease here. The ample stocked bar and the sweet and savoury nibbles provided each morning and night did make me feel like a princess.
Le Cirque a treat for the senses. Dinner at Le Cirque was luxuriously casual, yet elegant. Missing was a live opera. Prelude to my dinner was drinking the finest wines with GM Louis Sailer at the stately Library Bar. Back to Le Cirque, my favorite girl Shipra Pradhan, who unfortunately no longer serves at The Leela Palace, New Delhi knew as always the full bodied Italian Red my Palate is in love with. The Executive Chef, the very affable and hugely talented Chef Christophe Gillino, presented a huge array of food that was impressive, beautifully presented and yes delicious. There was even a table of friendly Chefs at hand, cooking up some great dishes to suit each guest as they pleased.
The current resident manager of The Leela Palace, New Delhi, Rajesh Namby’s 14 year experience speaks in more ways than one. From skillfully streamingly the Hotel’s F & B operations to the day to day running and meeting each and every guests’ expectations with his warm demeanor and infectious smile.
Another delightful meal was the brunch at The Qube, amidst great company and conversation. There was a great selection here as well crafted by Chef Christophe. Rajesh knew my love for the bubbly and it was so wonderful to get and instant refill with no waiting, another luxurious touch. A thoroughly enjoyable spare ribs with Mash, and perfectly draped artichokes with a delicate sauce, was heaven on a plate.
A stay in New Delhi would surely be transformed into a luxuriously delicious experience with a stay at The Leela Palace, and yes ladies get ready to get pampered. You are very special here.
