BACKGROUND The LaLit Suri Hospitality Group, an enterprise of Bharat Hotels, owns 13 hotels including the recently launched The LaLit London. The LaLit New Delhi opened in 1988.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The 28-storey building is a prominent one in Connaught Place. Winding pathways lead to the entrance. Very high ceilings make the lobby look roomy. There’s a lot of art across this space, especially The Raj, an intriguing piece by M.F Hussain, above the reception. Indian mythological statues also decorate the wall below this artwork. There’s a lot of space to lounge on the left, while the right side of the reception leads to the 24/7 restaurant and lifts. Art is a big part of the hotel; a dedicated Art Junction that displays works of over 5,000 artists is on the first floor. Curated by renowned artist Naresh Kapuria, the collection of oil, charcoal and watercolour paintings here is impressive.

WHERE IS IT? In Connaught Place, about 45 minutes from the airport. Gurugram is about an hour away, although this varies as per the time of the day.

ROOM FACILITIES I stayed in the Deluxe King room (40 sqm) that faces the street. A well thought of layout makes this base level category a steal for a business visit to the capital. I was welcomed with chocolates and a cheese platter, which I relished on the lounger beside the French window. A work desk faces the bed equipped with a couple of power sockets on each side. Next to the work desk is a television (40-inch) panel with a DVD player. The king bed with fluffy pillows made for a restful sleep. A marble bathroom with a shower cubicle faces the closet and is situated after the entrance. Other accommodation categories are Luxury rooms (41 sqm), Executive Club rooms (40 sqm), Premier rooms (40 sqm), Corner suites (74 sqm), Business suites ( 74 sqm), Executive suites (100 sqm), Luxury suites (134 sqm) and The LaLit Legacy suite (289 sqm). Wifi is free and all rooms come with a minibar, a pillow menu, in-room dining and parquet flooring.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS I enjoyed a sumptuous meal at Baluchi, its signature Indian restaurant. Paired with wine is its “Naanery Experience”that offers freshly baked speciality naan bread with interesting dips. One of my favourite pairings was gilafi kulcha (chilli bread with tomatoes, cheese and onions) with AOC Ventoux Domaine Lapigeade “Les Sables” 2014 red wine. Debauchery continued with mushroom galauti (minced mushroom patty), nalli nihari (aromatic mutton with gravy), daal Baluchi (signature preparation simmered overnight) and chicken biryani. Flavours of pan kulfi — the restaurant’s iconic dessert — stayed on my palate for a while after the meal — as promised by the chef. I also enjoyed dinner at The Grill Room that included a goat cheese tart, quinoa salad and a Norwegian salmon fillet that was a perfect medium rare. Breakfast was at the previously mentioned 24/7 restaurant. There is also Le Petit Café, The LaLit Boulangerie, Woks (Asian cuisine), Kitty Su (nightclub) and 24/7 Bar.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES With 3,154 sqm of meeting space, there are a number of rooms that cater to all kinds of event requirements. Some of them are Crystal Ballroom (1,385 sqm), Quorum (boardroom) and Regal (527 sqm).

LEISURE FACILITIES Rejuve — The Spa, an outdoor swimming pool and State of the Art (fitness centre) where I spent my evening.

VERDICT Great business hotel with a host of leisure facilities, including a few must-visit restaurants.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in September started from ₹7,060 for a Deluxe King room.

CONTACT The LaLit, Barakhamba Avenue, Connaught Place, Near Modern School; tel: +91 (11) 4444 7777; thelalit.com