BACKGROUND
The Claridges, Delhi is a part of The Claridges Hotel Group, which also operates The Claridges, Nabha Residences in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. The third property of the group, underway at Bharatpur Palace in Rajasthan, will open this year. WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel opened its doors shortly after India’s independence in 1952. Resonating an old-world charm amidst contemporary luxuries, The Claridges makes for one of the most distinctive hotels of the capital. A manicured garden welcomes you at the entrance of the hotel that opens to an inviting reception with brown pillars on glossy Italian marbled floors. Two circular staircases adorn the large space and the reception further leads to a comfortable sitting area surrounded by Romanesque pillars. Recently refurbished, the 140 room property is popular amongst the social circles of Delhi who visit during the weekends. Business travellers and international tourists make for the majority of the guests.
WHERE IS IT?
Located in the heart of Lutyens Delhi, The Claridges is centrally located about 18km from the international airport and about 3km from the city centre.
ROOM FACILITIES
The hotel has a wide range of room types namely Deluxe room (24 sqm), The Claridges room (32 sqm), Club room (39 sqm), Deluxe suite (60 sqm), Luxury suite (69 sqm) and The Claridges suite (118 sqm). All rooms have a work- space, flat-screen television, air- conditioning, coffee facility and are wifi enabled. Every category of rooms offers views of either the pool or the lawn. I stayed at the aesthetically designed Luxury suite which blends classic wooden furniture into an ultramodern decor surprisingly well. A well-lit living-room with natural lighting, thanks to a large French window, adds warmth to the space. A Lavazza coffee machine above the minibar faces the lounge with a large plasma television. The bed is comfortable and the room has enough charging points with remote-controlled curtains and lighting which made for a peaceful night’s sleep. Adjacent is a large wardrobe and a plush marble-floored bathroom with Forrest Essentials toiletries, a power shower and a sunken bathtub.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The hotel’s award-winning Mediterranean restaurant Sevilla is unmissable during your stay. A culinary and visual treat, the restaurant is set in monotones within the compound of the hotel amidst flowing water and swaying trees. I tried Croquetas de pollo (chicken croquettes served with garlic aioli) and Cordero (grilled New Zealand lamb chops with honey aioli). The Claridges also has Jade (fine-dining Chinese restaurant), Pickwicks (International cuisine), Dhaba (Indian cuisine) and Aura (Vodka bar) making it a popular amongst Delhi’s social circles. BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The hotel’s business centre, equipped with a boardroom, private work stations, wireless internet, translation, copying and secretarial services can accommodate up to 12 persons. Its conference hall overlooking the poolside sprawls 315 sqm and can accommodate up to 140 persons. The Viceregal and the Maharani, the hotel’s spacious banquet-halls accommodate up to 100 persons and are ideal for business events. The hotel’s executive lounge the Senate offers a private set-up with a boardroom, separate dining and bar with a collection of the finest single-malts.
LEISURE FACILITIES
The hotel’s temperature controlled swimming-pool is suitable for the capital’s unpredictable weather. Its gym is well-equipped with cardio and weight-training machines however its spa is currently under development and should be ready by this year.
VERDICT
The Claridges effortlessly blends its colonial appeal with modern hospitality offering an experience that befits the capital’s splendour. A fantastic combination of fine service and luxury.
PRICE
Internet rates for a midweek stay in July start at ₹7,650 for a deluxe room.
CONTACT
12 Aurangzeb Road New Delhi; tel +91 (011) 3955 5000, 4133 5133; claridges.com
