Fraser Suites New Delhi

Spread out over a tall glass and stone building, the Fraser Suites looks grand -- if corporate -- from the outside, and this business-luxe vibe carries  into the bright, atrium-style marble lobby. There aren't many seating areas and the open, primarily empty space doesn't lend itself to lounging about socializing. It makes sense, as the apartment-style rooms mean that this hotel attracts mostly business guests and those looking for an independent stay. Rooms are situated in hallways around the lobby so that travelers can look down over balconies at the goings-on below. Most guests are long-term business travelers looking for the home-like qualities of serviced apartments (namely kitchens and living areas), with some of the perks of a regular hotel, including a fitness center and a restaurant. 

The Fraser Suites are located in Mayur Vihar in suburban East Delhi, an eight-minute walk from the Mayur Vihar Phase 1 Extension Metro station. It's removed from any real tourist attractions or even main business areas, although the planned suburb of Noida, which does have a lot of business parks, can be reached in 25 minutes by car -- not too far by Delhi standards. There are also a couple of shopping malls across the street -- namely the Star City Mall and the DLF Galleria. 

The closest attraction is Akshardham, an enormous temple complex a 10-minute drive away, while Connaught Place can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (without traffic) or just under a half-hour by metro. The Red Fort, one of the city's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a 20-minute drive away, while Humayan's Tomb, one of the earliest and finest examples of Indian Mughal architecture, takes about 25 or so to reach. Qutub Minar is about 45 minutes away by car. 

 Old Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi's bustling market area -- Chandni Chowk -- are both about 25 minutes away by car, while New Delhi Railway Station and the adjacent backpacker enclave of Paharganj take around half an hour to reach, traffic permitting. Indira Gandhi International Airport will take 45 minutes to reach by car without traffic, but travel times can vary.

The Fraser offers three types of serviced apartments -- Studios, One-Bedrooms, and Two-Bedrooms. Decor is consistent throughout the rooms. While everything is contemporary, it's a generic look that will be familiar to those who know the Fraser brand. Details include light-wood floors paired with dark wood-veneer furniture plus floor-to-ceiling windows, large wardrobes with a dark-wood finish, and contemporary beige sofas. Mughal-inspired wooden screens add a bit of personalty, but otherwise the look is simple and reminiscent of contemporary chain hotels. Standard features include dining areas, home entertainment systems, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and safes. Kitchens have two-burner stoves, kettles, and an assortment of cutlery and cookware; some also have washing machines. Bathrooms are primarily covered with creamy marble and feature long vanity counters, hairdryers, makeup mirrors, deep soaking tubs, and huge walk-in showers with extra-large rainfall showerheads. 

The Fraser Suites offers above-average facilities for a what is essentially a small serviced apartment property. The hotel has a 24-hour restaurant, the Epicure, which offers Indian and international meals a la carte plus a free breakfast with hot and cold items. Room service is available around the clock. There's also a small, narrow outdoor rooftop pool that's long enough to swim laps; its flanked with padded lounge chairs and there's a small shower for rinsing off. A fitness center has modern treadmills plus ellipticals, free weights, and resistance-training circuit machines. A game room includes a pool table, table tennis, and foosball, and there's also a golf simulator. For kids, there's a small indoor play area with a couple of toddler-sized slides and a basketball hoop. Business facilities include a business center with computers and printers and two event rooms for up to 180 guests. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's free on-site parking.