The Claridges New Delhi

Dating back to 1952, this hotel has a lower profile than some of its competitors -- many of which are name-brand luxury properties (the category to which this hotel thinks it belongs). In terms of size, the building itself is almost dwarfed by the expanse of grassy lawns, complete with outdoor restaurant seating, at its entryway. Inside this understatedly elegant hotel is a pretty, old-fashioned lobby with polished cream marble tiled floors, black columns supporting a low-hanging false ceiling, and a twin set of curved staircases with wrought-iron banisters that contribute to the space's Old-World elegance. There's a small seating area around a rust and malachite-green starburst floor centerpiece consisting of 1940s-throwback striped sofas and wooden coffee tables. While the interiors are in generally good condition, some might find the building itself and the exterior common areas a little dated and run down. The hotel attracts both business travelers and tourists, including older couples and families, along with visiting dignitaries needing nearby access to the neighborhood's national government offices.

The Claridges is located in a Central Delhi neighborhood known as Lutyen's Delhi after the British architect who designed it. The area is characterized by broad boulevards lined with trees and grassy spaces and huge old Raj-era bungalows, and it's by far one of the cleanest, best-maintained parts of the city. The hotel is right off Prithviraj Road, one of the main arteries that leads to India Gate, a five-minute drive away. It's a six-minute walk to the Race Course Metro station, which connects to Connaught Place in about 15 minutes on the yellow line; getting to Connaught Place by car takes around the same amount of time. The Jantar Mantar, a collection of ancient astronomical tools, is around 10 minutes away by car, while getting to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi's best-known Sikh temple, takes only seven minutes without traffic. It's a 10-minute drive down the road from Humayan's Tomb, one of the city's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, The upscale Khan Market is just up the road, a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk away, while the sprawling Lodhi Gardens, full of Lodhi-era tombs and meandering paths, are within a two-minute drive or 10-minute walk of the hotel. South Delhi attractions such as the Lotus Temple and the Qutub Minar take about 20 minutes by car to reach, but the journey can be much longer depending on traffic.Old Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi's bustling market area -- Chandni Chowk -- are both about 25 minutes or so or so away by car, while New Delhi Railway Station takes 20 minutes to reach by taxi. Indira Gandhi International Airport is about half an hour away by car without traffic, but can take significantly longer during peak hours.

The hotel offers Superior Rooms, Claridges Rooms, Club Rooms, Deluxe Suites, Luxury Suite Rooms, and a huge one-of-a-kind Claridges Suite that looks more like an apartment. Decor doesn't change too much between room types, and most feature hardwood floors, dark-wood furniture including desks and nightstands, and a mostly cream-and white color scheme livened up by throw cushions, bed runners, and the occasional small piece of framed wall art or oriental rug. It's all a bit dated, and sometimes feels a bit spartan and bland. All rooms come with minibars, flat-screen TVs, and kettles. Some suites add perks like four-poster beds, and the Luxury Suite Rooms add Lavazza coffeemakers. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, large granite countertops, and make-up mirrors, while Suite bathrooms add perks such as double vanities, bidets, and separate walk-in showers and jetted tubs. Forrest Essentials brand toiletries are provided. It's worth noting that some rooms that face the pool can pick up noise from outside. 

The Claridges' biggest draw is its variety of excellent on-site restaurants, popular with hotel guests and well-to-do Delhi locals alike. The most popular of these is arguably Dhaba, a reproduction of a typical Indian roadside cafe with decor to match -- food is served out of big steaming pots and traditional metal service ware is used. Jade is another hit, with Chinese food served in a contemporary space with light paneled walls and a mix of booth and table seating. Pickwicks serves food from around the world in a casual, cafe-style environment, including a large breakfast buffet included in room rates. Sevilla serves Mediterranean dishes ranging from grilled lamb to beet risotto, with lots of canopy-covered al-fresco dining spaces that look a bit like something you'd see at a Western wedding. There's also a vodka bar, Aura, with a number of signature vodka drinks and a few Eastern European snacks. For something a bit less intoxicating, Ye Old Bakery serves pastries and breads, while the Claridges Gardens is a good place for brunch or afternoon tea.The Claridges gets a large number of business and conference guests, and offers a business center with work stations, translation services, and photocopying. The Senate, the hotel's executive lounge, has its own private dining room for up to eight along with an on-site bar with whiskey and beer and plenty of lounge spots and tables for smaller groupings. There's also a boardroom for up to 12 guests with modern audiovisual equipment. The Viceregal can fit up to 80 people and is attached to a pre-function hall. The Viceroy, right off the lobby, can fit up to 140 people theater style and has a large crystal chandelier centerpiece and the capacity to serve either as a business hall or as a banquet space.The hotel's lagoon-style swimming pool sits in a large interior courtyard, with a few parasol-shaded tables around it, but it's not the most attractive place for sunbathing, particularly due to the lack of lounge chairs. Other features include a spa with a beauty salon and an exercise room with modern cardio and weight-training equipment. Parking and hotel-wide Wi-Fi are free for guests.